Amsterdam City Cards & Canal Cruises – Smart Ways to Use Your Free Boat Tour

City cards and attraction passes often advertise a "free canal cruise" – but you still need to plan a little to get the most out of it.

Step 1 – Check what’s actually included

On the pass website or brochure, find the canal cruise section and note:

• Which company operates the free cruise.
• From which departure points it runs.
• Whether you need a time-slot reservation.
• Any seasonal limitations (e.g. no evening departures).

Don't assume you can walk up to any canal company with your pass. Often only a specific partner is included.

Step 2 – Book your time slot early

Especially in spring and summer, popular time slots can fill up:

• Reserve your cruise soon after buying the pass.
• Aim for your first full day in the city so it doubles as orientation.
• Keep your email confirmation handy on your phone.

Step 3 – Build your day around the cruise

Example 1-day plan using a pass + cruise:

text 09:30 Museum visit (e.g. Rijksmuseum) 12:30 Lunch nearby 14:00 Canal cruise from a central pier 15:30 Stroll through the canal belt 17:00 Second attraction or coffee break

This keeps walking distances manageable and uses your pass efficiently.

Fine print to watch

• Some passes allow one canal cruise per card only.
• Missed time slots may count as "used" – check the rebooking policy.
• Evening or special cruises (pizza, wine, etc.) are often not covered, but you might get a discount.

Bottom line

If your city card includes a canal cruise, treat it as a central pillar of your itinerary, not an afterthought.

Plan around it and you’ll squeeze more value (and less stress) out of your Amsterdam days.