The Best Small Group Canal Tour in Amsterdam: Heineken, Bitterballen & Good Vibes

I’ve been to Amsterdam five times. I’ve wandered cobbled alleyways, devoured cones of fries dripping in sauce, and disappeared into vintage shops and leafy courtyards.

But strangely enough, I never took a canal tour in Amsterdam (until this trip!). Maybe I thought it was too touristy. Maybe I didn’t think the price was worth it. And if we are being honest it was both. But after finally hopping on a boat during my most recent solo trip to Amsterdam, I realized how wrong I was. This needs to be at the top of your Amsterdam list.

Not only was this canal cruise the most relaxing, entertaining, and unexpectedly social part of my entire trip—it also included unlimited Heineken, Dutch snacks, and a pit stop for fresh, hot bitterballen that changed my list of top Amsterdam Bitterballen locations.

If you’re heading to Amsterdam—especially as a solo traveler—this is one unique experience you don’t want to skip. I promise.

Why You Should Take a Canal Tour in Amsterdam: Especially as a Solo Traveler!

Amsterdam’s canals are more than pretty backdrops—they’re the lifeblood of the city, dating back to the 1600s. The iconic Grachtengordel (canal belt) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and with over 100 kilometers of canals looping around the historic center, the best way to understand Amsterdam is from the water.

I knew I wasn’t going to do the usual 80-person glass-roof boat with crackly pre-recorded guides. I wanted something personal.

So I found a small group canal tour on Airbnb Experiences:

• A max of 10 people

• A charismatic (and very cute) Dutch captain

• Unlimited drinks (yes, including ICE cold Heineken)

• Local snacks (hello, bitterballen)

• Chill vibes for three (nearly four) glorious hours on the water

It sounded too good to be true. Spoiler: it wasn’t. Book it now - you won't regret it!

What Makes Amsterdam’s Canals So Unique?

Before we get into the tour itself, let’s keep talking about those canals.

Amsterdam’s canals were built in the 17th century as part of a massive urban expansion plan. They were used for trade, transportation, and defense—and over time, they became a defining feature of the city’s layout and culture. Today, there are over 1,500 bridges and 90 islands created by the canal system. There is so much to see from the water.

From land, you only get part of the story. From the boat, you see:

• Houseboats strung with fairy lights

• Locals having dinner on floating patios

• Narrow, leaning buildings with centuries of stories

• Floating gardens and tucked-away terraces

• Water-level cellar doors and tiny canal cafés

There’s something magical about viewing the city from this low, lapping vantage point. It feels slower, quieter, and more alive in every little detail you can observe.

Canal Culture 101: Yes, There’s Canal Traffic and One Way Waters

Our captain explained that the canal system has actual traffic rules. In parts of the city, boats can only go one way. There are designated routes, “yield to right” rules, and yes—rush hour traffic jams, but on water.

He navigated it all like a pro, greeting fellow captains in Dutch, cracking jokes in perfect English, and somehow keeping everyone’s drinks topped up the entire time.

The Unexpected Highlight: A Fresh Bitterballen Stop

Halfway through the tour, just as we were cruising past the Nine Streets district, our captain asked, “Anyone up for a snack?”

Moments later, we docked at a canalside café where he hopped off and came back with a hot tray of bitterballen—the crispy, gooey Dutch bar snack of your dreams. Served fresh with mustard and still steaming, they were a total surprise and insanely good.

If you’ve never had bitterballen, they’re like a cross between a meat croquette and molten gravy ball, fried to perfection. Eating them on a boat, with the sun dipping behind the canal houses, was honestly one of the most "I’m really in Amsterdam" moments of the whole trip.

Did I Mention the Unlimited Heineken?

Yes—this canal tour included unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, and they weren’t stingy about it. A cooler sat in the middle of the boat stocked with cold Heineken, white and red wine, sodas, and sparkling water. We were encouraged to help ourselves or ask the captain for a refill.

It felt less like a tour and more like a floating happy hour—except instead of a dark bar, you’ve got views of 17th-century mansions, the Westerkerk’s bell tower, and cozy canal side homes.

Small Group Canal Tour vs. Big Boat Cruise: Price and Perks Comparison

Let’s break it down. If you're a first-timer, go big or go home — in my opinion this means go small. That is my suggestion anyways, if you are more social you may like the larger cruise. Often times I am overwhelmed in new experience and with crowds, and this was the exact cruise I needed to take. One thing is certain, you will have better photo options with less people on board with you!

Lets look at the difference between the two styles of Canal Tours in Amsterdam:

Big Boat Cruises on the Canal in Amsterdam (€25–40):

• 50+ people

• Pre-recorded audio guides

• No drinks or snacks

• Rigid schedules and routes

• Less personal, more “check-the-box”

  
  

Small Group Canal Tour in Amsterdam (€65–75):

• 8-12 people max

• Live guide with real stories and personality

• Unlimited drinks & snacks

• Pit stops (like for bitterballen!)

• Social, easygoing, and great for solo travelers

Why This Is Perfect for Solo Female Travelers

As someone who travels alone often, I always look for experiences that feel:

• Safe

• Social but not awkward

• Easy to join without feeling like the odd one out

This small group Amsterdam canal tour hit every mark. The group felt like instant friends. I chatted with travelers from the U.S., Italy, and Australia, passed the wine around, shared bitterballen, and laughed with the captain.

There was no “third wheel” energy—just shared awe at the views and plenty of cheers.

When to Take a Canal Tour (and What to Bring)

🕔 Golden Hour is your best bet—especially in late spring or early fall. The light on the water is dreamy, and the city looks like it’s glowing.

🧥 Bring a jacket or scarf, even in summer. The breeze on the canals is strong and can be cold, even in July.

📷 Have your phone or camera ready—you’ll want photos of the architecture, the water reflections, and of course, your bitterballen moment.

🍷 Don’t eat right before—you’ll want to save room for snacks and drinks on board.

📲 Use Airbnb Experiences or GetYourGuide to book. Look for listings with at least 100+ 5-star reviews and small group size for best results.

Is a Canal Tour in Amsterdam Worth It?

Without question: YES! (Bonus Points if you pair this trip with Amsterdam staple Fabel Friet on your way back to the hotel 🍟)

Honestly, I regret waiting until my fourth trip to try it. This was hands down one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had in Amsterdam.

You can skip the museum ticket. You can skip a meal out. But don’t skip the canals.

Book a small boat. Drink the Heineken. Eat the bitterballen. Let the water show you the city’s real rhythm.

Final Thoughts on the best Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Whether you’re visiting Amsterdam solo or with friends, a canal tour is more than just a tourist activity—it’s an immersion into the city’s soul. And if you can do it with a cold beer in one hand, a warm bitterballen in the other, and some new boat friends around you? Even better.

So take it from me: don’t wait until your fourth trip. Let your first include the one experience that truly connects you to the city. Book the boat. Take the ride. And let Amsterdam unfold in the most unforgettable way.