Amsterdam: Jazz Canal Cruise with Live Music & Drinks

Summary

Live jazz on Amsterdam’s canals as city lights shimmer and locals play

You’ll board a cozy covered boat in central Amsterdam for an hour-long jazz cruise with live music by local musicians. Sip drinks (available to buy) as you glide past landmarks like Skinny Bridge and Hortus Botanicus while city lights shimmer on the water. The relaxed vibe and real human moments make this more than just another sightseeing ride — it’s a memory in motion.

What’s the experience like?

We almost missed the boat — literally. My friend dropped her umbrella in the canal (don’t ask), and we scrambled to catch up with the group already shuffling onto this low, covered boat near De Bijenkorf. The captain grinned and waved us aboard anyway. Inside, it smelled faintly of rain-soaked wood and something sweet — maybe someone’s cider? There was a quiet hum as people settled in, coats brushing against the plush seats, windows fogging slightly from all our breath.

I didn’t really expect much from “live jazz” on a touristy canal cruise, but then these three musicians just started playing — upright bass wedged awkwardly by the window, saxophone echoing off the glass. Our guide (I think her name was Marieke?) explained in this soft Dutch accent how they pick new local talent every week. She pointed out Hortus Botanicus drifting by outside, all green shadows and old brick. We passed under the Skinny Bridge right as the band slid into something slower; you could see couples pausing above us to listen for a second before moving on. I liked that.

Drinks were extra but honestly, sipping cheap wine while watching ARTIS Zoo slip past felt kind of perfect. Someone behind me tried to clap along — off beat — and everyone laughed, even the band. The city lights made these weird patterns on the water; I couldn’t stop staring at them during one of the quieter songs. It felt like we were floating through someone else’s dream version of Amsterdam for an hour or so.

The whole thing was only about an hour but I still think about that last song as we drifted past Het Scheepvaartmuseum — sax notes hanging in the air longer than they should’ve been able to. If you’re looking for a day trip or just want something different after dark in Amsterdam, this jazz canal cruise is… well, it’s not what I expected (in a good way). Don’t drop your umbrella though.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amsterdam jazz canal cruise experience

• Board covered boat for cruise
• Cruise through Amsterdam canals
• Pass by De Bijenkorf
• Pass by Hortus Botanicus
• Pass by ARTIS Zoo
• Pass by National Maritime Museum
• Pass by Skinny Bridge
• Enjoy live jazz music onboard
• Purchase drinks on board
• Relax and enjoy city views

Top questions

How long is the Amsterdam jazz canal cruise?

The cruise lasts 60 minutes from start to finish.

Are drinks included on the Amsterdam jazz canal cruise?

No, drinks are available for purchase onboard but not included in the ticket price.

Is there live music throughout the entire canal cruise?

Yes, local musicians perform live jazz during the full duration of the cruise.

Does the Amsterdam jazz canal cruise run in bad weather?

Yes, the boat is covered and comfortable in any weather conditions.

How many people are allowed on each jazz canal cruise?

The boat has a limited capacity of 40 guests for an intimate experience.

What landmarks will I see during this Amsterdam canal tour?

You’ll pass sights like Skinny Bridge, Hortus Botanicus, ARTIS Zoo, Het Scheepvaartmuseum, and De Bijenkorf.

Can children join this live jazz canal cruise?

Yes, infants and children are welcome; prams and specialized infant seats are allowed onboard.

What’s included

Your evening includes a 60-minute covered canal cruise through Amsterdam with live performances by local jazz musicians. Drinks such as wine or beer are available to buy onboard as you relax into plush seating beneath atmospheric lighting — all while passing iconic sights like Skinny Bridge and Hortus Botanicus before returning to central Amsterdam at journey’s end.