Amsterdam: Red-Light District Pub Crawl and Booze Boat Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam and want to combine scenic canal views with a taste of the city’s legendary nightlife, this tour might catch your eye. It offers a relaxed yet lively way to experience some of the best parts of Amsterdam’s social scene—starting with a boat cruise packed with drinks and then moving into a pub crawl through the iconic Red Light District. With a solid rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 120 reviews, it seems to hit the right notes for many travelers, especially those eager for a fun, social night out.

What we especially appreciate about this experience is how it balances the laid-back charm of a canal cruise with the energetic vibe of Amsterdam’s nightlife. The unlimited drinks during the boat ride make it a relaxed start, and the guided pub crawl ensures you hit some key spots without the hassle of planning. Plus, ending with free access to one of the city’s top clubs is a real bonus for anyone wanting to dance the night away. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour doesn’t appear to include a detailed exploration of the Red Light District’s history or sights—it’s all about the party.

This tour is best suited for groups looking for an affordable, lively way to spend an evening. It’s ideal if you enjoy socializing, drinking, and experiencing a lively side of Amsterdam, but might not be perfect if you’re seeking a more cultural or sightseeing-focused experience. Also, note that it’s not suitable for children under 18, so it’s really aimed at adults wanting to enjoy the city’s nightlife in a guided, safe environment.

Key Points

• Balanced experience: Combines a scenic canal cruise with an energetic pub crawl.
• Unlimited drinks: Enjoy beer, wine, and soft drinks on the boat, plus shots at each bar.
• Guided stops: Visit 4 bars and one of the city’s biggest clubs in a curated night out.
• Friendly hosts: Guides are praised for their knowledge, hospitality, and making sure everyone has a good time.
• Flexible timing: The tour starts at different times; check availability.
• Cost-effective: For around $56, you get a fun night with drinks, entertainment, and club entry.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This experience kicks off with a scenic boat cruise that takes you through Amsterdam’s famous canals. You’ll be on a comfortable vessel with an open bar, meaning you can sip unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks as you take in the city’s beautiful architecture and bridges. The boat ride isn’t just about the drinks—it’s a chance to relax, socialize, and get a different perspective of Amsterdam from the water.

According to reviews, the boat trip is generally well-organized and friendly. One reviewer mentioned, “The boat tour was excellent and the pub crawl was very fun. The pub crawl guide Aria was amazing and made sure everyone had a great time !!” That’s a common theme—guides who go out of their way to keep the energy high and ensure everyone’s having fun.

The boat cruise lasts long enough to enjoy the scenery and social drinks, with 30 minutes of unlimited shots included. You’ll also get a free shot at every bar, which helps keep the energy up for the pub crawl portion.

Once the cruise wraps up, you’ll head to The Black Tiger Bar to meet the pub crawl team dressed in red. Here, the real party begins. Starting between 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM, you’ll begin hitting four different pubs. Each stop offers drink specials and a chance to mingle with fellow travelers. The guides are friendly, making introductions and encouraging fun games, which people seem to really enjoy based on reviews. You can expect to have a shot at every venue and participate in drinking games, adding a playful element to the night.

After the pub stops, the tour concludes with free entrance to a popular nightclub, where you can stay as long as you want. Many reviewers appreciated this part, mentioning how the guides ensured a smooth transition and that the club was lively.

The Itinerary and Experience

The Boat Cruise

Starting at a designated meeting point, you’ll meet the crew in blue, who will escort you onto the boat. The cruise provides a relaxing atmosphere, with plenty of space to chat and enjoy drinks. The guides and boat skipper are described as friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall experience. The views of Amsterdam’s canals are a highlight, especially if you’re into taking photos or just soaking in the city’s charm from the water.

The Pub Crawl

Following the cruise, you’ll walk a short distance to The Black Tiger Bar to meet your pub crawl hosts. The walk itself isn’t long—about 5 minutes from the boat meeting point—making it an easy transition. The pub crawl includes stops at 4 different bars, each offering special drink deals and a friendly, lively atmosphere.

