Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise and Rijksmuseum

Planning a day in Amsterdam that hits all the highlights can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to balance art, history, and the city’s scenic waterways. This combo tour, offered by Blue Boat Company – Gray Line Amsterdam, aims to simplify that by bundling a 75-minute canal cruise with general admission to the world-famous Rijksmuseum. It’s a popular choice among travelers, regularly earning a solid 4.5-star rating from over 2,100 reviews.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines the best parts of Amsterdam—its stunning canals and vibrant art scene—into a single, manageable day. The cost is quite reasonable at around $47 per person, and the flexibility of the open cruise ticket means you can hop on whenever it suits you between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Plus, the option to upgrade with a snack box adds a touch of indulgence without blowing your budget.

One thing to keep in mind is that the cruise lacks a guided commentary—it’s mainly an audio guide you listen to through your own earphones, which some reviews find less engaging than a live guide. Also, the museum tickets are for a specific time slot, so you’ll want to plan your arrival accordingly. This tour is perfect for folks who enjoy a relaxed pace, love art, and want a straightforward way to see some of the city’s most iconic sights without the hassle of coordinating multiple tickets and transport.

If you’re after a well-rounded, budget-friendly way to experience Amsterdam’s waterways and its renowned art collections, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors, art enthusiasts, or anyone who prefers a mix of sightseeing and cultural discovery at a comfortable pace.

Key Points

• Flexible cruise ticket: Board at the next available boat within a 10-hour window.
• Comprehensive museum access: Skip the lines with pre-booked timed tickets to the Rijksmuseum.
• Audio guides: Available in 19 languages, making it accessible for many travelers.
• Scenic views: Pass by UNESCO World Heritage canals and modern architecture.
• Food upgrade: Snack box with chips, popcorn, stroopwafels, peanuts, and a drink adds a tasty touch.
• Authentic art experience: See masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Jan Steen.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary — What to Expect

Starting with the Canal Cruise

The first part of the experience is the 75-minute boat ride through Amsterdam’s canals, which are famously listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you settle into the boat, you’ll immediately notice the charming 17th-century buildings, their gabled facades leaning over the water. The cruise runs between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, giving you plenty of flexibility to fit it into your day.

The boat is quite comfortable, with an audio commentary system offering insights in 19 languages. You’ll learn about the history of the city, its architecture, and some interesting tidbits about the bridges and waterfront houses. The reviews mention that, “the boat was really ready to find after the museum visit,” and “the captain was very friendly and funny,” making the ride a relaxed and enjoyable introduction to Amsterdam.

One note from travelers: seating can be a bit tight, and if you don’t get a window seat, you might find it challenging to take photos or fully enjoy the views. Arriving early helps secure a better spot, especially during peak hours.

Optional Snack Box Upgrade

For an extra touch of delight, you can select the cruise with a snack box. This includes chips, popcorn, stroopwafels, and salted peanuts, along with a soft drink or water. Many reviewers appreciated this upgrade, noting that it made the cruise feel more indulgent and added a fun snack break to the sightseeing.

Visiting the Rijksmuseum

Your museum ticket is for a specific time slot—so plan to arrive on time to avoid missing your entrance. The Rijksmuseum houses over 8,000 objects spread across 80 galleries, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals. It’s a true treasure trove for art lovers, with highlights such as Rembrandt’s The Night Watch displayed in a beautifully lit hall.

Once inside, you’ll appreciate the vastness of the collection—from Dutch Golden Age paintings to Delftware, sculptures, archaeological items, and even Asian art. Many reviews mention that “the collection is comprehensive” and that “it’s definitely worth planning extra time,” as the museum can easily fill a half or full day.

The reviews also state that early arrival and planning help maximize your visit, especially since “the museum is huge and has so much to offer.” If you’re short on time, focus on the highlights in the Gallery of Honor but don’t miss the chance to explore some of the lesser-known sections, which can be surprisingly rewarding.

More Great Tours Nearby

Ease of Access & Meeting Points

You can choose between two convenient docks for the cruise, both within walking distance of popular areas:

• Stadhouderskade 501, opposite the Hard Rock Cafe, accessible via tram 1, 2, 5, 11, and 12 at Leidseplein.
• Stadhouderskade 550, opposite the Heineken Experience, reachable via tram 2, 5, 12, or metro 52 at Vijzelgracht.

The museum is located at Museumstraat 1, close to the Rijksmuseum tram stop, making it very easy to navigate between the two.

In Practice — What Travelers Say

Reviewers seem to agree that the tour offers good value for the price. One said, “It’s a great deal for the museum and canal ride—worth every penny,” while another appreciated the “easy booking process” and “efficient access”. The audio guides get positive remarks, though some mention that the narration can be vague or not as detailed as a live guide.

A common highlight is the scenic nature of the canal cruise, with many describing it as “a lovely way to see Amsterdam in a relaxed atmosphere.” Several travelers note that early mornings are ideal for avoiding crowds and getting quiet, unobstructed views.

Potential Drawbacks

A few reviews point out some minor inconveniences. For example, the cruise lacks a live guide, relying solely on pre-recorded audio, which some find less engaging. Others mention that getting a good seat can be tricky during busy times, or that the snack bag is more suited for children than adults, according to some opinions.

Plus, the museum’s size can be overwhelming, so if you’re a dedicated art lover, plan to allocate sufficient time. For those expecting a guided tour, note that this is a general admission ticket without a guided component.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This combo tour is ideal if you want a cost-effective way to see Amsterdam from the water and enjoy a visit to one of the world’s most famous art museums. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a gentle introduction to the city’s highlights, or anyone who enjoys art, architecture, and scenic views without the hassle of planning each component separately.

Travelers who appreciate flexibility will love the open cruise ticket, while those seeking a more immersive art experience might want to consider additional guided tours or audio guides inside the museum.

If you’re traveling with kids, the snack box upgrade and the relaxed pace might appeal, but be aware that the experience is primarily designed for adult interests and sensibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the canal cruise guided by a live guide?
No, the cruise features an audio commentary in 19 languages that you listen to via your own earphones. Some reviews mention the narration can be vague, but overall it provides decent info about the city.

Can I hop on the cruise at any time?
Yes, your ticket is an open ticket, so you can board any available cruise from either of the two docks between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

Do I need to reserve a specific time for the Rijksmuseum?
Absolutely. Your museum ticket is for a specific time slot that you choose when booking. Arriving early or late could mean missing your entry.

Is the museum accessible for people with mobility issues?
While the data doesn’t specify, most large museums like the Rijksmuseum typically offer lifts and accessible routes. It’s worth checking in advance if you have specific needs.

What’s included in the snack box?
The snack box offers chips, popcorn, stroopwafels, salted peanuts, and a drink of your choice (soft drinks or water). It’s a nice touch for a little refreshment during the cruise.

What language options are available for the audio guide?
The audio commentary is available in 19 languages, including English, Dutch, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Russian, and more.

How long does each part of the tour take?
The canal cruise lasts about 75 minutes, and the museum visit varies depending on your pace. Reviewers suggest that around 2 to 2.5 hours suffice if you focus on highlights.

Are tickets non-refundable?
Yes, this activity is non-refundable, so make sure to plan carefully before booking.

Is this tour good for art lovers?
Definitely. The Rijksmuseum’s collection includes world-renowned masterpieces, and many reviewers highlight the museum as a must-see.

Can I upgrade the cruise with food?
Yes, you can opt for the snack box upgrade, which many find adds value and a touch of indulgence to the experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a balanced, affordable way to explore Amsterdam’s waterways and art scene, this combined tour is a dependable choice. It offers a relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed. The scenic canal cruise provides a lovely introduction to the city’s architecture and waterways, while the Rijksmuseum delivers a rich art experience that’s hard to match elsewhere.

The value for money is generally recognized, especially considering the combined cost of individual tickets and guided tours. It’s well-suited for first-time visitors or those with limited time who want to hit key highlights without complicated logistics.

The experience is straightforward, with easy meeting points and flexible timing, but be prepared for a somewhat passive cruise experience—no live guide onboard, just audio commentary. If you’re looking for a more interactive or guided tour, you might want to explore other options.

This tour offers a nice balance of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and ease of access, making it a solid choice whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or even a small group. Just arrive prepared, plan your museum visit carefully, and enjoy a lovely day soaking in the best of Amsterdam.

Remember: Book early to secure your preferred time slots, especially in peak seasons, and consider your own pace when planning your museum visit. With a bit of preparation, this experience can be a highlight of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: