Are Amsterdam Canal Boat Tours Worth It?
When visiting Amsterdam, one of the popular and iconic things to do is to take a boat tour down the famous canals of Amsterdam. However, with so many tourists participating, you may be wondering whether Amsterdam canal boat tours are worth it or whether it’s just another tourist trap. This post will answer that question and give you all you need to know should you choose to take an Amsterdam canal boat tour.
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Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Make sure to use these recommended travel resources:
Travel Insurance: Insure My Trip
Flights: Skyscanner
Accommodations: Expedia
Tours: Viator
Are Amsterdam Canal Boat Tours Worth It?
After personally taking a canal boat tour in Amsterdam, I can tell you it’s totally worth it!
These tours allow you to explore the city from a different perspective, enjoy a romantic evening, and learn more about this beautiful city. There are several different tours to choose from (more on that later) which vary in experience and price, so there’s something for everyone.
So, whether you’re spending four days in Amsterdam, or just have a day, taking a canal boat tour is a wonderful way to see the highlights of the city. It is one of the top Amsterdam tourist attractions and things to do during your visit.
My Wheelchair Accessible Amsterdam Canal Boat Cruise Review
When I was in Amsterdam, I visited the city as part of a European cruise and therefore only had one day in this incredible city. With such limited time, I knew I wanted to see some of the highlights that the city is known for, and thought a canal boat cruise would be the perfect way to accomplish this.
As someone who travels in a wheelchair, I researched my options ahead of time and chose to take my tour with the Blue Boat Company. They have a dock near the Hard Rock Café and the Rijksmuseum that uses ramps and lifts to make their boats wheelchair accessible. Once onboard, you can choose to sit inside at a table or outside at the back of the boat.
During my audio-guided tour, I passed by the adorable gingerbread-style houses that Amsterdam is known for as well as iconic sites such as the Anne Frank House, Canal Ring, and many popular museums. It was really neat gliding along the canals of Amsterdam and passing under its many bridges. I loved seeing the architecture and bridges lined with bicycles (another popular way to explore the city).
The main downside to the tour was that to hear the recorded audio guide (which is available in 27 languages), I had to be inside at one of the tables to plug in the provided headphones. This meant that it was very difficult to get good pictures because of the roof on the boat. The best place for picture taking was in the open-air part at the back of the boat (which didn’t have any headphone plugs so I could hear the tour).
Overall, I found the tour to be a perfect way to see the most popular areas that make Amsterdam worth visiting. Additionally, the canal boat cruise also provided the perfect angles to capture some great pictures of the architecture and buildings that the city is known for.
7 Best Amsterdam Canal Boat Tours
Now that we’ve addressed that Amsterdam canal boat tours are worth taking during your visit, let’s explore some of the options you have available to you. This section will discuss the 7 most popular canal boat tours with quick and easy links to make booking them a breeze.
1. Best Affordable Amsterdam Canal Cruise
This cruise has the overall best value. Not only is the price very affordable, but it lasts just over an hour (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes) making it one of the longer nonspecialy canal cruises. It takes place in a covered boat and has pre-recorded audio guides available in multiple languages. There is also an open area in the back should you want to take photographs.
There are two departure points to choose from with tours running between 10 am and 6 pm. Additionally, you can choose to upgrade your ticket to include a snack box to enjoy throughout the cruise.
☑️ Reserve your desired time and departure location when you book your tour by clicking here.
2. Amsterdam Canal Tour with Drinks
Explore the canals of Amsterdam on this open-aired boat that has comfortable cushioned seats (and blankets if it’s chilly). During this 1-hour tour, you’ll quietly navigate the canals (it’s an eclectic boat so it’s quieter) as you pass by attractions such as the Jordaan neighborhood, Anne Frank House, Bloemenmarkt, and the Amsterdam Tulip Museum. Drinks are available but not included in the tour price.
☑️ Check prices and availability when you book your tour by clicking here.
3. Amsterdam Canal Tour with Snacks
Enjoy a comfortable and relaxing environment during your 1-hour cruise down Amsterdam’s canals. As you pass through the city’s famous neighborhoods and attractions, you will have the opportunity to try some delicious Dutch cheese as you sip on either beer, wine, or soda.
☑️ Choose your departure time and see updated pricing when you book your tour by clicking here.
4. Amsterdam Canal Boat Dinner Cruise
If you want a relaxing dinner with the changing views of the city as you glide along the canals, then choose this tour. During your 2-hour canal cruise, you will enjoy a 3-course dinner where you can choose from a main entree of either fish, meat, or vegetarian dishes (must indicate your wishes at the time of booking). Your choice of beer, wine, and soft drinks are also included.
☑️ Get the latest pricing information when you book your tour by clicking here.
5. Wheelchair Accessible Amsterdam Canal Boat Tour
As I mentioned before in my review, the Blue Boat Company has specialized boats that contain a wheelchair lift, enabling guests of all mobility levels to enjoy a cruise down Amsterdam’s canals. They have one accessible dock by the Hard Rock Cafe, the Stadhouderskade 501 departure point, that has ramps leading to the dock and the wheelchair lift to access the boat.
During this cruise, you’ll enjoy all the major highlights that are available on most of the canal cruises in Amsterdam, so you won’t miss a thing. This company also offers the most affordable tours, making it a very budget-friendly way to enjoy the city. Just make sure to confirm with the company (either by calling or through email) the departure times for the wheelchair-accessible boats.
☑️ Book your wheelchair-accessible canal boat tour and make reservations by clicking here.
6. Amsterdam Canal Cruise in the Evening
As the day ends and the lights start to come on in the city, an evening canal boat cruise is a wonderful way to see the city from a different angle. Guests will enjoy an hour-long cruise by some of the most popular sights in Amsterdam. If you’d like to upgrade to a wine and cheese package, you can do so while on the boat. There are two departure points to choose from and several evening times available so you are sure to find one that fits your schedule.
