Amsterdam Food & Canals Tour

Cruise aboard a restored saloon boat and tour veiled backstreets where bites of Dutch treats await

Travel Flexibly 5 / 5 See All 4 Reviews · 4.00h · Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is known worldwide for its nightlife, but did you know there’s a snaking canal system that passes by stunning architectural wonders? This carefully crafted tour of Amsterdam’s waterway introduces you to the idyllic UNESCO World Heritage Site but adds a mouth-watering twist. Along with getting to know the canals during a one-hour ride, you’ll stop for sweet treats, savory plates, and fried morsels in the city’s backstreets.

  • Meeting point at Café Hegeraad
  • Jordaan district
  • Local cheese
  • Dutch herring
  • Canal cruise
  • Amsterdam from the water
  • Bitterballen
  • Ending point in Haarlemmerdijk 4

You’ll meet your group at Café Hegeraad—nothing too big, just 11 others and your food-loving guide joining you on this culinary adventure. The cafe serves up old-world charm and finely-crafted beverages as an introduction to Amsterdam’s craft beers before setting out on the picturesque cruise along the city’s wonderful waterways. Your transport is a restored wooden saloon boat, manned by an expert on the local cuisine. As the boat moves through the canals, you’ll pass by the architectural treasures of Amsterdam. These antique structures whisper stories of yore, their unique style sure to inspire visions of an elder and simpler age. Your cruise stops to give you access to the alluring backstreets, where local favorites like bitterballen, stroopwafels, and authentic apple pie await to satisfy your eager palate.

Indulgent Amsterdam Four-Hour Food & Canals Tour

Your four-hour tour of Amsterdam’s canals includes:

  • Meetup at Café Hegeraad

  • Wooden saloon boat ride

  • Walking food tour of Amsterdam's backstreets

  • Craft beers and samples of Dutch specialties like stroopwafels and bitterballen

  • Guided tour of the canals and backstreets

  • Expert, English-speaking guide

  • Maximum group size of 12

Café Hegeraad and Craft Beer

The enticing aroma of yeast and hops fills the area of Café Hegeraad, your starting point for this culinary journey and scenic tour of “The Venice of the North.” It’s a brief introduction to an Amsterdam favorite, with options available for younger travelers. Café Hegeraad will transport you to a different age, its timeless decor and aesthetic full of fascinating tales.

Amsterdam’s Canals and Food Samplings

From the cafe, your small group will board a restored wooden saloon boat to start the one-hour excursion across the canals that wind through Amsterdam. While there are no notable sites to be mindful of, the city is an attraction on its own. Surrounding you during your canal tour are structures and buildings trapped in time, their perennial architecture a marvel to behold.  

As you admire the scenery and mingle with your fellow tour guests, you’ll dine on flavorful bites of locally-made snacks like bitterballen, a traditional Dutch fried meat snack made with a thickened stew. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your gentle cruise and the occasional stories your tour guide may share.

Walking Food Tour and Amsterdam’s Backstreets

When you disembark your saloon boat, you’ll begin the walking portion of this guided tour. Through the backstreets, you’ll stroll on the search for more delicious bites. You’ll share cheese plates, bite into the sweet and chewy warmth of stroopwafels, or dig your fork into a slice of real Dutch apple pie. 

You’ll have the opportunity to speak to the artisans behind these local culinary pleasures and hear their captivating stories. When the four-hour experience ends, you’ll be left with a full stomach and a deeper appreciation for Amsterdam’s culture and history.

What you get with this tour
Group size of 12
Passionate English speaking guide
1-hour canal cruise
Dutch apple pie, Bitterballen, local cheese and more
Jordaan neighborhood
Six tasting locations
Tour guide gratuities
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4 total reviews

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5.0/5 (based on 4 reviews)
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Katya was fabulous
27 August 2024
N
Reviewed by
Nancy Cooper

Had a great time on the food and canal tour. It was great seeing all the old townhouses from the boat. The food choices were fantastic and gave us an excellent cross-section of food in Amsterdam,

Wonderful introduction to Amsterdam!
28 November 2023
S
Reviewed by
Sheri Gildersleeve

Katya was the ultimate host! Fun & engaging! We had such a great time, great food and awesome company.

31 August 2023
L
Reviewed by
Lisa Edge

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

It’s recommended that you travel light for this tour, as you’ll be provided with food and drinks. There is some walking along uneven terrain, so wear comfortable shoes. Open-toed sandals and flip-flops are not recommended.

Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?

No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Amsterdam.

Is lunch included in the price of the tour?

There isn’t one dedicated lunch, but you will receive food throughout the tour, such as small snacks and desserts, and craft beer.

What if I have food allergies, intolerances, or other dietary requirements?

Please contact us in advance so we can do our best to accommodate your needs. The food tour is adaptable to accommodate vegetarians and specific allergies.

Start From: $177.41

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