6 Best Night Cruises in Amsterdam

If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that Amsterdam wouldn't be Amsterdam without its beautiful canals, and no trip to the city would be complete without a tour to admire the facades ofthe pretty houseboats. But have you considered admiring the beauty of the city under the starlight? With the sunset, the blanket of night and Amsterdam's impressive architecture spectacularly illuminated by artificial lights, it is well worth taking one (or perhaps two) of the night cruise options offered by this idyllic destination.

The classic night cruise takes you along the city's canals for a peaceful and relaxed tour of the beautiful sights of Amsterdam at night. This type of experience is usually available in Spanish, sometimes with a live guide on the more expensive options and with a pre-recorded audio guide on the cheaper options. When choosing a group boat tour in Amsterdam, it is important to consider the number of passengers allowed on board. Conventional options can accommodate up to 25 passengers, but the cheaper options include up to 60 people on a larger boat.

What do these cruises include?

The itinerary generally includes: the Grachtengordel canal ring and other important canals in the city; passing by important monuments such as the Rijksmuseum, the Westerkerk Church, Anne Frank's house, the Royal Theatre Carré, the Amsterdam Opera & Ballet and many more. The traditional tour can take in around 20 important destinations.

As a general rule, alcoholic beverages or snacks are not included in the price of Amsterdam canal cruises, but there is a bar on board where you can purchase them. As these are group excursions, smoking may be prohibited, mainly to avoid inconveniencing other passengers.

Useful information

• Price: From £15 for the cheapest options.
• Duration of the excursion: Between 60 and 90 minutes.
• Recommended if... You want to take the classic tour of Amsterdam's waterways and don't mind sharing the space with other people. It's a fun and inexpensive way to enjoy the city's night-time scenery.
• Is it suitable for children? Yes, children under 11 years old generally pay a reduced fare.

The favourite cruise for couples visiting Amsterdam, on a romantic and peaceful trip through the waterways you will hear romantic local legends narrated by the boat captain, who will usually be your guide throughout the trip. These types of excursions are usually available in Spanish, English and, of course, Dutch.

What do these cruises include?

The itinerary usually includes: a boat trip through the Grachtengordel canal ring; a visit to Amsterdam's famous seven bridges, including the "Love Bridge" and Magere Brug; you will also see historical monuments such as the beautiful houseboats on Prinsengracht on the Belt Canal, the Montelbaanstoren tower, the South Church (featured in Claude Monet's paintings), the Opera and National Ballet building, and many more. A tour can include up to 20 sights, depending on the company and the duration of the trip.

Snacks are also included in the romantic evening, which usually includes the famous Dutch waffle, a small tasting of Dutch cheeses, with fruit and biscuits to nibble on; all accompanied by wine or prosecco.

Useful information

• Price: This type of experience costs around £150 on average.
• Duration of the excursion: The boat tour through the canals takes between 50 and 90 minutes, depending on the company you hire.
• Recommended if... you are looking for intimacy and romance at its finest. It is ideal if you are in the city celebrating a special occasion or even planning a romantic marriage proposal.

This cruise experience is a favourite among young adventurers visiting Amsterdam, attracted by the nightlife and fun that this city has to offer. Combining a 1.5-hour boat trip with a ticket to the best nightclubs and entertainment venues in the city, it's also a fantastic way to save money on your trip to Amsterdam. The best part? The nightclub tickets are valid for at least two days, so you'll have at least two nights of fun, dancing and music.

What do these cruises include?

The itinerary generally includes: A classic tour of the Grand Canal to see the most interesting historical sites and monuments; a complimentary drink or cocktail on the boat. Finally, you will receive tickets to an average of 12 to 20 nightclubs in Amsterdam, including Club Panama, Club Escape, Club Smokey, Club Prime, Bar 't Hartje Amsterdam B.V., Club Candela, and Cafe Bubbels.

