Boat Tour of the Old City Center
Discover the oldest parts of town in an intimate setting
About this tour
Discover the oldest parts of town in an intimate setting
Amsterdam Canal Tour Through the Old City Center
This ninety-minute boat tour of the Old City Center takes you through waterways that most Amsterdam canal cruises never reach. Setting off from Nieuwe Keizersgracht in the eastern part of the city, you'll wind through narrow channels where larger boats simply can't fit — past the historic edges of Nieuwmarkt and the Red Light District, then out toward the Eastern Docklands where the replica VOC ship and NEMO's copper-green hull come into view. It's a quieter, more varied route than the standard canal belt loop, and the small group size means you can actually settle in and take it all in.
A Slower Pace, a Local Perspective
With no more than twelve guests aboard, this shared Amsterdam boat tour feels more like being shown around by someone who knows the city than sitting on a crowded sightseeing vessel. Your captain provides commentary throughout, pointing out details along the way — the contrast between seventeenth-century townhouses and modern harbour architecture, the leafy banks of Wertheimpark, the famous seven bridges of Reguliersgracht stacked in a single sightline. The electric motor keeps things quiet enough that you can actually hear the stories being told.
Comfortable on the Water
The open boat gives you an unobstructed view of the city at water level. If the weather shifts, a rain canopy goes up, and there are blankets to keep things comfortable. A bar on board means you can grab a drink as you cruise, and you're welcome to bring your own snacks along. For anyone looking for a canal boat tour in Amsterdam that sidesteps the crowded tourist circuit, this is a smart, unhurried way to see the city's oldest corners from a different angle.
What's Included
- ✓Free Cancellation
- ✓Roof in case of rain
- ✓On board bar
- ✓BYO drinks allowed
- ✓Pet friendly
- ✓BYO snacks
- ✓Small group
Things You Need To Know
Food
- ✓Feel free to bring your own snacks
Drinks
- ✓Bar on board at regular café prices
- ✓Bringing your own drinks is allowed
- ✓Heineken Beer - €3
- ✓Glass of Wine - €4
- ✓Soft Drink & Water - €2,50
More Benefits
- ✓Electric Open Boat
- ✓Informative commentary
- ✓Friendly Captain
- ✓Eastern Amsterdam
- ✓Hidden Gems
- ✓Unique Perspective
- ✓Modern Architecture
- ✓Escape Crowds
- ✓Relaxed Atmosphere
- ✓VOC Ship
- ✓Harbor Exploration
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation 24h before departure time
Change time & day 24h before departure
Increase guests 1h before departure time
Good to Know
Meeting-point:
Nieuwe Keizersgracht 1, 1018 DS Amsterdam.
The meeting-point is located in the center of Amsterdam, right next to the side entrance of the H'ART Museum (formerly known as the Hermitage). We meet on the canal side where you will find the mini pier and our small black boat (see pictures below) Your friendly Captain will be awaiting you 10-15 minutes before the boat tour starts.
The meeting-point is easily reached by the following public transport option; Metro; 51, 53 and 54 (get out at the Waterlooplein stop and exit to the east side Hermitage) or by Tram 4 or 9 (get out at the Waterlooplein stop).
Please note that we do not have an office and you check in with the Captain at the boat
If you have any issues finding the meeting-point, please call us on +31648464743 so we can provide immediate assistance to ensure you don't miss the boat tour
Look out for the grey fence at the H'ART Museum's side entrance and the Shadow monument information point right next to the pier
Important tips for a pleasurable cruise and boat tour
Arrive on Time
Please arrive 5 - 10 minutes before departure for check in. 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁, 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀.
Be careful with counting on Uber to get you to our meeting-point on time, as they are unfortunately not very reliable in Amsterdam and many customers has missed their cruise because of this
Onboard Drinks
Cold drinks are available for purchase:
- Heineken Beer = € 3,-
- Glass of Rose or White Wine = € 4,-
- Bottle of Wine (Rose or White) = € 16,-
- Softdrinks = 2,50
- Water = € 2,50
BYO
You are also welcome to bring your own drinks and snack.
Dress for the Weather
It can get chilly on the water, so please dress accordingly.
No Onboard Toilet
Please note that there is no toilet on board. However, if you inform the captain in advance, we can arrange a toilet stop halfway through the tour.
In Case of Rain
We got it covered, so you can stay comfy and dry!
