Amsterdam: Burger Dinner Canal Cruise

If you’re looking for a relaxed, tasty way to explore Amsterdam’s iconic canals, the Burger Dinner Canal Cruise might just be your next highlight. This 75-minute cruise combines scenic views with a hearty burger, making it an excellent option for a casual evening out. While it’s not a formal dinner cruise or a luxury experience, it offers enough charm and comfort to be genuinely enjoyable.

Two things we particularly like about this experience are the high-quality burgers from the Burgerbar and the friendly, interactive guides who share stories about the city. The inclusion of a free drink and the convenience of a semi-covered boat make it accessible and comfortable. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that additional drinks are not included in the ticket price, so if you’re a thirsty traveler, be prepared to buy extra beverages.

This cruise suits travelers wanting a laid-back, family-friendly activity that blends sightseeing with good food. It’s also a terrific choice if you’re traveling with friends or your partner and want to enjoy some of Amsterdam’s finest sights while munching on a tasty burger.

Key Points

• Short and Sweet: 75-minute cruise offering a quick but scenic overview of Amsterdam’s canals.
• Quality Food: Freshly made burgers from the Burgerbar, including vegetarian options, with fries included.
• Comfortable Setting: Semi-covered boat with onboard toilet and open rear deck.
• Engaging Guides: Skipper provides live commentary, with audio options in several languages.
• Inclusive Drink: One free drink included, with additional drinks available for purchase.
• Authentic Experience: Combines sightseeing with a relaxed, casual dining atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Amsterdam Burger Dinner Canal Cruise

The Experience in a Nutshell

We found the 75-minute cruise to be just the right length for a relaxed, entertaining evening. You’ll board a semi-open boat that offers a view of Amsterdam’s most famous canals — from the charming Prinsengracht to the lively De Negen Straatjes and beyond. The boat’s semi-covered design ensures you stay comfortable regardless of the weather, and the onboard toilet adds a touch of convenience that’s often missing on smaller boat trips.

The highlight, of course, is the burger from Burgerbar. This local chain is renowned across the Netherlands for its quality, and during this cruise, you get a freshly prepared large burger—whether meat or vegetarian—accompanied by crispy fries and a generous dollop of mayonnaise. Many reviews praise the burger’s size and taste, with some noting the portions are “worth the money” and “delicious.” A major benefit here is that the burger and fries are included, making this a good value compared to other dining options in town.

The Itinerary and Scenic Highlights

The cruise starts at Prinsengracht 261a, near the Anne Frank House, which in itself is a thoughtful choice for a meeting point. From there, the boat glides through several key sights:

• De Negen Straatjes: Known as the “Nine Streets,” this area is packed with boutique shops and charming cafes. It’s a picturesque spot that looks especially lovely from the water.
• Herengracht: One of the main canals, lined with historic buildings and impressive merchant houses.
• Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge): An iconic, wooden drawbridge that’s a favorite photo opportunity.
• HART Museum and Het Scheepvaartmuseum: These cultural stops add depth to the view, and the guide shares stories about Amsterdam’s maritime history.
• NEMO Science Museum: Recognizable by its modern design, it signals Amsterdam’s innovative spirit.
• Amsterdam Centraal Station: The bustling transportation hub, providing a sense of the city’s vibrant life.
• Noorderkerk and The Jordaan: Known for their historic charm and lively neighborhood atmosphere.

Throughout the cruise, the skipper acts as a lively guide, sharing stories about the city’s history and architecture in English. An audio guide is also available in several languages, ensuring everyone can stay engaged.

The Food and Drink

The Burgerbar provides a substantial burger—beef or vegetarian—and fries, which many reviewers describe as “huge portions” and “delicious.” The inclusion of one free drink—which might be beer, wine, or soft drink—adds to the relaxed vibe. However, it’s worth noting that other drinks are not included, so if you’re thirsty, be prepared to purchase extras onboard.

Passengers appreciate the quality of the food and the convenience of having it served directly on the boat. The short stop opposite Waterlooplein to bring the burgers onboard is a nice touch, making sure everyone’s food is fresh and hot during the cruise.

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The Atmosphere and Service

Guests consistently praise the friendly, attentive host and skipper, with reviews highlighting their engaging manner and willingness to take photos of groups. The boat is described as spacious, with enough room for everyone to relax comfortably. The open rear deck allows for a bit of fresh air and better views, especially on a clear evening.

Many reviewers mention how the guides’ stories add charm and context to the sights, making the cruise more than just a scenic ride. The mix of live commentary and audio options caters to different preferences, ensuring an accessible experience.

Pricing and Value

At first glance, the ticket price might seem modest for a combined sightseeing and dining experience. When you factor in the quality food, the scenic cruise, and the knowledgeable guides, the value appears quite reasonable. The reviews confirm that many guests felt the experience was “excellent value for money,” especially given the large burger and the lively atmosphere.

It’s important to note that drinks beyond the included one cost extra, so budget accordingly if you plan to enjoy multiple beverages. Still, for a casual, fun outing with a good meal included, this cruise offers solid value.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This cruise is ideal for families, couples, and friends who want to combine sightseeing with a relaxed, informal meal. It’s perfect if you like your sightseeing with a side of comfort and good food. Given the emphasis on friendly service and good value, it’s also a great activity for travelers who prefer a less structured, more social experience.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

The Amsterdam Burger Dinner Canal Cruise offers a relaxed, enjoyable way to see the city’s canals while indulging in a hearty burger and fries. It’s a straightforward experience that combines good food, friendly guides, and scenic views in a comfortable setting.

While it doesn’t aim for luxury or exclusivity, it makes up for it with its authentic, fun atmosphere and solid value. If you’re after an activity that’s easy-going, family-friendly, and offers a taste of local flavors, this cruise could be a real highlight of your Amsterdam trip.

It’s especially suited for those who appreciate informal dining combined with sightseeing and want a memorable, tasty experience without breaking the bank. Just remember to bring your appetite — the burgers are generously sized!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts about 75 minutes, making it a perfect short activity that fits well into a busy sightseeing day.

Where does the cruise start and end?
It begins at Prinsengracht 261a, near the Anne Frank Museum, and returns to the same location after completing the scenic route.

What food is included?
You’ll get a freshly made large burger (meat or vegetarian) along with fries and mayonnaise. It’s a generous portion and considered good value based on reviews.

Is drinks included?
Yes, one free drink is included in your ticket, with options likely including beer, wine, or soft drinks. Additional beverages are available for purchase on board.

Can I bring children?
While not explicitly stated, the friendly, family-friendly atmosphere and casual nature suggest it’s suitable for older children. However, travelers with mobility impairments should note that the activity is not wheelchair accessible.

What language is the guide in?
The skipper provides commentary in English, with an audio guide available in other languages, making it accessible for most travelers.

Is this activity suitable in bad weather?
The boat is semi-covered, so you’ll stay relatively dry. However, during heavy rain or storms, the cruise might be canceled or rescheduled—check availability beforehand.

To sum it up, this burger cruise offers a lively, tasty way to experience Amsterdam’s famous canals. It strikes a good balance between sightseeing, comfort, and good food, making it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a relaxed, authentic Dutch experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: