The 6 best canal cruises in Amsterdam this spring

Picture blooming flowers, a clear blue sky, chirping birds, people cycling and sitting on terraces, and you’ve got a typical spring day in Amsterdam. The only thing missing is a canal cruise, because this city is best enjoyed from the water. Cruising through the canals in spring is a relaxing and fun activity, allowing you to enjoy the first rays of sunshine and the vibrant atmosphere of Amsterdam. Discover the six best canal cruises in Amsterdam this spring in this blog. Make sure you book early, as the boats fill up fast!

1. The perfect spring day in Amsterdam: Keukenhof and a canal cruise

When you think of Dutch spring, tulips naturally come to mind. Keukenhof is open from 19 March to 11 May: it's the best place to admire these beautiful tulips and many other flowers up close. Our tip for the perfect spring day? Start your day with a visit to this magnificent flower park and finish with a relaxing cruise through Amsterdam’s canals. This way, you’ll experience spring in the Netherlands at its best: you’ll enjoy millions of flowers whilst discovering the historic heart of the Dutch capital. During the day trip, you’ll be taken directly by bus from Amsterdam Central Station to Keukenhof. Once there, you can wander at your own pace along the 15 kilometres of footpaths and admire the flowers in all their splendour. Back in Amsterdam, step aboard a canal boat that will take you past the city’s most beautiful spots. Just between us, this is going to be a day you’ll never forget!

2. Relaxed cruising with a drink in hand

Step aboard this cruise and sail past the city’s most beautiful spots whilst enjoying a drink of your choice. Meanwhile, the characteristic canal-side houses and charming little bridges glide gently by. In about an hour, the captain will take you past famous highlights such as the Anne Frank House, the Herengracht and the Skinny Bridge. The concept is similar to the classic canal cruise, but with that little bit of extra comfort: you can enjoy unlimited drinks, such as soft drinks, still or sparkling water, Heineken beer and a glass of white or red wine. Along the way, you can listen to an audio tour in nineteen languages, full of interesting stories and facts about the city and its history. The boat is covered and heated, so you’ll always be comfortable, no matter the weather. With a drink in hand, your boat trip through Amsterdam will be even more enjoyable!

3. Cruise through Amsterdam on a luxury open boat

Lovely Cruises offers tours in small, luxury open boats and is the ideal way to discover Amsterdam from the water, the way the locals do. This intimate cruise takes you past both the famous highlights and the hidden spots that the larger boats cannot reach. This way, you’ll discover a part of the city that many visitors never see. The boats are fully electric and noise-free, making the trip even more relaxing. On board, you can order a drink from the small bar, and with blankets, umbrellas and a tarp in case of bad weather, you’ll always be comfortable. The cruise departs from and ends at the Anne Frank House or Central Station, making it easy to continue exploring the city afterwards. On the open boat, you’ll experience the fresh spring air, the sun on your face and the stunning views over the canals, this is how you experience Amsterdam at its best. 

What travellers say about the Lovely Cruises Open Boat Cruise: “Omar and Sophie were fantastic hosts! They made the tour a wonderful experience – friendly, knowledgeable and very welcoming. We couldn’t have asked for a better tour. Highly recommended!” - Carlos, 12 March 2026

4. Enjoy a cruise through Amsterdam with a delicious pizza

Cruise along the canals and enjoy a delicious pizza from New York pizza on board during this unique cruise! A fun experience to share with your partner, family or friends. The cruise takes place in the evening, when the city transforms into a magical setting full of lights. In about an hour, you’ll sail past iconic landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, the Westertoren and the Skinny Bridge, which are particularly atmospheric after the sun goes down. As you enjoy the tastiest pizzas, you'll see centuries-old bridges, stately canal-side houses and locals cycling past. Refreshing drinks are also served on board, such as Heineken beer, wine and soft drinks. Enjoy a relaxed, casual dinner whilst gliding peacefully along Amsterdam’s canals. Isn’t eating a pizza during a canal cruise the ultimate experience?

5. Enjoy unlimited pancakes during a cruise

The Pancake Boat sails across 't IJ and is a fun cruise for all ages. During this cruise, you can enjoy unlimited authentic Dutch pancakes. The chefs bake fresh plain, apple and bacon pancakes on board, and you can try them all. Top your pancake with your favourite toppings, such as fruit, syrup, jam, cheese, chocolate and more. Whilst you enjoy all these delicacies, the boat glides gently along the IJ and you can admire Amsterdam from the water: from historic buildings and modern architecture to colourful ships and bustling quays. A combination of tasty pancakes and stunning views makes this cruise an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

6. Explore the city with the Hop-On Hop-Off boat

With CitySightseeing’s Hop-On Hop-Off boat, you can decide how you want to discover the city from the water. You can hop on and off at any stop, allowing you to travel from one popular attraction to the next at your own pace. Along the way, you’ll pass iconic landmarks such as the Amstel, the Rijksmuseum, the Albert Cuyp Market, the Westermarkt and many more. The boats depart regularly, allowing you to plan your day flexibly. Get off at the sights you want to see and continue on to the next hotspot later. During the trip, you can listen to an audio guide, available in nineteen languages, which tells you everything about Amsterdam. This way, you can discover all the city’s highlights in your own pace.

Experience spring in Amsterdam

Spring is the ultimate time to explore Amsterdam from the water. We recommend booking your canal cruise soon to secure your place and make the most of the unique views, historic canals and lively atmosphere of the city this season. Step aboard and admire Amsterdam from the canals: the ultimate way to experience spring!