Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience

Amsterdam offers visitors a captivating combination of history, culture, and the best of Dutch beer. Set out on a scenic canal cruise to admire the city’s iconic architecture, then explore the Heineken Experience. This self-guided tour reveals the brewery’s fascinating legacy, from its cutting-edge technology to the art of crafting the perfect lager. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or simply seeking to learn about Amsterdam’s vibrant atmosphere, this experience promises an unforgettable day.

Key Points

• Combination of a canal cruise and self-guided Heineken brewery tour in Amsterdam, offering a comprehensive experience for visitors.
• Heineken Experience provides fast-track entry, interactive exhibits, and a behind-the-scenes look at the brand’s history and brewing process.
• Canal cruise showcases the UNESCO-listed Canal Belt, with a GPS audio guide enhancing the scenic views of Amsterdam’s landmarks.
• Activity is suitable for a range of audiences, including couples, friends, and families, with overall positive customer feedback.
• Flexible booking options and convenient departure locations make the combined experience accessible for visitors to Amsterdam.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Activity

This activity provides visitors to Amsterdam with a comprehensive experience, combining a canal cruise through the city’s iconic UNESCO-listed waterways and a self-guided tour of the original Heineken brewery.

Priced from Kč 1,081 per person, the 3-hour tour includes fast-track entrance to the Heineken Experience with two free drinks and interactive exhibits.

The canal cruise offers a 1-hour journey past landmarks like the Westerkerk and Skinny Bridge, enhanced by a GPS audio guide.

With various departure points and convenient transportation, this activity offers a well-rounded introduction to Amsterdam’s highlights.

Exploring the Heineken Experience

What exactly does the Heineken Experience entail?

It’s a self-guided tour of the original Heineken brewery, offering fast-track entry and two complimentary beers or soft drinks. Visitors can explore interactive multimedia exhibits, learn about the brand’s history, and even test their beer-drafting skills.

The experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours and is suitable for those 18 and older, as alcohol is served. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, and only service dogs are allowed.

Highlights of the Self-Guided Tour

The self-guided Heineken Experience tour allows visitors to enjoy the rich history and production process of the iconic Dutch beer brand.

They’ll discover interactive multimedia exhibits detailing the origins and brewing techniques of Heineken. Guests can even test their beer drafting skills and enjoy a tasting session.

The highlight is the opportunity to explore the original Heineken brewery, which provides a unique behind-the-scenes look.

With a fast-track entrance ticket and two complimentary beers or soft drinks included, the Heineken Experience offers an engaging and informative experience for beer enthusiasts.

Tasting and Interactive Exhibits

As guests enter the Heineken Experience, they’re greeted by a variety of interactive exhibits that bring the beer-making process to life.

Visitors can pour their own draft beer and test their skills in a tasting session. Multimedia displays showcase Heineken’s brewing heritage and innovations.

Visitors can pour their own draft beer and test their skills in a tasting session. Multimedia displays showcase Heineken’s brewing heritage and innovations.

The highlight is the simulated 4D brewing experience, which takes guests through the sights, sounds, and smells of beer production.

After the tour, travelers can enjoy two complimentary Heineken beers or soft drinks in the onsite bar.

These engaging activities provide an immersive look into the iconic Dutch beer brand.

More Great Tours Nearby

Discovering Amsterdam’s Canal Belt

After exploring the interactive Heineken Experience, travelers can discover the picturesque UNESCO-listed Canal Belt of Amsterdam.

A 1-hour cruise takes guests through the iconic waterways, with a GPS audio guide providing insights on landmarks like the Westerkerk and Skinny Bridge.

The cruise offers flexibility, as travelers can book a pre-set time slot or use an open ticket for more spontaneity.

Departing from various locations, the canal cruise provides a serene and scenic way to experience the charming Dutch capital.

With mixed reviews, the cruise may be less engaging for some, but offers a quintessential Amsterdam activity.

Audio Guide and Iconic Landmarks

The 1-hour canal cruise comes equipped with a GPS audio guide, providing insights into Amsterdam’s iconic landmarks in 19 different languages.

As you drift through the tranquil waterways, the audio guide highlights:

1. The Westerkerk, Amsterdam’s iconic Renaissance-style church, with its distinctive green spire visible across the city.

2. The Skinny Bridge, a picturesque arched footbridge that has become a symbol of the city.

3. The Anne Frank House, a poignant reminder of the city’s history, where the young diarist hid from the Nazis during World War II.

The audio guide brings these landmarks to life, enhancing your appreciation of Amsterdam’s rich history and architecture.

Transportation and Meeting Points

To reach the Heineken Experience, visitors can take the tram (lines 1, 7, 19, or 24) or the metro (line 52) to the Stadhouderskade 78 location.

Visitors can reach the Heineken Experience by taking the tram (lines 1, 7, 19, or 24) or the metro (line 52) to Stadhouderskade 78.

The canal cruise departs from the Tours & Tickets office at Damrak 26, accessible via tram (2, 4, 12, 13, 14, 17, 24).

Pre-booked time slots are required for the cruise, but the tickets offer flexibility with an open return.

The various departure points, including Amsterdam CS, Rijksmuseum, Leidse Plein, and Anne Frank Museum, provide convenient options for travelers to join the canal cruise.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Based on over 2,500 reviews, this activity has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Travelers highlight several aspects:

1. The Heineken Experience is praised as an immersive and engaging attraction, providing an enjoyable self-guided tour of the original factory.

2. While the canal cruise offers scenic views of Amsterdam’s iconic landmarks, some found it less captivating and not directly related to the Heineken experience.

3. This activity caters to a wide range of travelers, including couples, friends, solo adventurers, and families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Canal Cruise?

No, passengers are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the canal cruise. The tour operator provides beverages and snacks for purchase during the trip.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

There don’t appear to be any specific student or senior discounts mentioned for this activity. However, it’s worth checking if any general city sightseeing passes or local tourism cards offer savings that could apply.

Is There a Dress Code for the Heineken Experience Tour?

There’s no formal dress code for the Heineken Experience tour. Visitors can wear casual, comfortable clothing suitable for a self-guided tour. However, they should avoid wearing anything that could be considered offensive or inappropriate in a public setting.

Can I Take Photographs During the Heineken Tasting Session?

Visitors can take photographs during the Heineken tasting session, but they should be mindful not to disrupt the experience for others. Cameras are generally allowed throughout the self-guided Heineken Experience tour, encouraging guests to capture their visit.

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Full Heineken Experience?

The full Heineken Experience takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. It includes a self-guided tour of the original Heineken factory, two free beers or soft drinks, and interactive multimedia exhibits like a tasting session and beer drafting skills test.

The Sum Up

This excursion offers a captivating blend of Amsterdam’s iconic canal cruising and the renowned Heineken Experience. Visitors can enjoy the city’s UNESCO-listed waterways, learn about the brewing process, and savor complimentary drinks – all within a 3-hour timeframe. It’s a must-do activity for both beer enthusiasts and sightseeing aficionados, providing a delightful and efficient way to discover the charm of Amsterdam.

You can check availability for your dates here: