CHEESE AND DRINKS TOUR: A TASTE OF AMSTERDAM ON THE CANALS

If you’re looking to explore Amsterdam from a different angle, this Cheese and Drinks Tour offers a charming way to do so. Set aboard a 100% electric canal boat, this one-hour experience combines the city’s iconic waterways with tasty local bites, drinks, and stories that bring Amsterdam’s character to life. While it’s a short trip, it’s packed with delightful moments and insider details, making it a memorable addition to any trip to the Dutch capital.

What immediately caught our attention were three standout features: the silent, eco-friendly boat, the authentic Dutch cheese, and the engaging live storytelling. There’s something special about gliding through historic canals without engine noise, paired with the chance to savor local flavors and hear stories from guides who know their city inside out. However, it’s worth noting that, at just 60 minutes, this is a quick tour—so if you’re after a more comprehensive sightseeing experience, you might want to combine it with other activities. Still, for those wanting a relaxed, intimate taste of Amsterdam, this tour hits the spot. It’s particularly suited for couples, small groups, families, or even pet owners wanting to include their furry friends.

Good To Know

• Eco-friendly cruising: Enjoy Amsterdam’s canals without noise or emissions.
• Authentic Dutch flavors: Sample local cheeses paired with three drinks of your choice.
• Engaging storytelling: Guides share fascinating insights into the city’s landmarks and history.
• Ideal for small groups: With cushioned seating and unobstructed views, it’s perfect for a cozy experience.
• Pet-friendly: Your furry friends are welcome onboard.
• Short but sweet: One-hour duration with multiple sightseeing stops along the canals.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Why You’ll Love the Cheese and Drinks Tour

This tour offers more than just a boat ride. It’s a chance to see Amsterdam’s enchanting canals from a peaceful, intimate perspective. The electric boat allows for near-silent cruising, meaning you can truly soak in the ambiance while avoiding the usual noise of larger tour boats. That’s a big plus if you’re seeking a relaxed atmosphere where you can chat, take photos, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

You’ll also appreciate the local Dutch cheese platter—a simple but delicious snack that adds a genuine taste of the Netherlands. Paired with your choice of three drinks, from beers and wines to soft drinks or a premium cocktail, it feels like a mini tasting event on water. Reviewers have praised the quality of both the cheese and drinks, with one pointing out how good the options are for a short tour. Plus, the inclusion of live storytelling by knowledgeable guides like Angela, who’s been described as both funny and insightful, enriches the experience. As one guest put it, “Angela was both funny and knowledgeable,” making the commentary lively and engaging.

The canal routes include some of Amsterdam’s most scenic waterways, passing by historic buildings, charming bridges, and houseboats. Stops include the iconic Oude Kerk, the NEMO Science Museum, and Herengracht, giving you a good overview of the city’s core highlights. The guided narration adds depth, revealing stories behind the landmarks that you might miss on a typical sightseeing cruise.

What You Can Expect on the Tour

A typical booking will start at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 232, next to the Bulldog Hotel, where friendly staff will assist you in boarding. Once aboard, you’ll settle into comfortable cushioned seats with panoramic views of the canals. The 60-minute cruise is divided into segments that take you through a series of well-known and lesser-known waterways, including the Eastern Docklands and Stopera.

You’ll be served a local Dutch cheese platter—a modest but tasty snack that’s perfect for balancing your drinks. The three included drinks can be selected from various options, making it easy to tailor the experience to your preferences. You might opt for a beer and wine combo or indulge with a cocktail—whatever suits your style.

Throughout the cruise, your live guide will narrate stories about the city’s history, architecture, and art. They’ll point out landmarks like the Skinny Bridge and Munttoren, sharing behind-the-scenes insights. As one reviewer noted, guides like Angela make the experience engaging and memorable, blending humor with informative commentary.

The tour is pet-friendly, so your four-legged friends can join in the fun—just be prepared for the step into the boat, which crew members will help you with. It’s suitable for most people, but not for wheelchair users, given the steps needed to board.

