13 Best Amsterdam Activities 2021 - Best Tours in Amsterdam

Delicious Food, Excellent Company

This houseboat dinner was fantastic! The food was incredibly delicious. I'm a vegetarian myself, so I loved seeing the vegetarian menu (the meat eaters in the group also loved the meal despite the traditional proteins). We had an extra large crowd the night of our dinner, but the hosts handled it splendidly. It was lovely getting to chat with the different groups from different backgrounds. Carl and Roberto were amazing hosts, and did I mention great chefs as well? There were very attentive servers and drink-refillers, and held great conversations with everyone. It was so fascinating to tour the houseboat and see their recent, beautiful renovations. The houseboat is centrally located to downtown and easy enough to find. I would definitely recommend this to a friend and partake again if I ever find myself back in the area. Thank you for a fantastic evening!

Reviewed by Waverly • January 16, 2018

Private dinner on the water: Amsterdam dinner cruise

A totally alternative view of Amsterdam

I have always been very sceptical about boat tours in different cities, because they always look so commercial & touristic. The boat ride offered by Chris is totally opposite – a super relaxed way to cruise around Amsterdam and see the local life in a totally different perspective.

Besides being able to see the buildings in a much better way than walking or on bike, you can also see a lot of things happening in that vibrant city – from people shooting wedding photos on the bridges, to locals and/or tourists cruising on the canals with their friends and family, to seeing the life going on in the boat houses.

I'd say it's one of the must do things in Amsterdam and I would recommend Chris to everyone.

Image by Kalev who visited Amsterdam Private Boat Tour.

Things to do in Amsterdam. Photo by Kalev.

Activity in Amsterdam: Amsterdam Private Boat Tour. Photo by Kalev who visited that tour.

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Reviewed by Kalev • May 29, 2017

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

GREAT day on the canals!

Booked a 2hr cruise with Chris, my husband, myself and our two children (5 and 3) were on the cruise. It was an unseasonably HOT day and Chris came prepared with sunscreen! He was amazing with the children and provided as much historical commentary as we would have wanted. He had drinks on board for a very reasonable price and we brought our own food. He took pictures as often as we asked/wanted. Overall, 6stars! I would take cursing with Chris anyday over being packed in a larger tour boat.... Especially when cruising with children, unobstructed views and some room to stretch out (along with drinks and food)! Cruise with Chris, you won’t regret it!

Reviewed by Jamie • April 21, 2018

Amsterdam Private 2-Hour Boat Tour

Wonderful canal tour

Chris treated us to a fantastic tour of Amsterdam. It was a sunny day, quite cool (ice was forming in some places!) but we stayed warm with the help of blankets and laughter. If you want a private boat on the canals, this is the way to go. It's a different perspective from the water, and much more personal than a big tour boat. Plus you can ask Chris about the things that you are most interested in seeing and doing, favorite restaurants, bars and activities. We brought some of our own drinks, and were happy to have his cooler full of beer and wine when we ran out. Cheers to Captain Chris!

Reviewed by Kathleen • March 06, 2018

Amsterdam Private 2-Hour Boat Tour

Highlight of the trip!

Boat trip was beautiful - a definite highlight for our whole group of 6 - and Chris was not only helpful and knowledgeable but also just a fun person to spend an hour or so floating down the canals with! He made the whole process very easy and was able to enrich the trip with facts about the city and locals-only insider info. He gave us a great recommendation for a bar and restaurant and was even able to drop us off near where we were staying. I'd absolutely recommend this to anyone visiting the city. Great value for cost.

Reviewed by Katie Jane • February 16, 2017

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

Great day, great guide

We had a beautiful time with Chris. We were looking for something mellow and not so touristy and it fit the bill perfectly. We got to see some canals where the big boats wouldn't fit. Chris told about the city, offered to take a photo of us and gave us some recommendations for the city (only when we asked, nothing unsolicited). He was easy to communicate with and arrange the pick up and drop off points. Thanks Chris!

Reviewed by Amanda • July 15, 2019

Amsterdam Private 2-Hour Boat Tour

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

I got this trip as a surprise for me and 3 friends for a joint birthday thing, it was the highlight of all of our trips in Dam!! You get to see the hidden bits of Amsterdam and always felt very safe. The ice bucket was very useful and we brought our own bread and cheese etcand alcohol on board. Chris was very relaxed and answered any questions we had- he made the trip very enjoyable!! Thank you sooo much

Reviewed by Sarah • July 19, 2019

Amsterdam Private 2-Hour Boat Tour

AMAZING EXPERIENCE

I wanted to propose to my boyfriend while in Amsterdam and was fortunate enough to find Chris. He was very kind and communicative and helped me come up with a clear plan. It could not have gone any better and now we’re engaged!
Chris was the perfect amount of informative, funny, and charming. I highly recommend his boat ride.
Also, Amsterdam at dusk into the night is nothing short of magical.

