There are dozens of boat companies that organize canal cruises in Amsterdam, but Lovers is my favourite. I like their colourful and comfortable boats, affordable tickets and the option to buy combi-tickets with an extra discount. In this guide I will explain for whom Lovers cruises can be the best choice and how to book tickets at the best price.
Written by a local
Anastasia Dudina
I’ve been living in the Netherlands since 2013 and exploring it ever since. I write and update all articles on Amsterdam Explorer and Holland Explorer myself – real tips, not tourist traps.
Last updated: 1 September 2026 by Anastasia Dudina
In this guide
Lovers has modern boats, convenient departure locations, and audio guides in 19 languages – that’s the best combination for an enjoyable canal cruise.
My experiences with Amsterdam Lovers canal cruises
I’ve taken Lovers cruises dozens of times:
- The first time I came to Amsterdam in 2012, bright orange Lovers boats were actually the first things I’ve noticed after leaving Amsterdam Centraal station.
- A few years later, my family came to visit, and a Lovers boat was the best choice with a kid. It’s safe, it has a roof, so you don’t need to worry about bad weather. And alcohol and smoking are not allowed during the 1-hour day cruise.
- When I was using I amsterdam City Card, Lovers was also my first choice because the canal cruise is free with this card.
Is Lovers the best canal cruise for you?
I also recommend Lovers canal cruises, departing from Central Station, to:
- layover passengers (you can take a train from Schiphol to Amsterdam, and the Lovers departure point is a few minutes’ walk from the station, and it’s very easy to find). Just don’t bring a suitcase along: for safety reasons, Lovers doesn’t allow suitcases or large bags on board.
- people having their shore day during a cruise in Amsterdam (if you travel from Ijmuiden, you’ll also arrive at Amsterdam Centraal, and from Amsterdam cruise port you can just walk here). Same rule applies here: no suitcases or big bags on board.
- travellers who are on a budget, since Lovers cruises are usually the cheapest option for a boat tour in Amsterdam.
Who should skip Amsterdam Lovers canal cruises
Still, of course, a Lovers canal cruise is not the best option for everyone. If you want a small open boat or High-end 3-course dinner canal cruise in Amsterdam, or prefer a more private experience, there are more cruises to choose from.
🚤 Popular with our readers
Not sure which Amsterdam canal cruise to pick?
Tip! Tickets are way cheaper if you book them online.
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. The audio guide itself is a recorded, GPS-triggered commentary you listen to through headphones, available in 19 languages including English, Dutch, German, French, Spanish and Italian, so most visitors will find their own language on the list.
Lovers 1-hour canal cruises route
The route takes you along UNESCO-listed 17th-century canals – Prinsengracht, Herengracht and Keizersgracht – past the Nine Streets, the Jordaan, and the Red Light District, with a stop for photos at the Skinny Bridge. The exact route can shift a bit depending on canal traffic.
Want to see the smaller canals too? Take the open small boat instead.
Lovers cruises departure points in Amsterdam
Lovers canal cruises have several departure points in Amsterdam – near Central Station, near the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and near Leidseplein (Leidse Square). You can board at:
- near the Central Station
- 2 minutes walk from the Rijksmuseum
- 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, at Prins Hendrikkade 25. 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.
Where can I park near Lovers departure point?
Parking isn’t included with your ticket, but Lovers guests get a special discounted rate at Q-Park – book your parking ticket with discount in advance via Q-Park.
The nearest garage depends on where your cruise departs. From Amsterdam Centraal, park at Q-Park Amsterdam Centraal or Q-Park Nieuwendijk. Departing from Leidseplein or Rijksmuseum instead? Reserve your spot at Q-Park Byzantium or Q-Park Museumplein.
Nearest parking garages to Central Station:
- Q-Park Amsterdam Centraal: Prins Hendrikkade 20A, 1012 TL Amsterdam
- Q-Park Nieuwendijk: Nieuwezijds Kolk 18, 1012 PV Amsterdam
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 Lovers Pizza cruise from €42,50, and the Lovers Dinner cruise from €89. Booking online is always cheaper than paying at the departure point.
Discount for children?
Kids under 4 get in free. Children aged 4-13 pay a discounted ticket, from €9. There’s no separate student or senior discount, the ticket price is the same for all adults regardless of age.
Where can I find good deals on Lovers tours in Amsterdam?
I recommend booking through Tiqets – their online price is always lower than what you’d pay at the departure point, and you get free cancellation up to 24 hours before your cruise.
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 the I amsterdam city card?
Yes, a classic 1-hour Lovers boat tour is free with the I amsterdam city card. You don’t need to pre-book a timeslot.
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 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 booking your canal cruise tickets in advance. It is also possible to buy tickets at the departure locations, but you might need to wait in line. Online tickets are also cheaper than at the departure point.
How long does a Lovers canal cruise take?
The standard Lovers Amsterdam canal cruise takes one hour.
How early should I arrive before Lovers cruise departure?
It’s better to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before departure, so you have time to find the right dock and, if you’re driving, park near your departure point.
Can I cancel or change my Lovers cruise booking?
It depends on which cruise and where you booked. Tickets bought through Tiqets usually offer free cancellation with a full refund up until 24 hours before your visit. Check the cancellation terms before booking, or in your booking confirmation if you’ve already bought your tickets.
Is the Lovers cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
The Lovers boat tours work for people who can walk a few steps unassisted, but wheelchairs and strollers can’t be brought on board. If accessibility is a concern, it’s better to check with Lovers directly before you book, since this can vary by boat.
Can I bring food or drinks on board?
No, outside food and drinks aren’t allowed on the classic day cruise. Smoking is not allowed either, not even on the open deck, and alcohol is prohibited too. If you’d like drinks included, book the Wine & Cheese cruise instead, where wine and local cheeses are served on board.
Are Lovers boats heated?
Regular canal boats and dinner cruises are heated to a comfortable temperature. The semi-open and open boats have no heating, but blankets and umbrellas are provided on board when it’s cold.
Is there a toilet on board?
Most large regular boats have a toilet on board, though Lovers explicitly states on their website that they cannot guarantee there will be one on your vessel. Open-air boats don’t have toilets on board, so it’s best to use the toilet before boarding.
Are dogs allowed on the Lovers cruise?
Only service dogs are allowed on the regular Lovers boats. If you’re travelling with a pet, the open boat cruise is the one that allows all dogs on board.
Enjoy your stay in Amsterdam!
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About the author:
Written by a local
Anastasia Dudina
I’ve been living in the Netherlands since 2013 and exploring it ever since. I write and update all articles on Amsterdam Explorer and Holland Explorer myself – real tips, not tourist traps.
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