The Amsterdam Light Festival is a captivating annual event that transforms the city’s historic canals into a dazzling display of light and art. Visitors can experience this enchanting spectacle through a unique canal cruise that offers live commentary in multiple languages. While gliding along the illuminated waterways, guests can enhance their journey with optional beverages and traditional Dutch stroopwafels, creating a cozy and memorable atmosphere. This exclusive combination of culture, art, and comfort makes for an unforgettable evening in the heart of Amsterdam. What could be more enticing than a guided exploration of this remarkable festival?
Key Points

- The Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise offers live commentary in English, Dutch, and German during the 1.5-hour tour.
- Passengers can enjoy optional beverages and stroopwafels on board, enhancing the cozy ambiance of the illuminated canal experience.
- The cruise includes a 5-minute photo stop at the iconic Westerkerk and a 10-minute cruise along the tranquil Amstel River.
- The tour features 27 illuminated artworks along Amsterdam’s canals, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage.
- Reservations can be made online with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility and convenience.
Overview and Pricing

The Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise offers a unique opportunity to admire the city’s illuminated artworks from the comfort of a heated, covered electric boat.
Admire Amsterdam’s illuminated artworks from the comfort of a heated, covered electric boat during the Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise.
Priced at $29.85 per person, the 1.5-hour tour allows guests to relax and enjoy live commentary or an audio guide in English, Dutch, and German.
Flexibility is provided with the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. Visitors can also take advantage of the reserve now & pay later option.
The tour departs from the Badhuisweg 4 jetty, easily accessible from Amsterdam Central Station.
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Highlights of the Experience

Aboard the heated, covered electric boats, passengers can admire 27 illuminated artworks along Amsterdam’s iconic canals.
The live commentary or audio guide provides insights into the festival’s highlights, including:
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Admiring the Westerkerk, one of Amsterdam’s most iconic landmarks, during a 5-minute photo stop.
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Cruising along the tranquil Amstel river for 10 minutes.
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Capturing picturesque views of the historic Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) during another 5-minute photo stop.
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Spotting the VOC Ship Amsterdam, a replica of a 17th-century East Indiaman, before returning to the starting point.
Passengers can also enjoy available beverages and stroopwafels on board, adding to the cozy, festive ambiance.
Tour Itinerary and Main Sites

Starting from the Badhuisweg 4 jetty along the IJ River, the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise takes passengers on a 1.5-hour journey to admire the festival’s 27 illuminated artworks. The cruise first passes along the Herengracht for 30 minutes, offering views of the canal’s iconic architecture. Next, it makes a 5-minute photo stop at the Westerkerk before heading to the Amstel River for 10 minutes. The final stops include the Magere Brug, Het Scheepvaartmuseum, and the VOC Ship Amsterdam, each for 5 minutes of photo opportunities.
| Location | Duration |
| — | — |
| Herengracht | 30 minutes |
| Westerkerk | 5 minutes |
| The Amstel | 10 minutes |
| Magere Brug | 5 minutes |
| Het Scheepvaartmuseum | 5 minutes |
| VOC Ship Amsterdam | 5 minutes |
Feedback and Customer Ratings

Customers have shared their experiences with the Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise, providing valuable feedback. The overall rating is 4/5 based on 409 reviews.
The Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise has an overall rating of 4/5 based on 409 customer reviews.
Notable highlights include:
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Belinda from the UK loved admiring the artwork while cruising along the canals.
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N from Germany enjoyed the festival and found the guide engaging.
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Ignacio from the Netherlands described the trip as fascinating and praised the captain’s performance.
The feedback indicates the cruise offers a memorable experience, with the illuminated artworks, scenic views, and knowledgeable staff as key highlights for customers.
More Great Tours NearbyGetting to the Meeting Point

The meeting point for the Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise is easily accessible from Amsterdam Central Station via the free ferry F3.
The departure jetty is located near the Adam Tower, just a short walk from the ferry landing. The cruise departs from Badhuisweg 4 on the IJ River.
Getting to the meeting point is hassle-free, as the departure location is well-connected to the city’s transport network. Passengers can simply hop on the ferry and arrive at the starting point with ease.
This convenient accessibility ensures a smooth start to the enchanting light festival experience.
Accessibility and Pet Policy

The Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
While the boats are equipped with covered and heated seating, there are no accessibility features for those with mobility challenges.
Plus, pets aren’t allowed on the cruise.
The key things to know about accessibility and pets for this experience are:
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Not wheelchair accessible
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No pets allowed
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Brochures available in multiple languages to aid in planning
Multilingual Brochure Available

A multilingual brochure is available for the Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise, providing visitors with important information in several languages.
The brochure is offered in English, Spanish, Italian, German, and Dutch, ensuring that guests from diverse backgrounds can easily access the details they need.
This inclusive resource outlines the cruise itinerary, highlights the key illuminated artworks, and explains practical details like the meeting point and departure jetty.
The availability of this brochure enhances the accessibility of the experience, allowing more people to fully enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival from the comfort of a heated, covered electric boat.
Reservation and Payment Options

How can travelers book and pay for the Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise? The process is simple and flexible.
Travelers can [POINT 1] reserve the tour now and pay later, allowing them to secure their spot without an immediate charge.
Plus, [POINT 2] free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind.
Finally, [POINT 3] travelers can conveniently pay via cash or card upon arrival, making the booking process hassle-free.
With these options, experiencing the Amsterdam Light Festival’s illuminated artwork along the canals has never been more accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos on the Cruise?
Yes, passengers are welcome to take photos during the cruise. The cruise allows ample opportunities to capture the illuminated artworks and scenic views of Amsterdam’s winter cityscape along the canals.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for the Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise. The tour is suitable for all ages, and children are welcome to join. Families can enjoy the scenic views and illuminated artworks together on this 1.5-hour excursion.
What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Miss the Departure?
The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you miss the departure, you won’t be able to get a refund, but you can rebook for another date.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?
Guests can’t bring their own food and drinks on board the canal cruise. The boat provides complimentary drinks and stroopwafels for passengers to enjoy during the 1.5-hour tour of the Amsterdam Light Festival’s illuminated artworks.
Is There a Limit on the Number of Passengers per Boat?
The boats have a capacity limit, though the exact number is not specified. Passengers are advised to check with the operator for details on group sizes and booking requirements when making their reservation.
The Sum Up
The Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise offers a captivating blend of art, culture, and comfort. Knowledgeable guides provide live commentary in multiple languages, while optional beverages and traditional stroopwafels create a cozy atmosphere. This unique experience allows visitors to enjoy the enchanting display of 27 stunning artworks along the city’s illuminated canals, making for an unforgettable evening in the heart of Amsterdam.
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