Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise with Wine & Cheese Option
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The fourteenth edition is dedicated to Legacy. We ask artists the question: How will we be remembered? Or, perhaps more importantly: How do we want to be remembered? Every generation faces different challenges. Some are passed down to us by our ancestors, others we create ourselves. We inherit the world in the state we find it, but we will be remembered for what we leave behind.
Artists from all over the world are invited to use light as a medium to reflect on what we preserve and what we leave behind. Whether it is a skeletal pavilion, festive light arches, digital projections or refined hand-drawn designs, each artwork is interwoven with personal stories that together capture the spirit of our time.
Along the route, you'll descover that legacy is not always tangible. The temporary installations disappear, but live on as memories. Together, they form a living archive of ideas, feelings, and values.
Available options
ALF Cruise+ Wine & Cheese box
Wine & Cheese box: Choose this option to include a wine & cheesebox. This box includes wine, cheese and a variety of savory snacks.
90 Minute ALF Cruise only
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: Choose this option for the cruise only. No snacks or drinks are included.
90 Minute ALF Cruise+ snackbox
Snackbox: Choose this option to include a snackbox. This snack box includes a soft drink and a variety of sweet and savory snacks.
What's included
Official Amsterdam Light Festival Audio guide
90 minute Blue Boat Company Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise
Blue Boat Company is an official partner of Amsterdam Light Festival
Restroom on board
Earplugs
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Rituals have traditionally helped us through all kinds of transformations: from past to future, from winter to summer, from youth to adulthood. Rituals connect us to our community, our gods or our ancestors. They evolve over time, but largely remain the same, giving us a sense of security and stability in a chaotic world.
2
Light plays a crucial role in many forms of ritual, as a vibrant symbol of joy, energy and life. We use fireworks to ring in the new year, candles to commemorate the coming of a savior, and midsummer fires to welcome the solstice. Light adds something mystical and sacred to a ritual like no other element can.
Artists were asked to represent and reflect on rituals that are meaningful to Amsterdam's diverse community. As a strong foundation that stands the test of time, rituals provide a sense of continuity and connection to our past, present and future selves.
This edition aims to connect, move or inspire our audience with light art that reflects many aspects of rituals, such as rhythm, repetition, performativity, symbolism, continuity and memory.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
Cruise along the famous canals of the old city of Amsterdam
What's not included
Food and drinks
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
NL
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.7
22 reviews
5★
7
4★
8
3★
2
2★
3
1★
2
Tripadvisor
3.5
14 reviews
5★
7
4★
1
3★
1
2★
2
1★
3
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For reservering a wheelchair access, please book your ticket and call +31206791370 to confirm a wheelchair accessible boat.
Meeting point
Dock is located at Stadhouderskade 501 opposite the Hard Rock Cafe. Take tram 1, 2, 5,11 and 12 stop at Leidseplein. From there the dock is a 2 minute walk.
Important notes
Show ticket at ticketoffice of Blue Boat Company at Stadhouderskade 501 opposite Hard rock Cafe.
About Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is renowned for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Known as the 'Venice of the North,' the city offers a rich blend of art, history, and modern innovation, making it a captivating destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history. It houses an extensive collection of paintings, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Museum
2-3 hours
€20
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. It houses the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings in the world.
Museum
1.5-2 hours
€20
Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution during World War II.
Historical
1 hour
€16
Dam Square
Dam Square is the central square of Amsterdam and a historic site. It is home to the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and various other landmarks.
Historical
1 hour
Free
Jordaan
Jordaan is a picturesque and lively neighborhood known for its narrow streets, canals, and vibrant atmosphere. It is a great place to explore, shop, and dine.
Neighborhood
A few hours to explore
Free to explore, varies for shopping and dining
Must-Try Local Dishes
Stroopwafel
A thin, round waffle made from two layers of baked dough joined by a caramel-like syrup filling
Dessert
Vegetarian, contains wheat and sugar
Bitterballen
Deep-fried, crispy balls filled with a creamy, spiced ragout, typically made from beef or veal
Snack
Contains meat, gluten, and dairy
Haring
Raw herring fish, traditionally served with onions and pickles, eaten by holding the fish by its tail and lowering it into your mouth
Dish
Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians
Poffertjes
Miniature pancakes made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk, and yeast, served with powdered sugar and butter
Dessert
Vegetarian, contains wheat, eggs, and dairy
Popular Activities
Canal kayaking
Bike tours
Escape rooms
Canal cruises
Visiting parks and gardens
Spa and wellness treatments
Museum visits
Art galleries
Best Time to Visit
June to August
The peak tourist season in Amsterdam is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals, but it's also the busiest and most expensive period.
15°C to 22°C
59°F to 72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Dutch
- Widely spoken: English, German, French
- English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution
Amsterdam is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bike theft, can occur, particularly in tourist areas and on public transport. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport
- • Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey
Getting there
By air
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol • 17.5 km from city center
By train
Amsterdam Centraal
By bus
Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Getting around
Public transport
Amsterdam's tram system is efficient and user-friendly, with 14 day and night tram lines. A single ticket costs €3.20, and day passes are available.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi Amsterdam
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Jordaan
De Pijp
De Wallen (Red Light District)
Museumplein
Amsterdam-Noord
Day trips
Zaanse Schans
20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day
A picturesque and open-air museum featuring traditional Dutch houses, windmills, and workshops, showcasing the history and craftsmanship of the region.
Haarlem
20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day
A charming and historic city known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and vibrant cultural scene, often considered a smaller and more relaxed version of Amsterdam.
Utrecht
50 km from Amsterdam • Full day
A vibrant and historic city known for its beautiful canals, medieval architecture, and lively cultural scene, with a unique and charming atmosphere.
Festivals
King's Day (Koningsdag) • April 27 (or April 26 if the 27th is a Sunday)
Amsterdam Pride • Late July to early August
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) • Mid-October
Pro tips
- Use the OV-chipkaart for seamless and convenient public transport
- Rent a bike to explore the city like a local, but be aware of cycling rules and etiquette
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Explore the city's neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm
- Try local specialties, such as stroopwafels, bitterballen, and Dutch pancakes
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
