Amsterdam: Canal Cruise with Live Guide & Unlimited Drinks

Summary

Drift past Amsterdam’s bridges and stories with a drink in hand

You’ll float along Amsterdam’s famous canals with a live guide sharing quirky local stories as you sip unlimited drinks. Pass landmarks like the Skinny Bridge and Anne Frank House in comfort on an electric boat. Friendly crew keeps things relaxed — it’s easy to lose track of time watching city life glide by.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely settled onto the benches when the captain nudged us away from the Hermitage dock, already spinning some story about crooked canal houses and why they lean (not just bad builders, apparently). The city looked different from this angle — quieter, even though you could hear bikes rattling over bridges above us. Someone popped open a Heineken, and I swear the first sip tasted colder than usual, maybe because of that river breeze or just because I was finally off my feet after walking all morning.

Our guide switched between English and Dutch so easily it made me wish I’d practiced more than “dankjewel.” She pointed out the Skinny Bridge — Magere Brug — where couples still kiss for luck, and I tried to snap a photo but mostly got my own reflection in the glass. We drifted past houseboats with potted plants crammed onto tiny decks, kids waving as we passed. At one point we floated by the Anne Frank House; everyone went quiet for a second. You could almost feel how much history is packed into these canals.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much — especially not at stories about cheese shops or how locals name their boats (one was called “Probably Late”). The drinks kept coming (wine too, if beer’s not your thing), and someone up front tried to ask about coffeeshops but got shy halfway through. Our route changed a bit because of some construction near Prinsengracht, but honestly, I wouldn’t have known if she hadn’t mentioned it. The hour slipped by fast. When we docked again near Waterlooplein Market, I realized my hands were cold from holding my glass but I felt sort of warm anyway — that mix of good company and seeing Amsterdam from its best side. Still think about that view under the seven bridges all lined up — kind of magic, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amsterdam canal cruise with live guide

• Board boat in front of Hermitage Museum
• Cruise along Amsterdam canals
• Pass Amstel River and Dutch National Opera
• See Red Light District and Skinny Bridge
• View Herengracht and Prinsengracht canals
• Pass Boerejongens Coffeeshop and Jordaan
• See Amsterdam Cheese Museum and Company
• Pass Museum of the Canals and Cromhout House
• View Museumhuis Bartolotti and Westerkerk
• Pass Westertoren and Niek Engelschmanbrug
• See Houseboat Museum and Amsterdam Canal Ring
• Pass Spiegelkwartier and Xtracold Icebar
• View Munt Tower and Rokin area
• Pass Memorial to Queen Wilhelmina and The Bulldog
• See Museum Ons'Lieve Heer Op Solder and Brouwerij de Prael
• Pass Weeping Tower and NEMO Science Museum
• View National Maritime Museum and Arcam
• Pass Waterlooplein Market and Hortus Botanicus
• See Montelbaanstoren and Leprozenpoort
• Pass Rembrandt House Museum and Anne Frank House
• Enjoy unlimited drinks during cruise
• Listen to captain's live guide stories

Top questions

Where does the Amsterdam canal cruise depart?

The cruise departs in front of the Hermitage Museum in central Amsterdam.

Are drinks included on this canal cruise?

Yes, unlimited Heineken beer, wines, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included.

Is there a live guide on board?

Yes, there is a live guide who speaks both Dutch and English during the cruise.

How long does the canal cruise last?

The standard canal cruise lasts approximately 1 hour.

What sights do you see on this Amsterdam canal tour?

You may pass landmarks like Anne Frank House, Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug), Jordaan district, Herengracht, Amstel River, and more depending on route conditions.

Are children allowed on this canal cruise?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum drinking age is 18 years.

Is there shelter if it rains during the cruise?

If weather is bad or cold, covered boats are used and umbrellas are provided as needed.

Is pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is included; boarding is at the Hermitage Museum dock.

What’s included

Your ticket covers unlimited Heineken beer, wine, soft drinks plus coffee or tea while cruising in a 100% electric boat with toilet facilities. A friendly local guide shares stories throughout your journey. Boats may be open or covered depending on weather; umbrellas provided if needed. Just meet at the Hermitage Museum dock to board easily before setting off through Amsterdam’s canals.