The guides, like Manuel and Andrei, have received praise for their hospitality and energy. One review notes, “Manuel and Adia provided us with an amazing experience and loved every minute of it. You could tell they wanted the best experience for us and went above and beyond.” Such genuine enthusiasm can make the night feel special and well-organized.

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The Nightclub Finale

The last stop is a busy nightclub, where entry is included. This is the part where many guests really let go and dance the night away. The guides handle the logistics, making sure everyone’s safe and having fun. The fact that you’re not limited in time at the club means you can stay as long as you like—perfect for those who want to turn a good night into a memorable one.

Pricing and Value

At around $56 per person, this experience offers decent value considering the inclusions: guidance, unlimited drinks during the cruise, multiple bar stops, and a club entry. The unlimited drinks during the boat cruise are a significant perk, especially if you enjoy a relaxed start to your night with a variety of beverages.

Though some reviews mention slight discrepancies, like the advertised 30 minutes of shots not always being available, overall, the drink offerings seem generous. The addition of free club entry adds a lot of bang for your buck, making this a budget-friendly way to enjoy a lively night out.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Arrive on time for the boat cruise to avoid missing the start.
• Bring your passport or ID—some venues or club entries might check it.
• Dress smart casual—avoid sportswear, bare feet, shorts, or large bags, as these aren’t allowed.
• Plan your transportation in advance, especially since the tour ends back at the starting point.
• This tour is not suitable for under 18s, so plan accordingly.
• Cancellation is flexible—you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds peace of mind.

Reviews Spotlight

The reviews paint a pretty consistent picture of fun and friendliness. Travelers loved the guides, especially praising their energy and hospitality. Many mentioned the boat trip as being especially enjoyable, praising the views and the drinks. One reviewer said, “Loved the boat trip! The tour guides were very friendly and knowledgeable,” which shows that the guides’ attitude really enhances the experience.

Participants also appreciated the social aspect—meeting people from all over the world, playing games, and sharing laughs. The guides’ effort to keep everyone engaged makes this a memorable outing. A few minor criticisms, like the shots not always being available as advertised, don’t seem to detract much from the overall good time.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect if you’re after a fun, social night in Amsterdam with an emphasis on drinks and lively atmosphere. It suits groups of friends, solo travelers looking to meet people, or anyone wanting a hassle-free way to enjoy the city’s nightlife. It’s not tailored for those seeking a deep dive into Amsterdam’s cultural or historical sights, but rather for those who want to enjoy the city’s party scene responsibly and safely.

If you’re someone who enjoys guided social activities, appreciates good guides, and wants a well-organized night out, this tour checks those boxes. Keep in mind, it’s geared toward adults, with a focus on fun rather than cultural education.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children under 18?
No, this tour is explicitly for adults over 18, given the alcohol consumption involved.

How long does the pub crawl last?
The pub crawl begins after the cruise, starting between 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM, and stops at 4 bars and a nightclub, with no strict end time, so you can stay as long as you like at the club.

Do I need to bring my own drinks or ID?
You don’t need to bring your own drinks on the cruise—unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are included. However, you must bring your passport or ID to verify your age.

Are the drink deals at the bars included?
Yes, you get a free shot at each venue plus special drink deals, which helps keep costs down while maximizing fun.

What’s the dress code?
Smart casual is recommended. Avoid sportswear, bare feet, shorts, or large bags, as these aren’t allowed.

Can I cancel this activity if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

Final Thoughts

This combined canal cruise and pub crawl in Amsterdam offers a lively, social way to get to know the city’s vibrant nightlife. With plenty of drinks, friendly guides, and a free club entry to cap off the night, it’s a package designed for fun and meeting new people. The experience balances relaxation and excitement, making it ideal for those who want a memorable night without too much hassle.

If you’re traveling with friends or even flying solo but keen to dive into Amsterdam’s party scene, this tour can be a great choice. Just keep in mind that it’s focused on drinks and socializing, so if cultural or historical insights are your priority, you might want to explore other options.

Overall, for the price and inclusions, it’s a pretty good deal and could definitely be one of the highlights of your trip—just be ready to have a good time and go with the flow.

Happy planning, and cheers to an unforgettable night in Amsterdam!

You can check availability for your dates here: