There are dozens of boat companies offering canal cruises in Amsterdam, but Lovers is my favourite. I like their colourful, comfortable boats, the affordable tickets and the option to buy combi-tickets with an extra discount.
In this guide I explain who Lovers cruises are best for, which cruise to pick, where they leave from, and how to get your tickets at the best price.
Lovers canal cruises at a glance (checked 3 November 2026)
- Classic 1-hour cruise: € 15,50 online (€ 20 at the counter), kids 4 to 13 from € 9
- Departure points: Central Station, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum
- Evening: Amsterdam by Night, 1 hour, € 17,50
- With food and drinks: wine & cheese from € 35, pizza cruise € 42,50, 4-course dinner € 89
- City Card: the classic cruise is free with the I amsterdam City Card
- Light Festival: 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, Lovers festival cruises
Last updated: 3 November 2026 by Anastasia Dudina
Lovers has modern boats, convenient departure points and audio guides in 19 languages. For me, 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, the bright orange Lovers boats were actually the first thing I 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 the 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 especially recommend Lovers canal cruises from Central Station to:
- layover passengers: take the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam, and the Lovers departure point is a few minutes’ walk from the station and very easy to find. Just don’t bring a suitcase: for safety reasons, Lovers doesn’t allow suitcases or large bags on board.
- people on a shore day during a cruise: if you travel from IJmuiden, you’ll also arrive at Amsterdam Centraal, and from the Amsterdam cruise port you can simply walk here. The same rule applies: no suitcases or big bags on board.
- travellers on a budget, since Lovers cruises are usually the cheapest option for a boat tour in Amsterdam.
Who should skip Amsterdam Lovers canal cruises
Of course, a Lovers canal cruise is not the best option for everyone. If you want a small open boat or a high-end 3-course dinner canal cruise, 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 much cheaper if you book them online. On 29 August 2026 the counter at Central Station charged € 20, while the same cruise was € 15,50 online.
Lovers canal cruises highlights
- 1-hour cruise: the best one for a first visit and unpredictable weather
- Amsterdam by Night: the same comfortable boat, with the canals and bridges lit up
- wine and cheese cruise: an evening cruise by candlelight with 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 sit backwards, what you see out of the window won’t match what the guide is describing. It also gets confusing when the guide says “on your right” or “on your left”.
The audio guide is a recorded, GPS-triggered commentary you listen to through headphones. It’s 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 cruise route
The route takes you along the UNESCO-listed 17th-century canals (Prinsengracht, Herengracht and Keizersgracht), past the Nine Streets, the Jordaan and the Red Light District, with a photo stop at the Skinny Bridge. The exact route can shift a bit depending on canal traffic.
Want to see the smaller canals too? Take an open small boat instead.
Lovers cruises departure points: where do they leave from?
Lovers canal cruises have several departure points in Amsterdam. Each one has its own ticket, so pick the one closest to you:
- Central Station: Prins Hendrikkade 25, right opposite the station
- Anne Frank House: Prinsengracht 265, directly across from the museum
- Rijksmuseum: on Stadhouderskade, a 2-minute walk from the museum
- Leidseplein (Leidse Square): a stop close to the square
Please check your ticket for the exact 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 where the classic 1-hour cruise from € 15,50 leaves.
Lovers canal cruise from the Rijksmuseum
Boarding at the Rijksmuseum is handy if you’re spending the day on Museumplein. Book the Lovers cruise from the Rijksmuseum, and combine it with Rijksmuseum tickets or the Kusama exhibition at the Stedelijk, a few minutes’ walk away.
🟡 On now until 17 January 2027
Boarding at the Rijksmuseum? Kusama is next door
Infinity Mirror Rooms, pumpkins and polka dots at the Stedelijk, a short walk from the Lovers stop. Kusama tickets from € 32,50 are timed and sell out fast, so book before your Museumplein day.
Where can I park near a 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 the 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
How much is a Lovers canal cruise? Prices in 2026
A classic 1-hour Lovers boat tour costs € 20 per person at the counter in 2026, but only € 15,50 if you book online. The evening and food cruises cost more, but booking online is always cheaper than paying at the departure point.
| Lovers cruise | Length | Price online | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic canal cruise (day) | 1 hour | € 15,50 (€ 20 at the counter) | Check availability |
| Amsterdam by Night | 1 hour | € 17,50 | Check availability |
| Wine & cheese cruise (candlelight) | evening | from € 35 | Check availability |
| Pizza cruise | about 1,5 hours | from € 42,50 | Check availability |
| 4-course dinner cruise | about 2 hours | from € 89 | Check availability |
Discount for children?
Kids under 4 travel free. Children aged 4 to 13 pay a discounted ticket, from € 9. There’s no separate student or senior discount: the ticket price is the same for all adults, whatever their 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.
Is there a Lovers canal cruise discount code?
No, Lovers doesn’t offer a separate discount code or coupon for its canal cruises. The real way to pay less is simply to book online instead of at the departure point: the classic 1-hour cruise is € 15,50 online versus € 20 at the counter, and the same goes for the other cruises. A combi-ticket is another way to save if you’re visiting other attractions too.
Book your Lovers canal cruise with discount
You can book your boat tour tickets with a 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 on 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 time slot. Read my I amsterdam City Card guide to see if the card pays off for you.
Lovers evening canal cruises
Amsterdam looks completely different after dark! With Lovers you can take the 1-hour Amsterdam by Night cruise, or combine your tour with drinks or dinner. These are my picks:
- Dinner cruise: a canal cruise of about 2 hours with a 4-course meal and drinks. Tickets from € 89. Book online →
- Wine & cheese cruise: an evening cruise by candlelight with wine and local cheeses. Tickets from € 35. Check availability →
- Pizza cruise: a cruise of about 1,5 hours with New York Pizza and drinks on board. Tickets from € 42,50. Make a reservation →
More options, from sunset cruises to candlelight boats, are in my guide to evening canal cruises in Amsterdam.
Lovers wine & cheese cruise
The wine & cheese cruise is an evening cruise by candlelight, with a selection of wines (white, red or rosé, plus sparkling or still 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 comes with pizza and drinks 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 one: about 2 hours on the canals with a 4-course dinner and drinks included. It’s the one I’d pick for a special occasion or a romantic evening. Tickets start from € 89 per person.
Lovers Amsterdam Light Festival cruises
From 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, Amsterdam turns into an open-air light art museum for the Amsterdam Light Festival. Lovers is one of the best choices for a festival cruise.
Festival cruises leave from Central Station (Prins Hendrikkade 25) every evening from 16:45 to 21:45. Book your tickets on the official Lovers website. If your evening is sold out there, this covered Light Festival boat cruise is a good alternative, and I compare all options in my guide to Light Festival cruises.
Do I need to book Lovers canal cruise tickets in advance?
We recommend booking your canal cruise tickets in advance. You can also buy tickets at the departure points, but you might need to wait in line, and online tickets are cheaper than at the counter.
How long does a Lovers canal cruise take?
The classic Lovers canal cruise and Amsterdam by Night both take one hour. The pizza cruise takes about 1,5 hours and the dinner cruise about 2 hours.
How early should I arrive before Lovers cruise departure?
It’s better to arrive at least 15 to 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 you booked and where. Tickets bought through Tiqets usually come with free cancellation and a full refund up to 24 hours before your cruise. 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?
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, 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 and alcohol aren’t allowed either, not even on the open deck. 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 says on its website that it can’t guarantee there will be one on your boat. Open-air boats don’t have toilets, 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 allows all dogs on board.
Enjoy your stay in Amsterdam!
Related articles
- Amsterdam canal cruise ticket prices 2026
- Evening and night canal cruises in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam Light Festival cruises
- Rijksmuseum tickets: do they sell out?
- How to book tickets for the Anne Frank House
- Van Gogh Museum tickets are sold out: what to do?
- Is Amsterdam expensive? Calculate your travel budget
- Bike rental with the I amsterdam City Card
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 Holland Explorer and Amsterdam Explorer myself: real tips, not tourist traps. All of them are kept regularly updated, and if you find this guide helpful, sharing it is the best way to support the project.