Anne Frank House Departure

Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

Experience the enchantment of the Amsterdam Light Festival from the water as the city comes alive with light and color. Departing near the Anne Frank House, this cozy evening cruise takes you along Amsterdam’s most iconic canals to admire the festival’s stunning illuminated artworks. Step out onto the open rear deck for an even closer view and capture your best photos of the night. A warm, relaxed, and unforgettable way to watch Amsterdam sparkle.

Quick Details:

Experience Amsterdam Illuminated from the Water

Each winter, Amsterdam transforms into a glowing canvas of light and color. Bridges, facades, and canals become part of the artwork during the Amsterdam Light Festival — and there’s no better way to experience it than from the water.

Step aboard near the Anne Frank House for a 75-minute evening cruise along the city’s most iconic canals. Sail comfortably on a heated, covered boat with large windows and a panoramic skylight, offering you the best views of the light installations from every angle.

The official audio guide (available in Dutch and English) will accompany you throughout the journey, sharing the stories and meanings behind each piece. From monumental sculptures lighting up the bridges to creative projections animating the city walls, every artwork blends technology, art, and emotion into a truly magical experience.

This 14th edition’s theme, “Legacy,” invites reflection on what we preserve and what we pass on. Twenty international artists reinterpret Amsterdam’s past and future through light.

A perfect evening to be inspired, capture unforgettable photos, and rediscover the city from its very heart — its canals.

The festival runs from November 27, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

It is included
  • 75-minute cruise
  • Heated and covered boat
  • Toilet on board
  • Lounge area at the back to enjoy the best views and capture beautiful photos
  • Panoramic skylights
  • Audio guide in Dutch and English
  • Covered boarding location next to the Anne Frank House
  • Friendly skippers with unique stories
Prices, cancellations and changes

Adults (13+): €29.75
Children (4–12): €14.90

Cancellations or modifications must be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time of the tour.

Additional info

We recommend arriving at the boarding point at least 30 minutes before departure. Right across from the dock, you’ll find the Smidtje Canal Café Dialoog, where you can wait comfortably indoors, stay dry in case of rain, and use the restroom before boarding. You can also purchase drinks or snacks to take with you on the cruise, as they are not sold on board.

Restrictions

Boarding the boat requires climbing a few steps, which may be challenging for passengers with reduced mobility or those using a wheelchair.

Pájaros de luz azules sobre los canales de Ámsterdam durante el Amsterdam Light Festival

The cruise is operated by Smidtje Canal Cruises, one of Amsterdam’s most renowned canal cruise companies. With years of experience and a modern, eco-friendly fleet, Smidtje stands out for its professionalism, attention to detail, and the warmth of its crew — turning every journey into a comfortable, safe, and authentically local experience.

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