Amsterdam: Small-Group Canal Cruise with Drinks & Dutch Snacks

Summary

Amsterdam canals by boat with snacks laughter & city secrets

You’ll float through Amsterdam’s canals on a relaxed small-group cruise with unlimited drinks and classic Dutch snacks like ‘bitterballen’ and cheese. Enjoy stories from your local guide as you pass landmarks like Jordaan, Anne Frank House, and the National Maritime Museum. Expect laughs, new flavors, and quiet moments watching city life drift by—plus plenty of chances to ask questions or just soak it all in.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the light flickered off the canal water, kind of like someone shaking out a silver blanket. We’d just stepped onto this big sloop near Jordaan — not crowded at all, which I loved — and our guide, Bas, handed me a stroopwafel before I even found a seat. He grinned and said something about “fuel for the adventure.” I didn’t expect to start the Amsterdam small-group canal cruise with sugar on my fingers and that smell of cinnamon in the air, but it set the mood.

We drifted past old brick houses leaning at odd angles (Bas joked they were “drunk from centuries of wind”). There was this moment when we stopped by the Westertoren — you could hear church bells mixing with distant bike bells. Bas pointed out the Anne Frank House quietly, almost like he didn’t want to break the spell. Then came plates of cheese and these little fried things called ‘bitterballen.’ I tried one while we floated under a low bridge; hot inside, crunchy outside, and somehow exactly what you want when you’re sipping cold beer on water. Someone spilled their jenever and everyone laughed — even the couple from Spain who barely spoke English.

I liked that we weren’t rushed. We zigzagged along the Amstel, past storehouses with faded paint and then into the Red Light District (which looked totally different from water — less neon, more shadows). At one point Bas told us about how people used to sneak plants into Hortus Botanicus centuries ago. The air got colder as we neared the National Maritime Museum; someone wrapped up in a blanket they’d brought along (smart move). That old East Indiaman ship looked unreal in the mist. It’s funny what sticks with you — for me it’s that mix of fried snack smell and damp wooden rail under my hand.

By the end, nobody wanted to get off right away. We just sat there for a minute after docking, watching ripples fade out behind us. If you ever do this day trip in Amsterdam, don’t skip eating everything they pass around — especially those weird little croquettes. And if Bas is your guide, ask him about his favorite canal house; he’ll probably tell you too much but it’s worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amsterdam canal cruise and city sights

• Visit Jordaan old quarter
• See Westertoren and Anne Frank house
• Taste original Amsterdam bitterballen
• Navigate via river Amstel
• Explore Red Light District
• See fabulous storehouses
• Visit hidden side of city
• Cruise past National Maritime Museum
• Admire East Indiaman ship
• Enjoy exotic Hortus Botanicus

Top questions

What snacks are served on this Amsterdam canal cruise?

You’ll get original Amsterdam ‘bitterballen’, Dutch cheese, stroopwafels, croissants on morning cruises, plus more Dutch treats.

Are drinks included during the small-group canal cruise?

Yes—there’s an open bar with beer, wine, soft drinks, 0.0% beer, Dutch jenever, glühwein (in season), hot chocolate, bottled water.

Is there a local guide on board?

Yes—a local guide shares stories about Amsterdam throughout the cruise.

Does this tour include stops or is it all by boat?

The experience is entirely on board; you’ll see highlights from the canals without getting off.

Can vegetarians or people with allergies be accommodated?

Yes—just let them know your dietary needs so they can arrange suitable snacks for you.

How long does this Amsterdam canal cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is pickup included for this tour?

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

Are infants allowed on board?

Yes—infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during the cruise.

What’s included

Your day includes a 2-hour small-group canal cruise through Amsterdam’s historic waterways with unlimited drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks), classic Dutch snacks like ‘bitterballen’, cheese and stroopwafels (plus croissants and coffee on early cruises), all fees and taxes covered—and plenty of stories shared by your local guide as you glide past city landmarks before returning to dock.