Top Amsterdam Holidays in 2026

If there's one must-do activity for first-time visitors to Amsterdam, it's a scenic sightseeing cruise along the city's UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal ways. Unlike the popular party boats, this cruise prioritizes a quieter and more comfortable experience. Settle into the cushioned seats, tuck into some traditional Dutch snacks, or purchase a drink from the onboard bar as you glide past Amsterdam's waterfront landmarks.

A once-a-year occasion for the Dutch, and a once-in-a-lifetime event for the rest of us, the Dutch Flower Parade is one of the Netherlands’ most spectacular occasions—but it’s so popular that seeing it as it passes can be hard. This VIP package includes grandstand seats, ensuring a view of the parade that makes your photos pop. There's even time for an afternoon at Keukenhof Gardens before you return to Amsterdam.

There's only one way to celebrate King's Day when in Amsterdam—cruising the canals onboard a party boat. The national holiday sees the city come to life with residents dressing in bright orange clothing and letting off steam—a vantage point on the water is the perfect place to feel right at the heart of the action. Celebrate like a local and enjoy unlimited drinks (including beer, wine, and soda) as you set sail through the city. Onboard music keeps the festive vibes going throughout.

Elevate your Amsterdam canal cruise when you book this experience aboard a fully covered, 19th-century wooden saloon boat. Cruise along the UNESCO-listed canals and see bucket-list sights like the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the picturesque Jordaan district while listening to commentary from your onboard guide—you get the stories behind the sights that you'd easily miss if you explored alone.

Seeing Amsterdam’s canal-side sights on foot means plenty of walking and crowded bridges. A small electric boat glides quietly through the city’s waterways as a live host shares stories about the Jordaan, the Prinsengracht, and the Rijksmuseum. An onboard bar serves drinks, and an open boat in summer gives way to a warm saloon boat in cooler weather

Explore Amsterdam through its legends, history, and ghost stories on this small-group walking tour through the historic city center. Wander through old streets and dark alleyways as you hear tales of witches, mysterious events, and reported ghostly encounters. Visit places such as the Spooksteeg (“Ghost Alley”) and the Schreierstoren (“Tower of Tears”) and uncover stories that have been passed down in Amsterdam for centuries. This tour goes beyond simply telling legends and ghost stories. We dug into Amsterdam’s archives to uncover the real events behind these centuries-old stories and show you original historical documents along the way. As you explore, search for the seven deadly sins and seven virtues hidden within the stories with our Urban Legend Bingo, enjoy a typical Dutch treat, and take home a small souvenir.

Few places in Amsterdam can boast views as good as those from the rooftop of the Heineken Brewery. This pass not only lets you enjoy panoramic views of the Dutch capital from the bar, but also includes two ice-cold beers. Prebooking your pass guarantees your entry to this popular spot, so you won’t have to wait. Note that entry to the Heineken Experience is not included.

Experience the magic of Amsterdam in winter as you sail past the Amsterdam Light Festival artworks. Admire beautifully illuminated canals, sparkling bridges, and unique light installations that transform the city into a stunning nighttime spectacle. Step aboard a classic saloon boat with a heated interior and comfortable seating. Relax and enjoy panoramic views of Amsterdam’s illuminated canals and the artworks along the route. The boat used for your cruise may differ from the one shown in the photos. Drinks such as wine, mulled wine, beer, soft drinks, and hot chocolate are available on board. Upgrade to the unlimited drinks option to enjoy all beverages without limits, accompanied by a fresh stroopwafel or a portion of salted snacks. The photos give an impression of the experience from past years. We cannot guarantee any of the shown artworks. Jack Tours BV is not an official partner of Amsterdam Light Festival 2026/2027.

Some of the best views of Amsterdam are from the water, so hop aboard and see the city as you glide along the scenic canal ways and under the historic bridges. This cruise pairs sightseeing with food tasting for a fun and interactive experience. While on board, tuck into delicious Dutch cheese and sip unlimited local wines as you cruise past the Anne Frank House, 9 Little Streets, Amsterdam Flower Market, and the Houseboat Museum.

Learn about Amsterdam’s World War II history and gain insight into Anne Frank's life on this small-group walking tour of the Jewish Quarter. See the Jewish Historical Museum, the Portuguese Synagogue, and the Auschwitz Monument. Learn about events such as the February Strike and the Winter of Hunger from a local perspective.

Enjoy unrivaled views of Amsterdam’s Festival of Lights—which takes place every year from November through January—on a canal cruise that reveals the best of the installations. You’ll enjoy personalized attention in a small group limited to 12 travelers, as you float along Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed Canal Ring in the comfort of your heated boat with indoor saloon, outdoor deck, and onboard restroom.

The Amsterdam Light Festival is pure magic: around 20 dazzling light artworks, each positioned to make the city’s historic canals look their very best. Enjoy the darkness without feeling the cold on this cozy cruise with a live guide. Naturally, the boat is heated. But you also get to enjoy unlimited mulled wine and/or hot chocolate—the perfect way to beat the winter chill.

During December and January, Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal network hosts the Light Festival. This boat cruise offers unobstructed views of the festival’s light installations from the boat's open top. Enjoy live commentary from your guide as you sail past top Amsterdam attractions such as the Red Light District, and stay warm on board with a hot drink.

Explore Zaanse Schans and the Dutch countryside this tour from Amsterdam. With an informative guide, admire the lush, canal-crossed Dutch landscape. Take a tour of pretty Zaanse Schans, famous for its wooden windmills and green-painted houses, and visit a cheese farm and clog-making workshop to learn about these traditional crafts. Lastly, visit a working windmill to learn about the role of windmills in the 17th-century Dutch Golden Age.

See a different side of Amsterdam as you admire its beautiful canals by night on this cruise. Give your body a break from a day of exploring and relax as you pass by landmarks such as the Westerkerk and Rijksmuseum. As you cruise, learn more about the city’s history via an audio guide, available in multiple languages so you can listen in your native language.

Enjoy a calmer approach to sightseeing in Amsterdam with this group canal cruise. Simply board the boat at your chosen departure point, and relax as the captain handles the route and navigation through the city's canal network. Enjoy insightful commentary as you go, taking in landmarks including the Skinny Bridge and the National Opera House.

Cruise through Amsterdam's charming canals the modern way, aboard an intimate electric boat with an onboard bar on an evening tour. A fun alternative to standing in a crowded bar, the cruise offers a sociable way to see Amsterdam's landmarks as day turns to night. Illuminated bridges and attractions like the Anne Frank House and Western Church are among the bucket-list-level sights seen.

Swap the rush of large group tours for an intimate private cruise along Amsterdam's canals on an electric luxury boat. This private tour for two takes you beneath historic bridges and past 17th-century canal houses while you enjoy Dutch snacks and a glass of Prosecco. In cooler months, the boat features heated seats, a retractable roof, and warm blankets for comfort.

Cruise the canals of Amsterdam to see the city illuminated during the Amsterdam Light Festival, and enjoy unobstructed views of the glowing artwork. All drinks are provided on this evening canal cruise, with options that include beer, wine, mulled wine, and soda. Heated cushions, blankets, and a covered bow ensure a comfortable cruise even if the weather is chilly, and the boat’s open back is ideal for photography.

In collaboration with Tyson 2.0 by Mike Tyson, experience a bold and relaxed cruise through Amsterdam’s famous canals. This unique 60-minute adults-only experience combines a laid-back atmosphere, great company, and stunning city views. Sit back, relax, and drift through the historic waterways while enjoying the freedom to smoke on board. The comfortable boat creates the perfect setting to unwind while discovering Amsterdam from the water. In summer the boat is fully open so you can soak up the sun and fresh air. During winter months the boat is enclosed and comfortably heated, ensuring a cozy experience year-round. Departing daily from Stationsplein 18, this 18+ cruise offers a premium yet easygoing way to experience the city. Whether you’re visiting Amsterdam for the first time or returning for more, the Tyson 2.0 Canna Cruise delivers a truly memorable Smoke Cruise experience.

Discover the beautiful city of Amsterdam, known as the ‘Venice of the North,’ from the water on this sightseeing cruise. Choose your preferred departure time from your chosen departure point and set off on the UNESCO-listed waterways aboard a glass-topped canal boat. Glide under pretty bridges, past 17th-century buildings and landmarks like the Anne Frank House, and learn about the city’s history from the audio guide.

As the sun goes down over Amsterdam, take in its illuminated waterfront and history on an atmospheric canal cruise. Savor a 4-course gourmet dinner with wine, beer, soft drinks as you drift past historical attractions including the Anne Frank House and the Bloemenmarkt, while listening to informative commentary. Please note only available Wed -Sat

On our beautifully crafted boats, we will go through the heart of Amsterdam and explore its night-time beauty. At Voyage Amsterdam we believe Amsterdam is at its most beautiful during the late hours. Cruise through the canal quietly with our electric boats and excellent selection of drinks to fit any late-night moment. A truly special time of the day.