Amsterdam canal cruise with culinary burger or cheese & wine

Imagine gently gliding through Amsterdam’s iconic canals, but with a delicious upgrade. That’s exactly what this canal cruise with culinary options offers—combining the city’s stunning waterways with mouthwatering food and wine. We’ve gathered plenty of insights from travelers who’ve taken this trip, and it’s clear this experience hits a sweet spot for food lovers and sightseers alike.

What makes this cruise stand out? First, the friendly and knowledgeable guides who bring the city’s stories to life. Second, the quality of food and drinks, carefully paired to elevate the experience. And third, the relaxed, comfortable boat setting that allows you to soak in views without feeling rushed. The only thing to consider? The price point is reasonable, but extra drinks beyond the included one need to be purchased on board. That said, this cruise is best suited for groups of friends, couples, or families looking for a fun, tasty way to see Amsterdam.

Good To Know

• Scenic canal route showcasing Amsterdam’s most famous sights
• High-quality food options, including gourmet burgers or a cheese & wine tasting
• Informative and personable guides enhance the experience
• Comfortable, heated boat with a toilet onboard for convenience
• Affordable price considering the food, drinks, and scenic tour
• Flexible options for different preferences and group sizes

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

This culinary cruise offers two main options: a Burger Dinner Cruise and a Cheese & Wine Cruise, each promising a tasty way to explore the city’s famous canals. Whether you’re craving a juicy burger or a selection of aged cheeses paired with locally sourced wines, this tour aims to satisfy both your appetite and your curiosity about Amsterdam.

The Itinerary and Stops

The cruise departs from Prinsengracht 261a, a convenient location near the Anne Frank Museum, making it easy to combine with sightseeing on land. Over the course of roughly 75 to 90 minutes, the boat weaves through areas such as De Negen Straatjes, Herengracht, and past the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge). These stops reveal some of Amsterdam’s most picturesque neighborhoods, with the skipper sharing stories about the city’s history and architecture in English, supplemented by an audio guide in several languages.

The route also passes notable landmarks like the HART Museum, Het Scheepvaartmuseum, and the NEMO Science Museum, giving you a scenic backdrop while you indulge in your culinary treats. The boat’s design ensures you get unobstructed views of the city’s historic facades and lively neighborhoods.

What’s Included?

• For the Burger Cruise, you get a large, freshly prepared gourmet burger or vegan alternative with a portion of fries and mayonnaise, plus one free drink. The burger is supplied by the well-known Burgerbar, which has a good reputation for its flavorful offerings. Reviewers mention the burger as “delicious” and “huge,” making it a filling highlight of the trip. One guest remarked, “The burger was a nice addition, and we felt the ticket price plus food was excellent value for money.”

• The Cheese & Wine Cruise features three carefully selected cheeses—truffle, cumin, and aged cheese—sourced from the Kaasbar Amsterdam, founded by the son of Holland’s top cheese supplier. These are paired with three wines from Grapedistrict, including a Spanish prosecco, a Spanish Sauvignon Blanc, and a Portuguese red. Reviewers appreciated the flavor profiles of the cheeses and the pairing, with one stating, “The wines and cheeses complemented each other perfectly,” and another mentioning that the cheeses had unique flavor profiles and aged just right.

The Skipper and Hosts

Guests consistently praise the friendly and engaging hosts. From Holly’s review: “Both the Captain and Dan were excellent hosts who made us feel incredibly valued. Dan offered refills at just the right intervals and even took pictures of all groups.” The guides are not only knowledgeable but also attentive, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and entertained.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Comfort and Convenience

The boat itself is heated, making it comfortable even on cooler days. It also features a toilet on board, which travelers find particularly helpful, especially during longer cruises. A bar offers drinks for purchase beyond the included one, giving you the option to enhance your experience.

The Experience in Detail

The Start and End Points

The cruise begins at Prinsengracht 261a, easily accessible and close to other major attractions like the Anne Frank Museum. The tour ends back at the starting point, making it straightforward to continue exploring or grab a meal nearby.

The Scenic Journey

As you glide through the canals, you’ll enjoy views of Amsterdam’s quaint houses, historic bridges, and lively neighborhoods. The route includes notable stops such as De Negen Straatjes and Herengracht, and sights like the Magere Brug, a favorite for photo ops and romantic strolls. The guides’ storytelling adds context that makes the scenery even more meaningful, whether sharing anecdotes about historic residents or architectural details.

Food and Drink Experience

The quality of the food is a highlight. Reviewers say the burgers are sizable and flavorful, with some mentioning vegan options, which are carefully prepared. Fries come with mayonnaise, and the burger is served with a soft bun and fresh ingredients.

In the Cheese & Wine version, the cheeses are aged and crafted by a master flavor creator, and the wines are locally sourced, offering a genuine taste of Dutch and Spanish vineyards. The selection allows for a tasting experience that’s educational as well as delicious.

What Travelers Love Most

• The informative guides who share stories and answer questions
• The delicious and well-paired foods and wines
• The relaxed atmosphere onboard the heated boat
• The scenic routes passing landmarks and neighborhoods

What Could Be Better?

While the price of $40 per person includes the main food item and a drink, additional beverages must be bought separately. For some, this is a small inconvenience, especially if you’re planning to enjoy multiple drinks. Also, the minimum age for the Cheese & Wine cruise is 18 years**, so it’s not suitable for families with young children wanting a wine experience.

Who Is This Cruise Best For?

This experience is perfect for couples wanting a romantic evening, groups of friends seeking a fun, social outing, or even families with older children who enjoy good food and scenic views. If you’re a foodie eager to taste Dutch cheeses or gourmet burgers while exploring Amsterdam from the water, this tour offers excellent value. It’s also a good choice for those new to the city, as guides share stories and insights that enrich the sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

This canal cruise with culinary options combines the best of Amsterdam’s iconic scenery with thoughtfully curated food and drink experiences. The friendly guides, quality offerings, and comfortable boat make it a standout choice for anyone looking to combine sightseeing with a relaxed gourmet experience.

The $40 price point is reasonable considering the amount of food, wine, and scenic beauty included. It’s an especially good choice if you’re after a fun, informal way to learn about the city while indulging your taste buds.

If you enjoy a combination of sightseeing, good food, and good company, this cruise is likely to be a highlight of your Amsterdam trip. Just bring your appetite and a sense of curiosity—you’ll leave with plenty of stories and satisfied taste buds.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 75 minutes for the burger option and up to 90 minutes for the cheese & wine experience, depending on availability.

Where does the cruise start?
It starts at Prinsengracht 261a, near the Anne Frank Museum and in front of café ‘Dialoog.’

Is the boat heated?
Yes, the boat is heated, so you’ll stay comfortable even on cooler days.

Is there a restroom onboard?
Yes, the boat is equipped with a toilet.

Are drinks included?
The burger meal includes one free drink. Additional drinks can be purchased on board.

What cheeses are served on the cheese & wine cruise?
Three cheeses—truffle, cumin, and aged cheese—are carefully selected and paired with three wines.

Can I book the cruise and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, allowing for flexible planning.

Is this experience suitable for children?
The Cheese & Wine Cruise requires guests to be at least 18 years old, but the burger option may be more family-friendly.

To sum it up, this canal cruise with a culinary twist offers a delightful blend of scenic views and gourmet bites that appeal to both the eye and the palate. It’s a flexible, relaxed way to see Amsterdam while indulging in delicious local flavors. Perfect for anyone wanting a memorable, tasty experience on the city’s waterways.

You can check if your dates are available here: