What is the best time for a sunset cruise in Amsterdam? And which evening canal cruise offers the best experience? In this guide, we compare the most popular options – from budget-friendly cruises to luxury dinner experiences – so you can find the right cruise for your trip.
Taking an evening cruise in Amsterdam is a great opportunity to see the city in its night beauty. Amsterdam looks very different after dark! And even if you’ve already been on day canal cruise, an evening canal cruise in Amsterdam is another experience. You can also book an evening canal cruise with food and drinks and have a dinner onboard.
What is the best time for an evening canal cruise in Amsterdam?
Cruises depart daily, every 15 minutes, with the last boat leaving at 21:00. We recommend timing your evening cruise around sunset to make the most of the city’s twinkling lights, for example, if the sun sets around 20:00, book the 20:45 or 21:00 departure to see Amsterdam lit up in the dark. Check the sunset times in Amsterdam and book your cruise in advance, since the later departures sell out first.
Classic evening canal cruise in Amsterdam: best if you’re on a budget
The most simple option is a regular night canal cruise operated by Lovers boat company, departing from Central Station. It’s a 1 hour canal cruise with an audio guide in 19 languages. Tickets normally costs € 19 per person (but you can get them with a discount for € 17,50 if you book tickets online).
Evening cruises with drinks in Amsterdam: for a romantic evening
There is also a number of evening canal cruises, which offer food and drinks. Thus you combine a canal tour with a dinner (it can be a good idea if you don’t have that much time in Amsterdam):
| Evening cruise | Price | Duration | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dinner canal cruise | from €89 | 120 minutes | Make a reservation |
| Cheese & wine evening cruise | from €35 | 60 minutes | Book tickets online |
| Unlimited drinks & pizza cruise | from €42,50 | 90 minutes | Make a reservation |
Looking for the full picture across all cruise types, not just evening ones? Check our Amsterdam canal cruise prices 2026 guide, or our Amsterdam travel budget guide if you’re planning out your whole trip.
Amsterdam Light Festival evening cruises: winter festival
If you are visiting Amsterdam this winter, during the Amsterdam Light Festival, take a special festival cruise and see Amsterdam illuminated with the light artworks. This year Amsterdam Light Festival will take place from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027.
There are also different types of Light Festival canal cruises – in usual boats, open boats, private boats, including hot drinks on board. Here you can find an extended overview of festival cruises with links to the tickets.
Photo: Kristina Kutena
Enjoy your canal cruise and visit to Amsterdam!
FAQ about evening canal cruises in Amsterdam
The last daily departure for the Lovers evening cruise is at 21:00. Cruises run every 15 minutes throughout the day, so if you want the darkest, most illuminated views, book the 20:45 or 21:00 slot.
No, the standard €17,50 evening cruise does not include drinks, only the audio guide. If you want drinks included, choose the Cheese & Wine cruise (from €35) or the Pizza cruise (from €42,50), both of which include unlimited drinks.
Yes. Amsterdam looks very different at night, with illuminated bridges and buildings reflecting on the water, so an evening cruise is a genuinely different experience from a daytime one, not just a repeat.
Related articles:
- Canal cruises in Amsterdam: tickets and prices compared
- Things to do in Amsterdam: the ultimate local guide
- Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam: tickets, prices and tips
- Amsterdam itinerary: best of the city in 2 days
- KLM houses walk in Amsterdam
- Things to do in Amsterdam with kids
- Amsterdam Light Festival 2026/2027
About the author:
