Stories from the water.
About our cruises and everything you see along the way.
The route: 23 stories along the canals
From the Old Church to the Skinny Bridge. This is how you cruise Amsterdam with Friendship.
3 min read
Luxury open boat with cheese
Explore the canals on a classic Dutch open sloop. Fully electric and quiet, the boat lets you take in the façades, bridges and life beside the water at a relaxed pace. Its open layout brings unobstructed views of the city and fresh air.
Luxury saloon boat with cheese
Board a classic saloon boat and discover Amsterdam in a calm, comfortable setting. Electric propulsion keeps the cruise quiet. From the saloon, look out onto the historic canals while the local guide shares stories about the city and the buildings you pass.
Sunset open boat
Experience Amsterdam’s canals in the evening on a classic open boat with quiet electric propulsion. As the city grows darker, illuminated bridges and façades offer a different perspective from daytime. The atmosphere varies with the season and departure time; the experience is Amsterdam in evening light, not a guaranteed sunset moment.
VIP spot on luxury boat
Enjoy a cruise on a classic boat in a semi-private setting. You share the boat with other guests, while a VIP spot gives your party its own area onboard. This offers a personal way to enjoy the canals without hiring the entire boat. The crew shares stories about Amsterdam, its architecture and sights along the way.
Sunset saloon boat
Discover Amsterdam in the evening from a classic, heated saloon boat. The fully electric boat cruises quietly through the canals, past façades and bridges illuminated after dark. The saloon provides a comfortable place to enjoy the evening scenery and listen to the local guide’s stories.
Private open boat with bar
A classic open boat exclusively for your party, with your own skipper and an onboard bar. This private cruise lasts around an hour and accommodates a group of up to 30 guests. Explore the historic canals together while the crew shares stories about Amsterdam and its waterfront buildings. A toilet is also available onboard.
Light Festival Cruise
Discover the Amsterdam Light Festival from the water on a 75-minute winter evening cruise. Light artworks and their reflections transform the historic canals. Cruise on an electric boat with an onboard bar. The skipper shares the story of the festival, and you can ask questions about the artworks and the city along the way.
The Bulldog Coffeeshop
The first coffeeshop in the world, opened in 1975.
The Old Church (de Oude Kerk)
Amsterdam's oldest church, from the 12th century.
Our Lord in the Attic (Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder)
A secret Catholic church hidden in a merchant's attic.
Kolk Sluice (Oudezijds Kolkje)
The oldest lock system in the city, plus Little Venice.
Amsterdam Central Station
192,000 people pass through here every single day.
Weeper's Tower (Schreierstoren)
Where Henry Hudson set sail and found New Amsterdam.
The Shipping House (Scheepvaarthuis)
Six shipping empires under one roof, now a five star hotel.
NEMO Science Museum
A green ship rising from the water, by Renzo Piano.
The National Maritime Museum (Scheepvaartmuseum)
The Arsenal of 1656, with a replica VOC ship alongside.
Crazy Jack's Tower (Montelbaanstoren)
The bell ringer who drank on the job for 500 years of fame.
De Sluyswacht
The cheapest bar in town. You get tipsy just walking in.
Waterloo Square (Waterlooplein)
The oldest flea market in town, 300 stalls strong.
The Amstel
The only natural river in town. All 88 canals are man made.
The Gentlemen's Canal (Herengracht)
Napoleon's window tax, and the hammer that smashed your steps.
Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Six canal palaces, and a suite at 24,000 euro a night.
The Seven Bridges (Reguliersgracht)
Seven identical bridges in a row, only visible from the water.
Amstel Church (Amstelkerk)
A temporary 'preaching shed' that lasted 350 years.
Prinsengracht
Houseboats, hippies, and Amsterdam Pride.
The Royal Theatre Carré (Koninklijk Theater Carré)
Built in 1887 as a permanent circus building.
The Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug)
Two sisters, one thin bridge, and a kiss that lasts forever.
The Hermitage
A 1682 retirement home, later a world famous art museum.
The Blue Bridge (Blauwbrug)
Named after a blue wooden bridge, built like a Paris original.
The Mint Tower (Munttoren)
A medieval city gate that once minted the city's coins.
