Sightseeing Cruises

Amsterdam Light Festival: 75-min Traditional Cruise With Optional Unlimited Drinks

Amsterdam Light Festival cruise boat under illuminated arches at night.

People enjoying the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise, taking photos through the boat's glass roof.

Amsterdam Light Festival cruise with illuminated fountains and light display.

Guests viewing illuminated art installation on Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise.

Duration

1 hr 15 min

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

4.5/5

(1,605)

Maignien

Dec 2025

Verified booking

A magical experience! Our visit to the Festival of Lights by barge in Amsterdam was absolutely fantastic. Sailing gently along the canals while discovering the light installations was a unique and magical way to experience the festival. The works of art were magnificent, the atmosphere was peaceful and the lighting on the water created incredible reflections. The staff on board were warm, professional and attentive to everyone. An activity I highly recommend to anyone visiting Amsterdam during the festival!

Celia

Jan 2026

Verified booking

Our boat captain was soooo funny and made the ride super entertaining, the bar staff were just as nice and funny as well. All of the art displays were so modern yet had such a deep backstory behind them that allows you to enjoy how whimsical they are while also making you aware of the things they stand for. The boat tour also provides a completely different perspective of the town so that you can see it in its entirety; something you don't experience just by walking down the street.

Carine

Nov 2025

Verified booking

Amsterdam’s canals and bridges turn into a nighttime museum of glowing installations, reflections, and sculptures. The artworks blend with the historic architecture in a way that feels almost cinematic. Each year has a new theme—ideas like “Disrupt!” or “Imagine Beyond” and artists from around the world create installations that respond to it. Many pieces spark reflection about technology, climate, community, or imagination.

With 75 minutes on the water, this official festival route offers more artworks, better views, and a more complete evening experience.

Three easy departure points give flexibility, whether you’re near Rijksmuseum, Restaurant Loetje, Centraal Station or exploring Jordaan and want to board near the Anne Frank House.

Comfort is guaranteed with heated cabins and wide glass views, plus restroom facilities so you never have to cut the trip short.

Audio guides in Dutch and English provide context, while skipper stories add local flavour, making illuminated artworks more engaging and memorable.

Select extras like unlimited beer, wine, and soda from the well-stocked bar, or back deck lounging that offers fresh air and better photography.

75-min cruise along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route

Board from near Centraal Station, Rijksmuseum, Restaurant Loetje or Anne Frank House (as per option selected)

Heated & covered boat with a glass roof

Audio guide in Dutch and English

Skilled captains & friendly skippers with unique stories

Unlimited drinks (beer, wine & soda) (as per option selected)

Free Wi-Fi (as per option selected)

Lounge on the back deck (as per option selected)

Restroom on board

TOTAL DURATION75 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
3 Boarding points
Amsterdam Circle Line - Stationsplein
Get direction
Amsterdam Circle Line - Prinsengracht
Get direction
Stromma - Damrak 22
Get direction
Sights covered
Amsterdam Centraal Station
Amsterdam Canal Ring
Hortus Botanicus
Magere Brug
Herengracht
Grachtengordel
Brouwersgracht
Haarlemmersluis
De Negen Straatjes
Het Scheepvaartmuseum
NEMO Science Museum
VOC Ship Amsterdam
Oosterdok
IJ River
Anne Frank House
Oosterdokseiland

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

1,605 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
1.2K
83
107
72
54
Guests from France, United Kingdom, Germany and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Celia
Jan 2026
Verified booking
Our boat captain was soooo funny and made the ride super entertaining, the bar staff were just as nice and funny as well. All of the art displays were so modern yet had such a deep backstory behind them that allows you to enjoy how whimsical they are while also making you aware of the things they stand for. The boat tour also provides a completely different perspective of the town so that you can see it in its entirety; something you don't experience just by walking down the street.
Maruna
Jan 2026
Verified booking
I really enjoyed this canal cruise. The seats were very comfortable, the windows were clean, and the atmosphere was pleasant. The captain steered the ship perfectly, and the girls at the bar created a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere. The selection of drinks was very extensive. The places we passed were certainly stunning, and Amsterdam in the evening was magnificent. My next cruise will only be with this company.
Anna-katharina
Jan 2026
Verified booking
It was a lovely cruise! The boat departed exactly on time and also arrived safely. The only thing we didn't enjoy so much is that the boat driver seemed to rush the artworks a bit. Last year we felt we had a bit more time to admire them. This year it felt a bit rushed. Otherwise great cruise!
André
Jan 2026
Verified booking
Well organized, easy to arrive and easy to board. Guide with good humor and providing good information about buildings and sightseeings. My only frustration is that I was expecting more from the light festival in Amsterdam. The monuments could be more illuminated.
Robert
Jan 2026
Verified booking
An absolutely recommendable boat tour, very nice crew who take great care of the guests. We enjoyed it very much and recommend it to others. 👍👍👍

What to bring

Have your entry tickets and ID ready for a seamless experience.

Carry your earphones for an immersive audio guide experience.

What’s not allowed

Sharp metallic tools or objects, and non-folding wheelchairs and baby strollers are not allowed on this experience.

Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

Accessibility

This experience is difficult for people with reduced mobility, since there are a few steps that you would have to climb to board the boat.

Additional information

The boat is heated and covered, but outdoor areas may still be cold during the winter months.

The cruise operates during the Amsterdam Light Festival, with various departure times throughout the evening from November 27, 2025, through January 18, 2026.

The cruise operates from three different departure locations. Please ensure you check your confirmation email and arrive on time at the correct location.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.