Amsterdam Canal Cruise Review 2026: Rainy Day Travel Tips
Planning a quick trip to Amsterdam? Discover essential travel tips for 2026 and an honest review of a canal cruise, perfect even on a rainy day!
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Planning a quick trip to Amsterdam? Discover essential travel tips for 2026 and an honest review of a canal cruise, perfect even on a rainy day!
If you only have a day or half a day in Amsterdam during your European trip?
A canal tour is an absolute must-do.
Let's experience a charming Amsterdam trip on a rainy day.
Today, I'll share some essential Amsterdam travel information & my honest review of an Amsterdam canal cruise (paid for with my own money)!
I hope this helps those traveling to Amsterdam for a day trip, half a day, or on a layover!
Amsterdam Essential Travel Information
1. Airport: Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, AMS)
2. Transportation: Tram, Bus, Bicycle Rental
3. Language: Dutch. English is also widely spoken, so most Dutch people are fluent in English.
4. Currency: Euro (EUR)
5. Visa: No visa is required for tourist visits of up to 90 days.
Amsterdam Weather by Season
Let's take a look at Amsterdam's weather throughout the year.
Shall we check out Amsterdam's seasonal temperatures & the number of rainy days per month?
Winter (December-February) :
Average 2.4°C ~ 5.3°C, approximately 19 rainy days.
Spring (March-May) :
Average 3°C ~ 16°C, approximately 14 rainy days.
Summer (June-August) :
Average 11°C ~ 22°C, approximately 13 rainy days.
Autumn (September-November) :
Average 2°C ~ 18°C, approximately 17 rainy days.
It rains for almost half of the days in most months.
On the other hand, temperatures rarely drop below freezing even in winter.
Amsterdam's weather is quite unpredictable, so always pack an umbrella and an outer layer.
So, when is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
Summer is the best time to travel, with the fewest rainy days and moderate temperatures.
If you're looking for international travel destinations in June or August, consider Amsterdam!
I actually visited Amsterdam in March.
It was the start of spring, but it was still quite chilly.
I wore a coat.
It started raining in the morning.
I went hoping for clear skies, but surprisingly, the rain added a certain charm.
And after lunch, the rain stopped, making it perfect for exploring.
If you're a weather lucky charm, definitely visit Amsterdam!
Amsterdam Travel Itinerary Must-Have!
Canal Cruise
The most recommended Amsterdam travel itinerary on a rainy day.
It's a canal cruise!
Because you can ride in a glass-covered boat.
It's a great idea to start your Amsterdam trip with a canal tour.
It allows you to experience the city's atmosphere in a relaxed and romantic way.
Even listening to the sound of rain inside the boat is charming.
The cruise I recommend is the Lovers Canal Cruise!
It's available for around ~$14 per adult, and children under 4 are free.
The reasonable price and comfortable seating were my reasons for choosing it.
About 4 people can sit facing each other, and there's a table in between, perfect for resting your arms.
Shall I give you a peek inside?
It's perfect for couples to sit facing each other or for families to sit together.
I actually rode it alone, not with a partner!
Of course, it would have been great to come with a loved one, but it was still lovely whether I came alone, with friends, or with family.
The guide is conducted in English.
Instead of just throwing a ton of information at us, I loved that the guide pointed out the really interesting things to observe.
Historic and beautiful buildings line the canals, creating a stunning backdrop.
For me, a highlight of the tour was spotting the house with the biggest door and the one with the smallest!
Another fascinating detail to notice is how the houses gently lean towards the canal.
On rainy days, the canals take on an even more romantic atmosphere.
What's the name of the Amsterdam Canal, you ask?
Unlike the Seine or Nile, there isn't one specific name for the entire network.
They are collectively known as "Grachten."
Which, fittingly, means "canal" in Dutch.
Amsterdam's canals are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built in the 17th century, they stretch for about 100 kilometers.
Crisscrossing the entire city, they truly form its beating heart.
Check out the video to see more!
I've enjoyed dinner cruises in the Czech Republic and even a Seine River boat tour in Paris, France.
Whenever you're in Europe, a boat or cruise tour is an absolute must-do!
It's the perfect way to admire all those beautiful buildings in a relaxed, comfortable setting.
What makes an Amsterdam canal cruise special is that, unlike many other places, it's actually great to do on a rainy day!
Since rain is quite common here, many canal tours feature wonderfully cozy, glass-covered boats.
Recommended Itinerary After Your Amsterdam Canal Cruise
When you think of a trip to the Netherlands, windmills, tulips, and canals are probably the first things that come to mind, right?
While day trips to nearby areas are popular, if it's your first visit to the Netherlands, Amsterdam is an absolute must-see!
Since rain can be frequent in any season, you'll find plenty of fantastic indoor activities here.
There are so many beautiful spots to explore, from art galleries and museums to charming cafes.
And once the rain clears, a simple walk is just heavenly!
Let me share some fantastic Amsterdam travel itineraries perfect for a rainy day!
1. Dam Square:
This is one spot you absolutely can't miss on any trip to Amsterdam.
It's home to many popular attractions like the Royal Palace Amsterdam and Madame Tussauds.
The largest building here is the Royal Palace Amsterdam, a magnificent structure that was once a city hall.
Right next to the magnificent Royal Palace of Amsterdam, you'll discover the ever-popular Madame Tussauds!
If you're a fan of wax figures, this is a must-visit!
But even if you decide not to go inside, just admiring the iconic building from the outside is an experience in itself.
You'll get some fantastic photos of the exterior alone!
Dam Square is truly vast, a bustling hub where travelers from all corners of the globe converge.
Naturally, it's also a vibrant stage for countless street performers, adding to its lively atmosphere.
When I visited, I even spotted someone in an eye-catching costume, looking like a fun monkey character!
2. Dive into Amsterdam's Museums
For those of you with a bit more time on your hands, you're in for a treat!
Make sure to visit the iconic Van Gogh Museum and the stunning Rijksmuseum!
As I was on a day trip, I focused my exploration mainly on the city center.
Missing out on these world-renowned museums was definitely one of my biggest regrets!
Van Gogh, well, he needs no introduction, does he? His brilliance speaks for itself!
At the Rijksmuseum, you'll be transported back to the Dutch Golden Age, marveling at masterpieces from that incredible era.
Conveniently located close to the Van Gogh Museum, it's easy to visit both!
Just a heads-up: if you're like me and on a quick day trip or half-day tour, visiting these museums might be a stretch!
Save them for a day when you have plenty of time to fully immerse yourself.
3. The Anne Frank House
This profoundly important site offers a solemn journey into the history of World War II.
Much like the museums, it's best visited when you have ample time to reflect and absorb its significance.
For an even deeper and more meaningful experience, consider re-reading her diary before your visit.
4. Indulge in Amsterdam's Cheese Shops
Did you know the Netherlands is also incredibly famous for its cheese?
That's why you'll find an abundance of delightful cheese shops scattered throughout the city center.
Some even offer fascinating demonstrations of the cheese-making process!
Even if you're not planning to buy, stepping inside to browse is surprisingly fun and quite an experience!
If you're a cheese lover, or even just curious, these shops are definitely worth a visit!
Amsterdam Travel Tips: Make Your Trip Even Better!
1. Gear Up with Waterproofs!
Unlike many other destinations, there's one essential item you absolutely *must* add to your packing list for Amsterdam!
And that's waterproof shoes!
Amsterdam is known for its frequent drizzles and rain, with about half the month experiencing some precipitation, right?
So, trust me, wearing waterproof shoes from the get-go will make your walking tours so much more comfortable.
I personally wore leather shoes.
Knit sneakers, for instance, will get soaked, making it tough to explore on foot.
2. Savor Authentic Local Cuisine
While Dutch cuisine might not be as globally famous as Italian or Japanese, don't let that fool you!
Traditional Dutch dishes are absolutely delicious and full of hearty flavors.
The restaurant I'm about to recommend came straight from a local insider!
I actually asked my canal cruise guide for a local recommendation after our tour, and this was their top pick.
So, go ahead and visit this local-approved eatery – your taste buds will thank you!
📍 Loetje
Stationsplein 10, 1012 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands
3. If you're traveling solo, make local friends
I was incredibly lucky to meet a local friend!
I actually became friends with someone sitting next to me at the restaurant mentioned above!
The Red Light District in Amsterdam, a place I'd always been curious about and wanted to visit at least once.
As a woman traveling alone, I didn't dare go, so I had given up on it.
But my new local friend took me on a tour!
It was a truly fresh cultural experience!
4. Secure a window seat on your Amsterdam canal cruise
Well, that's a given, right?
You definitely get a better view when you're by the window.
Even on a rainy day, watching the water stream down the window is quite lovely!
Have a wonderful trip to Amsterdam!
And that wraps up our look at essential Amsterdam travel info, weather, and a canal cruise review!
Amsterdam on a rainy day has a unique charm of its own.
A canal cruise, museum visits, and local food experiences make Amsterdam delightful even on a rainy day.
When planning your trip to the Netherlands, it's a good idea to keep in mind that Amsterdam's weather can be quite unpredictable.
Amsterdam is truly a fantastic place to visit, even for a short trip.
If you're planning a trip to Europe, be sure to add it to your itinerary.
It's even great for a stopover!
For those of you traveling in Europe, check out my review of the Czech cruise below!
I'll also leave the link for the Amsterdam Lovers' Canal Cruise again!
Book your Amsterdam Cruise right here
This post is an honest review of an Amsterdam canal cruise that I paid for myself. There is a possibility of earning a commission through affiliate activities.
The Lovers Canal Cruise is available for around ~$14 per adult, and children under 4 years old are free. It offers comfortable seating with tables where four people can sit facing each other, and the tour guide provides commentary in English.
In Amsterdam, the average temperature in winter (December-February) is 2.4°C~5.3°C with about 19 rainy days. In summer (June-August), the average is 11°C~22°C with about 13 rainy days. Generally, it rains for about half of the days in almost every month.
Since it rains about half the days in Amsterdam, it's a good idea to bring waterproof shoes. The article recommends leather shoes and mentions that knitted sneakers can easily get wet, which might be uncomfortable for walking tours.
The Amsterdam canals do not have a separate unique name like the Seine or Nile rivers; they are simply called 'Gracht,' which means 'canal' in Dutch. These canals were constructed in the 17th century, stretch for approximately 100 km, and are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
'Loetje,' a restaurant recommended by locals, is located at Stationsplein 10, 1012 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands. It was recommended by a canal cruise guide and is a verified local favorite.
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