The Experience on Each Stop

While the main focus is the cruise itself, each stop along the route adds a layer of context and visual interest. For example, cruising past Oudezijds Voorburgwal offers views of well-preserved historic buildings, and passing the Munttoren adds a splash of Amsterdam’s trading history. The Oude Kerk is always a highlight—its spire and centuries-old facade tell stories of the city’s past.

The route also includes the NEMO Science Museum, which highlights Amsterdam’s innovative side, and the Herengracht, famous for its grandeur and wealthy merchant history. Passing under the Skinny Bridge offers a photo opportunity, with its distinctive design and romantic setting.

The final stops near Oudezijds Voorburgwal bring you back to your starting point, closing the loop on this scenic water journey. Reviewers have remarked on how the tour cleverly combines sightseeing with storytelling, making it a relaxing yet enriching activity.

Price and Value

At $36 per person, this tour is quite competitive for a guided experience in Amsterdam. The inclusion of cheese and three drinks enhances the value, especially considering the quality and local authenticity of the offerings. The eco-friendly boat also adds an appealing sustainability aspect that’s increasingly important for travelers today.

For the price, you get not just a scenic cruise but also a chance to learn, taste, and relax—all in a compact, one-hour window. It’s a perfect way to break up a busy sightseeing day or as an introduction to the city for first-timers.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for those who enjoy casual, social activities with a focus on local flavors and storytelling. It’s particularly good for couples seeking an intimate outing, small groups, or families wanting a light, engaging introduction to Amsterdam. Pet owners will appreciate that their furry friends are welcome, adding to a friendly, inclusive vibe.

If you’re someone who values eco-conscious travel, the electric boat provides a quieter, more sustainable way to see the city. On the flip side, if you’re after a lengthy, in-depth exploration of Amsterdam’s history or want to visit multiple landmarks, this quick tour might be best paired with other activities.

The Sum Up

The Cheese and Drinks Tour delivers a charming, relaxed look at Amsterdam’s canals, combining authentic Dutch flavors with captivating stories and scenic views. The silent, eco-friendly boat ensures a peaceful glide through the city’s historic waterways, while the local cheese and drinks add a tasty, social element. Guides like Angela bring enthusiasm and knowledge that elevate the experience, making it more than just a boat ride — it’s a small taste of Amsterdam’s vibrant culture.

This tour’s affordability and inclusions make it a great value for travelers wanting a light, enjoyable activity that captures the essence of Amsterdam’s charm. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or pet owners seeking a low-key, memorable outing. While it’s not a comprehensive sightseeing tour, it’s an excellent way to relax, learn, and indulge in local flavors, all while cruising past some of the city’s most picturesque sights.

If you’re after a fun, intimate, and sustainable way to see Amsterdam’s canals, this tour checks all the boxes.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 60 minutes, making it a perfect short activity for a busy day.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 232, next to the Bulldog Hotel, and finishes back at the same spot.

What’s included in the price?
You get a 60-minute canal cruise, a Dutch cheese platter, and three drinks of your choice (beer, wine, soft drinks, or a premium cocktail). Live storytelling is also part of the experience.

Is the boat eco-friendly?
Yes, the boat is 100% electric, allowing for silent and sustainable cruising.

Can pets join the tour?
Absolutely. Pets are welcome onboard, making it a pet-friendly experience.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
It’s not recommended for wheelchair users due to the step required to board the boat, but crew members will assist you.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides operate in Dutch and English.

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, with full refund options if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour suitable rain or shine?
Yes, the tour takes place in all weather conditions.

Can I customize my drinks?
While the included drinks are specified, you can choose from a range of options, including soft drinks, beers, wines, or cocktails.

This tour offers a delightful introduction to Amsterdam’s waterways, flavors, and stories—all in a short, sweet package. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local wanting a relaxed outing, it’s a charming way to see the city’s iconic canals and enjoy some tasty Dutch treats.

You can check if your dates are available here: