Evening canal cruise

The city with the lights on

After sunset the bridges of Amsterdam are outlined in small lights and the tall windows of the canal houses light up, many without curtains. An evening cruise is the same loop through the canals as by day, but slower and quieter, and a good way to end a day of walking.

Both the covered glass boats and the small open boats run in the evening. Many add candles and a drink, and some offer wine and cheese on board.

What you see

The Magere Brug is the most famous of the lit bridges, and the stretch of the Reguliersgracht with its seven bridges in a row is at its best after dark. On the Herengracht, the grand houses of the Golden Bend show their painted ceilings through the windows.

Good to know

In summer it gets dark late, so evening cruises then start around ten. In winter they start soon after five, and from late November the Amsterdam Light Festival adds light art along the route. Book ahead on Friday and Saturday evenings.