Looking for a canal tour in Amsterdam? With Stromma, you can choose from different types of canal cruises. A canal tour in Amsterdam is one of the easiest ways to get a feel for the city’s layout, history and atmosphere. Compare options to match your time and travel style, then book your tickets in advance.
Check the calendar for available departures, choose date and find the tour that suits you and your travel companions.
Why choose a canal tour in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam was built around water and the canal ring is a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason. A sightseeing cruise lets you cover a lot with minimal effort, while still feeling close to the city. It’s a great first activity when you’ve just arrived, and it also works well later in your stay when you want a relaxed way to keep exploring.
On a canal boat, you’ll see more than you can on foot. You can avoid the busiest routes and enjoy a new perspective on Amsterdam’s narrow streets. It feels special to experience what defines the city, its bridges and canal houses, from the water.
Highlights: What you’ll see from the water
On a boat sightseeing tour with Stromma through Amsterdam’s canals, you’ll pass many of the city’s most iconic areas and views. It’s a relaxed way to see many highlights in a short time, such as:
- The UNESCO-listed Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)
- Historic canal houses and iconic gabled façades (even Rembrandts old house)
- Skinny bridges and picture-perfect canal bridges throughout the centre
- The Amstel River stretch (on many routes)
- Golden Bend (Herengracht), known for its grand mansions
- The Jordaan area, famous for its charming streets and waterways
- The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) shopping district (nearby views on many cruises)
- Houseboats and canal-side life you won’t notice from street level
Compare our Amsterdam canal tours
Find your favourite boat ride on Amsterdam’s canals based on the experience you want, your group size, and how you prefer to explore. You’ll also see the tour duration for each option.
Classic canal tour – Best for first-time visitors
Feel welcomed by sailing past a hundred points of interest and a variety of sights on Amsterdam’s #1 canal tour: the Amsterdam Canal Cruise. This cruise is the most suitable for first-time visitors because it sails past the essential sights on the “must-see” route with simple, efficient sightseeing.
Tour duration: 1 hour or 75 minutes
VR Boat Tour – A Canal Cruise Through History
Want a canal tour with an extra dimension? Our VR Amsterdam History Cruise pairs relaxed sightseeing with VR moments that show how the city looked centuries ago – right where you are on the water today. It’s a fun, memorable way to discover the city’s past and present in one go. A great choice for families with older kids and teens, or anyone who loves a good history twist.
Tour duration: 75 minutes
Open boat tour – Small and quiet with access to smaller canals
If you prefer smaller groups and a more intimate setting choose our Open Boat Tours. The captain adds a personal touch to your trip by telling fun anecdotes while cruising through the more concealed and more well-known parts of the canals. In addition to the personal touch, the smaller boats are fully electric making the ride more sustainable and quiet on the water.
Tour duration: 1 hour
Saloon Boat – A boutique tour for small groups
Perfect if you’re looking for a comfortable, premium cruise. Our Signature Saloon Boat tour takes you aboard the 116-year-old saloon boat Amstel, with drinks included and a host sharing stories along the way. Designed for small groups up to 12 guests you’ll glide through canals and hidden waterways that larger boats can’t access.
Tour duration: 90 minutes
Pedal Boats – Be your own guide
More of a Do-It-Yourselfer? No problem! With our pedal boats you can enjoy the monumental canal belt at your own pace. This is fun with anyone, whether it is a friend, family member or a romantic date. You will be conquering the canal and be your own captain of the Amsterdam tour!
Rental duration: 1 hour
Discover Stromma’s dining cruises
Looking for a canal cruise with food and drinks? Explore Stromma’s dining cruises in Amsterdam and enjoy great views with dinner, snacks, wine or cocktails on board.
Stromma canal tours – Tickets & prices
Ticket prices for a canal tour in Amsterdam can vary depending on the type of cruise, departure time, and what’s included. Factors that typically influence price include:
- Cruise type (standard sightseeing vs. guided or special options)
- Time of day (some evening or peak-time departures may differ)
- Included extras (for example, added services or seasonal themes where offered)
For the best choice:
- Compare what’s included, not only the lowest price.
- Booking ahead is smart in busy periods, as popular sailings can fill up.
What to expect on board
A canal cruise is designed to be simple and relaxing. In most cases, you can expect:
- A seated ride with city views throughout
- A route focused on central canals and landmarks
- Commentary via a guide or an audio system on many sightseeing tours (check the tour page for languages and format)
- A mix of indoor and/or covered seating depending on the boat type and weather
Accessibility on board
Accessibility can vary by boat and departure point. If you’re travelling with a wheelchair, mobility aid, or stroller, we recommend checking the specific tour details and contacting customer service in advance so we can help you choose the most suitable option.
Helpful planning tips:
- Some piers may have steps, narrow gangways, or uneven surfaces.
- Space on board can be limited depending on boat type and passenger capacity.
How to find our departure points in Amsterdam
Stromma canal cruises depart from several central locations in Amsterdam, close to major sights and easy to reach by public transport. Select a departure point below for the exact pier location, map, directions and available tours.
Stromma Damrak
Several canal cruises depart from this location. See the exact pier location, map and directions for Damrak – Pier 4, 5 & 6.
Stromma Rijksmuseum
A convenient departure point near Museumplein. See the pier location, map and directions for Rijksmuseum departure point.
Stromma Central Station
Easy to reach by train and metro, and a great starting point for canal sightseeing. See the pier location, map and directions for Central Station departure point.
Stromma Leidseplein
A central departure point close to Leidseplein and popular attractions. See the pier location, map and directions for Leidseplein departure point.
Stromma Keizersgracht
This is one of the departure points for our pedal boats in the city centre. See the location, map and directions for Keizersgracht pedal boat departure point.
Stromma Anne Frank House
A convenient starting point for pedal boats near the Anne Frank House area. See the location, map and directions for Anne Frank House pedal boat departure point.
