Amsterdam Canal Cruise from the Rijksmuseum

About this activity

• Duration: about 60 minutes. 
• Sail through Amsterdam's 17th century canal ring
• Enjoy the city's sights from the water

1 hour Amsterdam Boat Tour

Explore Amsterdam's canals on the one-hour canal cruise that departs from the Rijksmuseum.

Amsterdam is laced with 100km of waterways, so there is no better way to observe the essence of the Dutch capital than from a canal boat. Therefore, an Amsterdam canal cruise is compulsory for anybody visiting the ‘Venice of the North.’ Wind past points of interest such as grand merchant houses, gothic churches, museums, and medieval buildings as you soak up the city’s history with the help of an audio guide.

This canal tour starts at the very heart of the city, right near the Rijksmuseum on the Stadhouderskade. From here each cruise takes a different path through the city, depending on the amount of traffic on the canals and the size of the boat. Sights you will definitely see include the World Heritage-listed 17th-century canals and the cities iconic architecture. Enjoy the sights along the most famous of the waterways, from our starting point on the Prinsengracht to the Herengracht and Keizersgracht.

As you travel through Amsterdam's neighbourhoods, such as the Jordaan, the Nine Streets or the Pijp, you might see sights such as the Amstel river which gave the city its name, the National Maritime Museum or the iconic Skinny bridge. The tour is significantly enriched by an audio tour in 19 languages and observations from the captain.

Why choose LOVERS Canal Cruises?

On your visit to Amsterdam you will want to experience this must-do attraction with a local expert. Since its inception in the 1950s, LOVERS Canal Cruises has become synonymous with the very best in Amsterdam cruising.

We will welcome you aboard our Lovers canal cruise boats with their glass-top roofs; modern, comfortable interiors; an expert audio guide; and the best views of the most beautiful canals. The city of Amsterdam comes alive on board our boat tours. Keep your camera at hand for Amsterdam shows itself from its best side from the water, whether you are on a (semi)open boat or on the back deck.

The best of both worlds

Combine your Amsterdam canal cruise with another activity to save yourself time, money, and stress. For example, view Van Gogh's Sunflowers at the Van Gogh Museum or learn what's behind the secret and mystery of the world's oldest profession at Red Light Secrets, after doing a one-hour Amsterdam canal cruise in the morning. Or choose one of the many other options available on our Combinations page.