Amstel River Tours and Activities

Glide through Amsterdam's canals in style and comfort aboard a luxury open-air boat with no windows or walls between you and the sights. Settle into comfy cushioned seats, and warm up with provided blankets and a drink from the cash bar if the weather is chilly. The cruise departs multiple times daily from the Anne Frank House, so it's easy to fit into most sightseeing itineraries.

Home to some of the world’s most iconic Van Gogh paintings, Amsterdam’s Van Gogh museum attracts lines often in excess of two hours. Beat the crowds with this priority admission ticket that also includes an Amsterdam canal cruise, during which you get unobstructed views of the city's waterside attractions. This stress-free combo ticket is an ideal choice for first-time visitors with limited time in the Dutch capital.

The best way to explore the UNESCO-listed Amsterdam Canal Ring is indisputably by boat. Get a different perspective of the Dutch capital while avoiding the crowds on land during this relaxing canal cruise that, unlike other similar tours, includes unlimited Heineken beer, wine, and soft drinks for a budget-friendly price. Plus, several departure times throughout the day mean you can slot the cruise into almost any schedule.

Cruise down the famous canals of Amsterdam during this 75-minute boat tour. Hop aboard the classic wooden saloon boat and sit back and enjoy the beautiful city pass you by. See landmarks while nibbling on Dutch cheese and having a drink.

Come and join us on one of our legendary and Tripadvisor top 3 boat tours and get ready to cruise along the Amsterdam canals on our unique, electric boats. We have small open boats so you are able to enjoy the full experience! On our 1 hour evening cruise you will explore Amsterdam, its famous landmarks, culture, and rich trading history whilst relaxing on our luxury boat. At night all the bridges light up in the city so it will feel like sailing through a fairytale. The cruise will be done with a small group of people, so expect an interactive tour, with enough space for questions and any needed recommendations for your further stay in Amsterdam. Our canal cruise is a great alternative compared to those old-school tourist canal boats that your grandma probably recommended.

Cycle away from the urban noise and disappear into the countryside on this guided bike tour from Amsterdam. Visit a historical windmill, a farmhouse and factory, where you’ll sample Dutch cheese and watch how wooden clogs are made. This leisurely ride takes you along the Amstel River, past country villages and verdant fields dotted with cows. Learn about rural Dutch traditions and history, and wrap up your tour exploring Amsterdam’s parks including Vondelpark, Amsterdamse Bos and Beatrixpark.

Explore Amsterdam the way it was meant to be seen—by bike! On this private tour, hop aboard a quality rental bike and follow a local guide on a personalized tour of the city's most interesting neighborhoods, scenic paths and iconic attractions. It’s a great way to soak up the sights and atmosphere in one of Europe’s most bike-friendly cities.

Discover hidden corners in Amsterdam’s scenic waterways unreachable by many boats on this canal cruise. Aboard a solar-powered vessel, hear tales with your audio-guide while snapping photos of the historical waterfront sights. Pass highlights such as the Anne Frank House and the Golden Bend district with its grand manor houses. A variety of departure times makes this a convenient sightseeing activity.

Discover the beautiful city of Amsterdam, known as the ‘Venice of the North,’ from the water on this sightseeing cruise. After reserving your preferred departure time, skip past any lines and set off on the UNESCO-listed waterways aboard a glass-topped canal boat. Glide under pretty bridges, past 17th-century buildings and landmarks like the Anne Frank House, and learn about the city’s history from the audio guide. Upgrade your canal cruise with a 1-Day Amsterdam Public Transport ticket which is valid on trams, buses, ferries, and the metro.

Board a customized electric boat for a one-of-a-kind cruise on the canals of Amsterdam. Choose your sailing time and relax during a luxurious 1-hour ride on a small, open boat. The narrated tour begins and ends at a convenient location, in front of the Anne Frank House. Blankets and pillows are provided.

Maximize your time in the heart of Amsterdam with a trip to Madame Tussauds followed by a one-hour cruise through some of Amsterdam’s many canals. First, explore Madame Tussauds’ collection of life-like celebrities and historical figures. Then enjoy the city's 17th-century houses, bridges, churches and cobblestone streets from the unique perspective of a canal boat. Save time and money by booking these experiences together.

Exploring Amsterdam’s history by bike gives you a chance to cover much more ground than you would on foot. This private bike tour is an ideal choice for those who want to orient themselves to the city. Customize your tour to the sights on your itinerary, or let your guide choose the highlights. Bike at a relaxing pace and enjoy a personalized tour.

From the peaceful atmosphere of a luxury, glass-enclosed boat, enjoy the highlights of Amsterdam along its UNESCO-listed canals during this cruise. Hear narrated commentary on the sites along the way, including the Anne Frank House, the Golden Bend, the National Maritime Museum, and the Skinny Bridge. With a variety of departure times available, this picturesque and comprehensive overview by water is easy to fit into your day of sightseeing.

The combination of foot, bike, car and bus traffic on the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam can be overwhelming. Escape the crowds with this private canal tour. Experience the city’s waterways from a unique vantage point. Enjoy a chilled drink while a local guide gives you insight on the history and architecture of the city.

We are Sebi Boat Tours, two true Amsterdammers who want to share their love for this beautiful city. With our 100% electric boat which is open on sunny days and closed on rainy and windy days and has a toilet, we will provide a 2 hour intimate canal tour. We will pass all the highlights Amsterdam has to offer including the world famous canal belt, The Jordaan, The red light district, the river Amstel, the maritime area and places, where big tour boats cannot go. On the way we will make a stop at Amsterdam's best boat caterer, childhood friends of ours, to pick up some traditional Dutch snacks while you enjoy a wide variety of complementary drinks. All this while Captain Sebi will pass on his years of knowledge of the city and canals, on current events and Amsterdam people in Dutch, English and German!

The combination of foot, bike, car and bus traffic on the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam can be overwhelming, so experience Amsterdam in peace from the water. Experience the city’s waterways from a unique vantage point on this canal tour while a local guide gives you insight on the history and architecture of this beautiful city. Get a great price when you book this cruise online.

Discover the fascinating history of the most liberal city in the world with FreeDam Tours - the best-rated walking tour in Amsterdam! On this unique tip-based tour * you will discover how freedom and tolerance shaped the city and its people throughout the ages. Your super-local guide will combine beautiful sightseeing with exciting storytelling and cover everything you need to know about Amsterdam in one tour: history, modern life, culture, art, fun facts and personal stories for a unique insider’s perspective on life in Amsterdam. Be prepared to challenge all your preconceived ideas about this city because after this tour you will never look and think of Amsterdam the same way! * Tip-based walking tour means you can join this tour basically for free (you will only be charged the booking fee, marketing fee and tourist tax) after which you tip your guide what you think the tour was worth. That motivates us to give you the best tour and you get the best possible value!

Save yourself any travel hassle, and purchase tickets to two popular Amsterdam attractions before you arrive. By booking both simultaneously, you’ll save nearly a quarter on admission costs. First, explore Amsterdam’s picturesque waterways on a canal cruise, which will whisk you past many of the city’s key landmarks and historical merchant houses. Then, learn the stories behind the city’s notorious Red Light District when you visit Red Light Secrets, a one-of-a-kind local museum.

Learn about Amsterdam's Jewish history on this private tour. Visit what was once the Jewish Quarter, with its old Synagogue and former Jewish theater (Hollandse Schouwburg) before heading to the Anne Frank House via tram. Here you have the option of going inside to see where the famous diarist hid until she was finally captured during WWII. Tickets are not included, but we can advise you on the best way to visit after the tour.

See Amsterdam from a perspective often missed by visitors on a boat cruise through the canal. In addition to frame-worthy views of the city’s banks, the tour features commentary and anecdotes about landmarks seen along the way, from the hip Joordan neighborhood to a canal once painted by Claude Monet. A small group size ensures an personal experience and plenty of time for questions.

Sip Champagne as you glide along Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals on a private, 1.5-hour salon boat cruise. Board a classic, electric 1920s salon boat with a private captain at the helm, and enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere as you explore the delightful De Jordaan neighborhood. Cruise the flower-lined waterways past 17th-century merchants’ houses, bridges and churches; and hear about the area’s history and landmarks. Along the way, celebrate the occasion with a complimentary glass of Champagne and unlimited free drinks from the open bar. Choose from different departure times during the day.

Don’t miss out on the annual canal boat tour event! During the Amsterdam FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS (from December 2 to January 23, 2022), the city is illuminated by international light artists displaying their artwork throughout the city center. Come and join us on this adventure. Get a first-class view and see the historic center of Amsterdam transforming into an open-air light art exhibition. All to be seen by boat. The Festival of Light is one of the top 10 winter festivals in Europe —The Guardian We sail in a heated boat from 1928 with a silent electric motor. The ideal boat for exploring the canals of Amsterdam. The boat has a sunroof, sliding windows and open aft deck. Want to sit outside, make sure you wear (warmer) clothes suitable for the weather. See you soon on board! Captain Dave Amsterdam #captaindaveamsterdam

Get a true insider's view of Amsterdam on this 2.5-hour private walking tour. Stroll around the city with the knowledgeable local guide and head to some lesser-known hidden gems in the city. Along the way, stop and learn about some of the major sites, too. Visit such spots as Dam Square, artists squats, leaning houses, Prinsengracht, Begijnof, the thinnest house, the oldest canals, the Sea Dike and China Town, The New Market Square (Nieuwmarkt) and the medieval city gate

Cruising the canals of Amsterdam is a must for first-time visitors to the city. This family-friendly cruise provides a personalized experience with a small boat and a maximum of 20 passengers on-board. Get to know each other as you sip drinks, tuck into snacks, and enjoy entertaining commentary from Captain Jack. Cruise around the UNESCO-listed canal ring, spot landmarks including the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House, and hear fun facts and stories about Amsterdam as you discover the city.