Useful information

• Price: This type of experience is available from £26 per person.
• Duration of the excursion: The cruise will last between 50 and 90 minutes, and the club tickets are valid for two days so that you have time to visit them all.
• Is it suitable for children? No, it is preferable to consider other options on the list or take a daytime cruise with museum tickets.
• Recommended if... your goal in Amsterdam is to experience the best of the city's nightlife. It's a particularly fun experience if you're travelling with friends, but if you're going on your own, you'll also meet other young and adventurous travellers.

Christmas time in Amsterdam is serious business, with celebrations, markets and events filling the calendar and the city buzzing with the festive atmosphere of the celebrations. One of the most eagerly awaited events is the Amsterdam Light Festival, an immersive art exhibition where light sculptures of all sizes take over the most important areas of the city. Of course, one of the best ways to explore the gigantic park of lights and admire the artists' works is from the perspective offered by night cruises.

What do these cruises include?

The itinerary generally includes: Please note that the Light Festival will only be available in Amsterdam during the months of December and January as part of the celebrations. The works are created by leading artists from the local and international scene, whose art takes the form of projections in the sky and illuminated sculptures. The price often includes a snack and drink on board the boat; the guide is often provided via pre-recorded audio in several languages, including Spanish.

Useful information

• Price: Available from £27 per person
• Duration of the excursion: The entire exhibition usually takes just over an hour to see.
• Is it suitable for children? Yes, the light show is especially enjoyable for children.
• Recommended if**...** You are visiting Amsterdam during the exhibition months and want to enjoy a one-of-a-kind show.

This type of experience focuses heavily on personalised service, so it usually involves a small, limited group of tourists. If you want to enjoy this tour but your stay in Amsterdam is short, such as two days in Amsterdam or three days in Amsterdam, don't hesitate to book in advance. Otherwise, you may not get a place, especially during busy seasons.

What do these cruises include?

The itinerary generally includes: sailing through the tranquil waters of Amsterdam's canals to see the most important tourist attractions. During the tour, you will visit the historical monuments located on the canals, including the Anne Frank House, the seven bridges, Amstel, Wallen and many more.

The tour takes place on a beautiful and luxurious Dutch boat, and during the trip, snacks are served, including an open bar with a selection of wines, soft drinks, fruit juices, and local craft beers. The tasting of delicious cheeses made in different parts of the country is the most delicious part of the entire selection.

Useful information

• Price: This type of experience usually costs an average of €50 per person.
• Duration of the excursion:
• Can children participate? No, participants must be at least 18 years old.
• Recommended if... You want to combine several experiences in one tour. The Dutch cheese tasting offers a selection similar to other food tours in Amsterdam, all for a very reasonable price. Highly recommended if you are visiting the city with your partner.

One of the best cruises to take in Amsterdam includes a delicious pizza or burger dinner while you cruise the canal waters. The Heineken Experience is also a fun way to spend a few hours in the city when visiting Amsterdam with friends. Combined with the beautiful lights of Amsterdam at dusk, it will be an experience to remember, especially if it's your first time visiting the city.

What do these tours include?

The itinerary generally includes: A tour of the three main canals; a tour to see the highlights, including monuments such asthe Anne Frank House, the Maritime Museum, the houseboats and much more.

The food available may vary slightly depending on the company you book with. Some offer travellers a selection of different pizzas with a Dutch twist, while others offer a selection of burgers and artisan hot dogs. Drinks are always included, usually wine, soft drinks and beer, and are usually limited to two or three drinks per person.

Useful information

• Price: This type of excursion is available from £35 per person.
• Duration of the excursion: You should allow at least 1.5 hours for this experience.
• Is it suitable for children? Yes, a selection of non-alcoholic drinks is available for minors.
• Recommended if... You are looking for a boat trip with simple but equally delicious cuisine. It is highly recommended if you are visiting Amsterdam with a group of friends or family.

The short answer to this question is yes, definitely! When visiting this beautiful city, it is important to keep in mind that its canals are another tourist attraction among all the things to see and do in Amsterdam. The canal system, consisting of more than 75 kilometres of waterways, all connected by almost a thousand bridges, is an impressive feat of engineering and human talent. A daytime cruise through the canals is the best way to get in tune with the city before embarking on a more interesting route that may include bike rides through Amsterdam or tours to nearby cities. Bon voyage!