Image by Joey who visited Amsterdam Private Boat Tour.

Things to do in Amsterdam. Photo by Joey.

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Reviewed by Joey • September 17, 2019

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

Lovely tour of Amsterdam

This was such a lovely tour! It was so nice to do a tour of the canals with just my family. Vanessa told us interesting stories as went thru the canals. With her small boat she was able to take us down some of the quieter canals that the larger tour boats can't travel down. Wet had our teenagers and Grandma with us and everyone enjoyed this tour.

Things to do in Amsterdam. Photo by Jami.

Image by Jami who visited Historic Boat Tour of Amsterdam Canals.

Tour in Amsterdam: Historic Boat Tour of Amsterdam Canals. Photo by Jami.

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Reviewed by Jami • April 12, 2019

Historic Boat Tour of Amsterdam Canals

Highlight of Amsterdam visit

Amsterdam Canals tour is an amazing experience and even better when you have a boat for just you and your friends/family. The view is amazing and the sunset was just glamorous. Besides, Chris was a really friendly guide and drove us to some hidden gems as well as famous places. It was for sure the highlight of our Amsterdam visit.

Reviewed by Débora • June 23, 2018

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

Don’t miss that out😍

We had a wonderful Boat Tour with Chris !
We enjoyed it very much it’s fun , relaxing and Chris is A great guide! He picked us and left us on a point we chose and prepared even ice cold drinks and Sun screen for us! I can recommend Chris and his boat for a 100% Amsterdam experience. A must have for Amsterdam Fans‼️

Reviewed by Esti • June 15, 2020

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

Great experience!

Chris was a fabulous guide and is extremely knowledgeable about the city. Seeing the city from the water gave us a beautiful perspective of our surroundings. Our family loved the private canal tour and we were so thankful to not be on one of those crowded tour boats. Highly recommend Chris!!

Image by Chris who visited Amsterdam Private Boat Tour.

Activity in Amsterdam: Amsterdam Private Boat Tour. Photo by Chris who visited that tour.

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Reviewed by Chris • May 30, 2018

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

Worth it - forget the other boat tours

Forget the other "main" boat tours in Amsterdam. Chris and his tour is a great alternative to see the city in your own time and company, while feeling like a local. Would definitely recommend to anyone trying to avoid the more touristy activities in Amsterdam.

Reviewed by Philip • May 23, 2018

Amsterdam Private 2-Hour Boat Tour

Great private boat tour in Amsterdam

Chris was a great tour guide. He took us to places that the larger canal boats just can't access (because of their size). This gave us a closer look at how the locals live and play in Amsterdam. Excellent overall experience, highly recommended!

Reviewed by Lynn • September 16, 2019

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

Great 2h tour on the canals with Chris

My friend and I booked a private tour on the canals with Chris and got to see parts of Amsterdam from the water, that we have never seen before. Would highliy recommend the boat trip and Chris is a great captain and guide.

Reviewed by Yvonne • September 14, 2017

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

Wonderful! Thank you, Chris!

Super fun and super interesting!
If you’re considering a boat tour, do it with Chris! He showed us the true beautiful Amsterdam! Thank you Chris and thank you “Like a Local”!
:) :)
Till the next time... Proost 🍻 !!!

Things to do in Amsterdam. Photo by Sonja.

Tour in Amsterdam: Amsterdam Private Boat Tour. Photo by Sonja.

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Reviewed by Sonja • October 13, 2018

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

Awesome time!

Chris is an absolutely great guy and we really enjoyed our tour. A couple of our party were running over 30 minutes late due to issues with the tram, and he waited and still gave us over a full hour of our canal tour.

Tour in Amsterdam: Amsterdam Private Boat Tour. Photo by David.

Activity in Amsterdam: Amsterdam Private Boat Tour. Photo by David who visited that tour.

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Reviewed by David • February 28, 2017

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

The best boat tour!

I’ve been to Amsterdam 4 times and done a boat tour every time. This was by far the best. Chris took us to Some places that the generic boat tours don’t go to. He showed us the real Amsterdam. Highly recommended!!

Reviewed by Sebastiana • February 23, 2020

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

Fabulous way to see Amsterdam.

Loved the boat trip. Chris was a great host and his knowledge of the city is extensive. He kindly brought lots of ice, beer and water. Very convenient pick up and drop off. Would definitely use him again.

Reviewed by Martin • May 23, 2018

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

Chris was very helpful and friendly

We took a 1 hour tour with Chris on the 20th of February. We had a great time on the boat. There were many blankets on board although we didn't need any as the weather was sunny. I highly recomment it!

Reviewed by Claudia • February 26, 2018

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour