Amsterdam City Center Canal Cruise with Audio Guide
3.6 / 5 · 898 traveler reviews
Step aboard a glass-topped sightseeing boat with this 1-hour Amsterdam canal cruise, and see the city sights by water. Then, cruise along the city’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canals to see the "skinny bridge" of Magere Brug, the affluent Golden Bend district, the Anne Frank House and more, as you learn about Amsterdam’s history from an audio guide. Boats depart at frequent intervals from morning till mid-evening. Each boat tour follows a different route, so not all sights are guaranteed to be seen every time. This way, every cruise offers a unique and surprising experience.
Your experience
Stop 1
Lovers Canal Cruises began offering boat tours in Amsterdam in the 1950s, becoming one of the city's most popular ways to explore its historic canals. With a fleet of glass-roofed boats, the company provides scenic and narrated cruises showcasing Amsterdam's architecture, bridges, and waterways.
Stop 2
The Central Station in Amsterdam was designed by Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers and constructed between 1881 and 1889 on three artificial islands in the IJ lake. Its Gothic/Renaissance Revival style and iron platform roof reflect both historical grandeur and modern engineering of the time.
Stop 3
The Magere Brug, or "Skinny Bridge," is a historic wooden drawbridge over the Amstel River in Amsterdam, originally built in 1691 and rebuilt in 1934 in the same traditional style. Known for its elegant design and nightly illumination, it has become one of the city's most iconic and photographed bridges.
Stop 4
The Keizersgracht, named after Emperor Maximilian I, was constructed in 1612 as the widest of the main canals in Amsterdam's canal belt, showcasing grand merchant houses and reflecting the city's growing wealth.
Stop 5
The Herengracht, also dug in 1612, was the most prestigious canal, home to the city's elite and lined with stately mansions known as the “Golden Bend.”
Stop 6
The Prinsengracht, one of Amsterdam’s main canals, was dug in the early 17th century during the city’s major expansion known as the Grachtengordel project. Named after the Prince of Orange, it became a desirable residential area, lined with elegant canal houses and cultural landmarks.
Stop 7
Amsterdam’s Red Light District, known locally as De Wallen, is the city’s oldest neighborhood, dating back to the 14th century when it served as a harbor area. Today, it’s a regulated zone combining historic buildings, legalized sex work, and a mix of tourism, nightlife, and cultural heritage.
Stop 8
The Westerkerk in Amsterdam, completed in 1631, is a prime example of Dutch Renaissance architecture and is famous for its tall, ornate tower known as the Westertoren. It has played a significant role in the city’s religious and cultural life, and is also famously near Anne Frank’s house.
Stop 9
The 9 Straatjes (Nine Streets) in Amsterdam is a charming neighborhood of nine narrow streets in the canal belt, known for its unique boutiques, vintage shops, and cozy cafés. Developed in the 17th century, it has become a trendy area blending historic charm with modern culture.
Stop 10
The Amstel River runs through Amsterdam and was central to the city’s founding and development, giving the city its name. It has historically been a vital waterway for trade and transport, lined with iconic bridges and historic buildings along its banks.
Stop 11
The Scheepvaartmuseum in Amsterdam, housed in a historic 17th-century warehouse, showcases the rich maritime history of the Netherlands with a vast collection of ships, maps, and nautical artifacts. Renovated in 2011, it offers engaging exhibitions highlighting the country’s connection to the sea.
Stop 12
NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, opened in 1997 with its iconic green, ship-like structure rising above the Oosterdok. It serves as an interactive science and technology center, especially geared toward children and families, promoting hands-on learning and curiosity.
What’s included
- 1-Hour Amsterdam Canal Cruise
- Audio guide in several languages
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
Meeting and pickup
Canal Cruise from Rijksmuseum: check in at Lovers Canal Cruises, Stadhouderskade 511, Amsterdam.
Canal Cruise from Anne Frank: check in at Lovers Canal Cruises, Prinsengracht 265, Amsterdam.
Canal Cruise from CS: Check in at LOVERS Canal Cruises, Prins Hendrikkade 25, in front of central station of Amsterdam
Before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Check-in at Lovers 10 minutes before the reserved time
- Children up to 3 years join for free
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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