Amsterdam: Evening Pizza Cruise Along the Canals

Imagine gliding through Amsterdam’s enchanting canals on a cozy, heated boat, with the glow of the city lights reflecting on the water. Now add fresh New York-style pizza and unlimited drinks into the mix. That’s essentially what you get with the Evening Pizza Cruise Along the Canals, a popular experience rated 4.5 out of 5 based on over 2,400 reviews. It’s a fun, relaxed way to see the city from a different perspective, especially when evening falls and the bridges light up.

What makes this cruise particularly appealing is its combination of food, drink, and storytelling—a perfect recipe for groups of friends, families, or anyone looking for a laid-back, tasty evening. We love that it’s child-friendly and offers a comfortable onboard environment with amenities like Wi-Fi and a toilet. On the flip side, some travelers might find the seating arrangements a bit pre-assigned and not guaranteed to be together if they book separately. Still, if you’re after a value-packed, genuine experience with a good dose of local charm, this cruise hits the spot.

It truly suits those who enjoy a casual, social vibe and want to combine sightseeing with a relaxed meal. Whether you’re new to Amsterdam or a seasoned visitor, this cruise offers an enjoyable way to wind down after a day of exploring.

Key Points

• Tasty Food & Unlimited Drinks: Enjoy New York-style pizza along with unlimited wines, beers, or soft drinks.
• Engaging Commentary: The captain shares stories about the UNESCO-listed Canal Belt, adding depth to the scenic views.
• Comfort & Convenience: Heated boat with Wi-Fi, toilets, and a relaxed atmosphere suitable for all ages.
• Great Value: Combines sightseeing, food, and drinks for a competitive price.
• Ideal for Groups & Families: Friendly environment, easy to socialize, easy to plan with reserved seating.
• Short & Sweet: A 1.5-hour experience perfect for fitting into a busy itinerary or as a relaxing evening activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point & Accessibility

You’ll meet at Damrak Pier 5, just a short 3-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. That makes it an incredibly accessible starting point, especially for those arriving via train or central transportation. The check-in process involves showing your voucher, and the boat departs on a schedule that varies daily—so it’s wise to check availability beforehand.

Onboard Comfort & Amenities

Once aboard, you’ll notice the boat is heated, making it comfortable even on cooler evenings—a thoughtful touch in the Dutch climate. With Wi-Fi available, you can even share your views or look up interesting facts about Amsterdam’s canals during the cruise. A toilet on board adds convenience, especially for families or those with small children.

The Itinerary & Scenic Highlights

The cruise begins at Damrak 16, a lively area packed with shops and cafes. As you drift through the canals, you’ll pass notable sights like Amsterdam Centraal Station, Brouwersgracht, Prinsengracht, and the Grachtengordel—the famous canal ring designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The captain will share tidbits about the city’s history and architecture, making the trip both enjoyable and educational.

You’ll glide past the Anne Frank House, a sobering but essential part of Amsterdam’s story, and marvel at the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), one of the city’s most photographed structures. As the boat passes by the Dancing Houses and the NEMO Science Museum, the combination of views and commentary enhances your understanding of Amsterdam’s character and development.

The Food & Drink Experience

The highlight for many is the opportunity to choose a classic New York pizza—vegetarian options like Margherita and Californian Veggie, or meat-lovers’ choices like Pepperoni, Hawaii, or Chili Chicken. The pizzas are made fresh and served hot, a rarity in a water-based experience. Reviewers frequently praise the delicious pizza and the generous, unlimited drinks, which include wines, beers, or soft drinks.

You don’t need to worry about running out of beverages; the crew actively checks on guests to ensure everyone is well-hydrated and enjoying themselves. The combination of tasty food, lively drinks, and scenic views makes for a memorable evening.

Storytelling & Atmosphere

While enjoying your pizza and drinks, the captain provides commentary about the city, weaving in stories about the historic canal system, architecture, and local anecdotes. Some reviews mention that the guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and even humorous, adding a personal touch to the experience. The relaxed atmosphere, complemented by background music, creates a charming, convivial vibe.

Duration & Flow

Lasting around 1.5 hours, this cruise is long enough to feel satisfying but short enough to fit into an evening without feeling like a full-blown tour. The route loops back to Damrak Pier 5, giving you a complete yet digestible overview of Amsterdam’s waterways.

What Reviewers Love Most

The friendly staff and great value frequently come up in reviews. Many travelers note that the pizza is delicious, the drinks keep flowing, and the views are stunning—especially as the city lights come on at dusk. Reviewers like Brent call it a “stunning evening”, while Clare appreciates the “lovely way to see Amsterdam”. Several mention that the guides are personable and informative, making the trip engaging without overloading with facts.

Some travelers highlight the good seating arrangements, especially since Stromma arranges the seating before departure. However, those booking separately should be aware that they may not sit next to their group unless they reserve all tickets together.

Weighing the Value

Compared to other canal experiences in Amsterdam, this cruise offers great value—combining scenic views, a meal, and drinks into one relatively affordable package. Given the cost of similar activities, especially those including food and unlimited beverages, many reviews suggest it’s excellent value for money.

However, some may find the seating arrangements less flexible if they book separately, and the “storytelling” is limited to short insights from the captain. Still, the overall experience is polished and well-organized, making it an easy choice for those wanting a fun, laid-back evening.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for groups of friends looking for a relaxed social outing. Families with children will appreciate the child-friendly environment and the short duration. If you’re a traveler who enjoys good food, drinks, and scenic waterways without the fuss of a larger tour, this is an excellent option.

It’s less ideal for those seeking a highly educational or in-depth historical tour—the focus here is more on enjoying the moment. Also, if you prefer a more intimate or customized experience, the pre-arranged seating might feel limiting.

More Great Tours Nearby

Final Thoughts

This Evening Pizza Cruise Along Amsterdam’s Canals offers a delightful mix of scenic beauty, tasty food, and lively conversation—all in a cozy, comfortable setting. The value for money is hard to beat, especially considering the unlimited drinks and freshly made pizza. It’s a great way to unwind in the city, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local.

For those who love relaxed social experiences with a local flavor, this cruise hits the right notes. The friendly staff, beautiful views, and tasty pizza make it a memorable evening out. Just remember to book all your tickets together for the best chance at sitting as a group.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where does the cruise start and end? It begins at Damrak Pier 5 and returns to the same location.
• How long is the cruise? It lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
• What food is included? One New York-style pizza, with vegetarian and meat options available.
• Are drinks unlimited? Yes, you can enjoy unlimited wines, beers, or soft drinks during the cruise.
• Is Wi-Fi available onboard? Yes, Wi-Fi is offered to guests.
• Is there a toilet on the boat? Yes, the boat is equipped with a toilet.
• Can I sit with my group if I book separately? Seating is arranged before departure, so separate bookings are not guaranteed to sit together unless all tickets are purchased in one reservation.
• Is this suitable for children? Yes, it’s family-friendly and appropriate for all ages.
• Is it accessible from Central Station? Absolutely, it’s just a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station.
• Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

The Amsterdam Evening Pizza Cruise offers a genuine and enjoyable way to see the city’s waterways while savoring a classic slice of New York pizza. It’s ideal for those seeking a relaxed, social experience with great food and scenic views. Perfect for groups, families, or anyone wanting to combine sightseeing with a casual meal, it promises a memorable evening in Amsterdam—all at a fair price.

If you’re after a fun, laid-back outing that mixes local charm with comfort, this cruise is well worth considering. Just remember to book all your tickets together to ensure your group can sit side by side and enjoy the experience to the fullest.

You can check availability for your dates here: