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?
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 20:30 – 21:00, consider taking a cruise around 21:00 – 22:00. Check the sunrise and sunset times in Amsterdam and book your cruise in advance.
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):
- Dinner canal cruise. 2-hour evening canal cruise, including 3-course meal and drinks. Tickets prices start from €89. You can make a reservation here.
- Amsterdam cheese & wine evening boat tour. During this one hour evening cruise you will be offered wine, beer, soft drinks and a selection of Dutch cheeses. Tickets from €35. Book tickets online.
- Unlimited drinks and pizza cruise. This cruise takes 1,5 hours. You will get pizza and wine served on board. Tickets prices start from €42,50 a person. Don’t forget to make a reservation.
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!
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
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