There are dozens of boat companies which organize canal cruises in Amsterdam, but Lovers is our favourite. We like their colourful and comfortable boats, affordable tickets and possibility to buy combi-tickets with an extra discount. Join a Lovers canal cruise to explore Amsterdam!
Modern boats, convenient departure locations, audio guide in 19 languages – that’s the best combination for an enjoyable canal cruise.
Lovers canal cruises highlights
- 1-hour cruise – the best one for the first visit and unpredictable weather
- wine and cheese cruise – evening cruise with delicious wines and local cheeses
- open boat – cruise like a local.
My tip: where to sit on board
When you board, try to get a seat facing forward, in the direction the boat is moving. The audio guide’s timing is built around passengers facing forward, so if you’re sitting backward, what you see out the window won’t match what the guide is describing. It also gets confusing when the guide says “turn right” or “turn left”, since your left and right are reversed if you’re facing the back of the boat.
Lovers cruises departure points in Amsterdam
Lovers canal cruises have several departure point in Amsterdam – you can board:
- near the Central Station
- near the Anne Frank House
- near the Leidse Square (Leidseplein).
Please check your cruise description or ticket for the departure address.
Lovers canal cruise from Central Station
The Central Station departure point is the most convenient one for most visitors, since boats leave right opposite the station. It’s the easiest choice if you’ve just arrived by train or are staying in the city centre, and it’s the departure point used for the classic 1-hour cruise from €15,50.
How long does a Lovers canal cruise take?
The standard Amsterdam canal cruise takes one hour.
Lovers cruises prices in Amsterdam
How much is an Amsterdam canal cruise? A classic 1-hour Lovers boat tour in 2026 costs € 20 per person. You can book it online for € 15,50.
Prices vary depending on which Lovers cruise you pick. The classic 1-hour tour is the cheapest option at €15,50 online, the Wine & Cheese cruise starts from €35, the Pizza cruise from €42,50, and the Dinner cruise from €89. Booking online is always cheaper than paying at the departure point.
Book your canal cruise tickets online
Book your Lovers canal cruise with discount
You can book the boat cruise tickets with discount online. If you plan to visit other attractions or museums in Amsterdam, you can buy a combi-ticket which also includes a canal cruise ticket.
Check all possible combinations at the Lovers cruises official website.
Are Lovers cruises free with I amsterdam city card?
Yes, a classic 1-hour Lovers boat tour is free with I amsterdam city card.
Evening canal cruises
Amsterdam looks completely different after dark! With Lovers canal cruises you can take an evening 1-hour cruise, or combine your tour with dinner. There are several options, including:
- Dinner Cruise. 2-hour Amsterdam canal cruise, including three-course meal and drinks. Tickets from €89. Book online >>
- Wine & Cheese Cruise. A 1,5-hour evening cruise with drinks (white wine, red wine or rose, sparkling or still mineral water) and local cheeses. Check availability >>
- Pizza Cruise. A 1,5-hour cruise and your favourite pizza and wine served on board. Tickets from €42,50. Make a reservation >>
Lovers Wine & Cheese cruise
The Wine & Cheese cruise is a 1,5-hour evening cruise with a selection of wines (white, red, or rose, plus sparkling or still mineral water) and local Dutch cheeses included. It’s a relaxed way to see Amsterdam lit up after dark, and one of my favourite Lovers cruises for couples. Prices start from €35 per person.
Lovers Pizza cruise
The Pizza cruise is a 1,5-hour cruise with pizza and wine served on board. It’s a casual, family-friendly option and a favourite with kids, since there’s no formal dinner to sit through. Tickets start from €42,50 per person.
Lovers Dinner cruise
The Dinner cruise is the most special of the three: a 2-hour Amsterdam canal cruise with a three-course meal and drinks included. It’s the one I’d pick for a special occasion or a romantic evening. Tickets start from €89 per person.
Amsterdam Light Festival Lovers canal cruises
From 26 November 2026 till 17 January 2027 Amsterdam will transform into a beautiful open-air light art museum for the Amsterdam Light Festival. Lovers canal cruises are considered to be one of the best Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruises.
Festival Lovers canal cruises depart from the Central station (Prins Hendrikkade 25) every evening from 16:45 till 21:45. Book your tickets at the official Lovers website.
Do I need to book Lovers canal cruise tickets in advance?
We recommend to book your canal cruise tickets in advance. It is also possible to buy the tickets at the departure locations, but there are no guarantees of availability.
Enjoy your stay in Amsterdam!
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