Overview
Discover the charm of Amsterdam's old city center with our top-rated open boat canal cruise! Glide through historic canals and see iconic sights up close in the comfort of our eco-friendly, quiet boats. Enjoy live commentary from our expert guides who bring the city's rich history to life.
Perfect for both tourists and locals, our cruise offers a unique and unforgettable perspective of Amsterdam. Book now for an intimate, relaxed, and scenic adventure through the heart of this beautiful city. Don't miss out on the best way to experience Amsterdam's waterways!
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
*Fresh Air and Natural Light*: Being in an open boat makes it more enjoyable and immersive.
*Scenic Views*: An open boat canal cruise offers unobstructed views!
Small Open Electric boat with toilet on board
If you would like to have the drinks on board included, please upgrade your ticket to add drinks!
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
The boating dock in front of the H'ART Museum. Formerly known as the Hermitage Museum.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
Our departure location is the boating dock in front of the H'ART Museum, formerly known as the Hermitage Museum. Amstel 51 F.
Please make sure that you are at the departure location at least 10 minutes prior to your departure time for your check in.
What to expect
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Boat Amsterdam
10 min
The 1-hour cruise departs in front of the Hermitage Museum. Please be at the dock 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Please note that the following sights are examples of what we might pass by. Routes may vary due to traffic, constructions etc. -
The Amstel
10 min
The Amstel is the main river and foundation of Amsterdam.
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Dutch National Opera & Ballet
10 min
Dutch National Opera & Ballet are combined with the town hall and is the biggest building of the city center.
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Red Light District
10 min
We will sail through the world famous Red Light District. It is a safe distance for children to also join this cruise.
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Magere Brug
10 min
The Magere Brug is a national monument and one of the world famous icons of the city. With a magical story....
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Herengracht
10 min
Herengracht is the most inner canal of the Unesco heritage.
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Prinsengracht
10 min
Prinsengracht is the third canal of the Unesco area.
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Boerejongens Coffeeshop Center
10 min
Boerejongens Coffeeshop Center is a high end coffee shop close to the Herengracht.
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The Jordaan
10 min
The Jordaan is a traditional dutch area, with lots of small shops and bars.
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Amsterdam Cheese Museum
10 min
Amsterdam Cheese Museum is part of our food history.
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Amsterdam Cheese Company (leidsestraat)
10 min
Amsterdam Cheese Company is where you can buy cheese to bring home.
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Museum of the Canals
10 min
Museum of the Canals
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Cromhout House
10 min
Cromhout House is considered to be one of the most beautiful houses of the Herengracht of the 17th century.
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Huis Bartolotti
10 min
Museumhuis Bartolotti was build in 1617 by a very rich tradesman in Amsterdam.
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Westerkerk
10 min
Westerkerk is the famous tower Anne Frank was watching and describing in her diary.
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Westertoren
10 min
Westertoren
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Niek Engelschmanbrug
10 min
Niek Engelschmanbrug is named after a famous gay activist and resistance warrior during WWII.
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Houseboat Museum
10 min
Houseboat Museum is the only way to see a houseboat inside without renting one to sleep on.
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Amsterdam Canal Ring
10 min
Amsterdam Canal Ring is build up like the layers of an onion. We will explain more during the cruise.
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Spiegelkwartier
10 min
Spiegelkwartier is the high end antique area. Nice to walk through after your cruise.
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Amsterdam Icebar
10 min
Need to cool down? Try the Xtracold Icebar and drink a beer surrounded by ice.
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Munt Tower (Munttoren)
10 min
Munt Tower is the place in the city centre where the dutch coin was made for a few years.
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Rokin
10 min
Rokin is the entrance to the Dam Square.
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Memorial to Koningin Wilhemina
10 min
Memorial to Koningin Wilhemina is located next to the water and can be seen during the cruise.
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The Bulldog The First
10 min
The Bulldog Amsterdam is by far the most internationally knows coffee shop with many famous people who visited it.
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Our Lord in the Attic Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder
10 min
Museum Ons'Lieve Heer Op Solder is a secret church in the Old City Center.
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Brouwerij de Prael
10 min
Brouwerij de Prael is a brewer located on the waterside in the Red Light District.
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Weeping Tower
10 min
Weeping Tower is where the women of the sailors would weep when their husbands would go out sailing.
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NEMO Science Museum
10 min
NEMO Science Museum is great for children to explore from young until teenagers.
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Het Scheepvaartmuseum| The National Maritime Museum
10 min
The Scheepvaartmuseum is all our nautical history combined. Where you can see how it developed over the centuries.
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Architecture Centre of Amsterdam
10 min
Arcam is the source of modern architecture combined with history.
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Waterlooplein Market
10 min
Waterlooplein Market is the world famous flee market in the Old Jewish quarter.
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Hortus Botanicus
10 min
Hortus Botanicus is our botanical garden where students used to learn about the healing powers of plants and flowers. More than 300 years old.
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Montelbaanstoren
10 min
Montelbaanstoren is the one of the very few remains of the Old City Center defense system.
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Leprozenpoort
10 min
Leprozenpoort is a very character full small entrance of houses in the Old City Center.
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Museum Het Rembrandthuis
10 min
Museum Het Rembrandthuis is the old residence of Rembrandt and is converted into a museum.
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Anne Frank House
10 min
Depending on the available routes of the day we will pass by the historical Anne Frank House. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that we will pass it during your cruise.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Amsterdam).
Additional Information
- Our crew speaks both Dutch and English
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Open Boat Canal Cruise in Old City Centre of Amsterdam
Can I cancel Open Boat Canal Cruise in Old City Centre of Amsterdam for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 1 hour.
Where does it start?
The boating dock in front of the H'ART Museum. Formerly known as the Hermitage Museum.
What's included?
- *Fresh Air and Natural Light*: Being in an open boat makes it more enjoyable and immersive.
- *Intimate Experience*: Open boats often provide a more personal setting.
- *Scenic Views*: An open boat canal cruise offers unobstructed views!
- Small Open Electric boat with toilet on board
What's not included?
- If you would like to have the drinks on board included, please upgrade your ticket to add drinks!
Which places does it visit?
It visits Boat Amsterdam, The Amstel, Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Red Light District, Magere Brug, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, Boerejongens Coffeeshop Center.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English, Dutch.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Boat Amsterdam












