Amsterdam: Canal Cruise with Drinks & Dutch Snacks

Summary

Float through Amsterdam’s canals, snacks in hand, stories unfolding

You’ll float through Amsterdam’s UNESCO canal belt with local drinks in hand and Dutch snacks to share. Listen to stories from your guide as you pass Anne Frank House, Skinny Bridge, and quirky museums—all while wrapped in a cozy blanket if it rains. It’s easy-going, full of small moments you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

You step onto the boat and the city feels different right away—quieter but somehow more alive. Our guide, Jasper (who had that dry Amsterdam humor), handed us a drink as we pushed off from the dock. I caught a whiff of cheese and something fried—bitterballen?—and realized I was hungry already. The canal water was almost still, just little ripples from passing bikes on the bridges above. We drifted past the Anne Frank House before I even finished my first sip; seeing it from the water hit me harder than I expected.

We wound through Jordaan and past these narrow houses that looked like they were leaning in to listen. Jasper pointed out the Mint Tower and told this story about old Dutch coins—I only caught half of it because a couple on another boat waved at us and everyone laughed. The canal cruise felt both relaxed and full of tiny surprises: sudden sunlight on Westerkerk’s spire, the weirdly comforting smell of river mixed with fries, a quick rain shower that had us reaching for blankets (they’re actually pretty cozy). Someone asked about the Cat Cabinet museum—Jasper grinned and said it’s exactly what it sounds like.

I kept thinking how different Amsterdam looks from here—like you’re inside a painting but also just hanging out with friends. Passing under the Skinny Bridge felt almost cinematic; people on bikes zipped by above us, totally unfazed. At one point we floated by Bourbon Street music club and you could hear muffled jazz notes drifting over the water. It all went by faster than I thought it would. I still think about that view down Herengracht when the light hit just right—you know when you don’t want to take your phone out because you’d rather just remember it?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 2-hour Amsterdam canal cruise highlights

• Board elegant canal cruise boat
• Cruise past Anne Frank House
• Pass one of main canals in Canalbelt
• View iconic Amstel River
• Pass Amstelveld square
• See Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug)
• Pass royal theater of Amsterdam
• View H’ART Museum
• Pass Blauwbrug (blue bridge)
• See unique Amsterdam buildings
• Pass unique bar between buildings
• Pass cat museum
• View Mint Tower (Munttoren)
• Pass Herengracht canal
• See Huis Bartolotti
• Pass Westerkerk church
• Cruise past Bloemgracht canal
• Pass Amsterdam Cheese Museum
• Pass Nine Streets area
• Pass Mulligans bar
• Pass Rembrandt Square (Rembrandtplein)
• Pass Spui square
• Pass The Cat Cabinet museum
• Pass Prinsengracht (Duif)
• Pass Houseboat Museum
• Pass Leiden Square (Leidseplein)
• Pass Zuiderkerk (Southern Church)
• Go through Jordaan neighborhood
• Pass Bourbon Street music club
• Enjoy local drinks and Dutch snacks onboard

Top questions

How long is the Amsterdam canal cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours.

Are drinks included on this Amsterdam canal tour?

A selection of local drinks is available to purchase during the cruise.

What snacks are served during the canal cruise?

Dutch snacks such as cheese and fried bites are served onboard.

Is there a live guide on this Amsterdam canal cruise?

Yes, an experienced skipper provides live commentary throughout.

Does the cruise pass by Anne Frank House?

Yes, you’ll pass by Anne Frank House along the route.

Are blankets provided if it gets cold or rainy?

Yes, blankets are available for guests during cooler or rainy weather.

Can children join this Amsterdam canal tour?

The tour is suitable for all ages; children under 2 go free.

Is pickup included for this canal cruise?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at the departure point.

What’s included

Your two-hour journey includes a live guided canal cruise with an experienced skipper, classic Dutch snacks to nibble on as you drift past landmarks like Anne Frank House and Skinny Bridge, plus a selection of drinks available for purchase—and if Amsterdam does its usual weather thing, there are cozy blankets ready too.