☑️ Check pricing and available times when you book your tour by clicking here.
7. Private Amsterdam Canal Tour
If you are looking for a more intimate and private experience, then this canal cruise is perfect. Since this is a private tour, you can help control and influence the itinerary based on your interests and wishes. The captain will make sure you have all you need for a fantastic experience. It will surely be one of the highlights of your trip to Amsterdam.
☑️ This tour often sells out, so check availability and book your tour by clicking here.
Amsterdam Canal Tour Prices
Amsterdam canal tour prices vary by the type of tour you’re taking as well as the company you book with. At the time of writing this post, the cheapest tour is just under $17 per person. Tours that include extras such as snacks or drinks average around $20-$25 per person. Obviously, the cruise that includes dinner will be more expensive as well as the private tour option.
Make sure to click the links for the tours you are interested in to get the most up-to-date pricing information.
Are Amsterdam Canal Boat Tours Worth the Price?
When you compare the price of an Amsterdam canal boat tour with other tours in Amsterdam, you’ll find that prices are reasonable. However, determining whether the canal boat tour is worth the price will depend on your budget and desired experience while in the city. Personally, I found it had value as I got to see many sights in Amsterdam in a relatively short amount of time for an affordable price.
Besides, traveling through the canals that Amsterdam is famous for is an experience in and of itself. I’d even say it’s a must-do tour in Amsterdam. For that reason alone, I’d say the experience is worth the price.
Is a Private Amsterdam Canal Tour Worth the Price?
Just like other tours, private tours will always be more expensive than shared tours. This begs the question, is a private Amsterdam canal tour worth the price compared to a shared tour.
While I found the shared tour to be the perfect experience for me and what I wanted, there may be times when it makes sense to splurge on a private canal cruise. Examples could include if you’re celebrating a special occasion such as an anniversary or honeymoon, or you just want a more romantic and intimate experience.
Your budget will also be a factor in making this decision. If taking a private canal cruise means that you won’t have the money to do something else in the city, like visiting some of Amsterdam’s famous art museums, which are often considered some of the best art museums in Europe, then you may want to opt for a shared tour instead.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Now that you’re ready to take a canal boat tour, let’s talk about some options for places to stay during your trip to Amsterdam. Either of the hotels listed below make for fantastic options as both are some of the best wheelchair accessible hotels in Amsterdam.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Amsterdam Centraal Station
Not far from the train station, this hotel is a quick walk from most of the big attractions in Amsterdam. Furthermore, there is breakfast available on site along with a restaurant. Free wifi is included in your room rate. Finally, wheelchair-accessible rooms are available as well.
👉🏻 Check prices and availability when you book your stay by clicking here.
Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – City Hall
If you want to stay close to all the major Amsterdam attractions but are on a bit of a budget, this hotel is a great choice. Your daily rate includes free breakfast and free wifi. Additionally, there are wheelchair-accessible rooms available with roll-in showers for those that need them.
👉🏻 Check prices and availability when you book your stay by clicking here.
Amsterdam Canal Boat Cruise FAQs
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
Due to the popularity of this classic Amsterdam activity, it is highly recommended that you purchase tickets in advance. This is especially true if you are visiting during peak tourist seasons (like the summer).
You can easily reserve tickets through companies such as Viator by clicking here.
How long do Amsterdam Canal Cruises last?
Most standard canal cruises in Amsterdam have a duration of approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. These cruises cover the main canals in the city center, such as the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht, and provide a comprehensive overview of the city’s canal system and iconic landmarks.
However, evening or dinner cruises on the Amsterdam canals often last longer than standard cruises. These cruises typically offer a more leisurely experience, allowing guests to enjoy a meal or drinks while taking in the illuminated cityscape. The duration of evening or dinner cruises can range from 2 to 3 hours.
It’s important to note that these durations are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as traffic on the canals, weather conditions, and the specific cruise operator. It’s advisable to check the details provided by the specific cruise company or tour operator you plan to book with, as they will provide the most accurate information regarding the duration of their canal cruises.
Is it better to take a day or night canal cruise in Amsterdam?
Deciding when to take your canal cruise in Amsterdam depends on the experience you would like to have. For general sightseeing and for picture-perfect photographs, a daytime tour would be ideal. However, if you want to see the city lights of Amsterdam or have a more intimate and romantic experience, then a night cruise may be more ideal.
Is an Amsterdam Canal Boat Tour Worth Taking on a Rainy Day?
Since many of the tour boats have covers or roofs on them, you are protected from the elements during your tour. While you may not get the best pictures on days with rain, if this is the only day you have to spend in Amsterdam, it is still worth taking a canal cruise during your stay.
Are all canal cruises in Amsterdam wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, not all canal cruises in Amsterdam are wheelchair accessible. Only the Blue Boat Company offers a tour that can accommodate wheelchairs through the use of a ramp and a lift inside the boat. Other companies require you to be able to step from the dock and into the boat (which is unstable).
Make sure to make reservations in advance and let the company know you will be in a wheelchair so they can ensure that everything goes smoothly. They have a designated station (near the Hard Rock Café) that is accessible with set times when they know the correct boat will be available.
Final Thoughts on Whether Amsterdam Canal Boat Tours Are Worth It
I hope that this post has shown you that taking an Amsterdam canal boat tour is worth it for the unique experience of traveling along the city’s canals and as a fun and efficient way of seeing the highlights of Amsterdam. I had a fun time on my wheelchair-accessible canal boat tour, and I know if you choose to do a similar tour during your time in Amsterdam, you won’t regret it.
