Amsterdam Pub Crawls by Boat: Bar Hopping on the Canals

Pub crawling in Amsterdam is getting a major upgrade—locals and visitors aren’t just walking from bar to bar anymore. These days, they’re hopping on boats and drifting through the canals, turning every stop into an adventure. Why stick to crowded sidewalks or fight for a spot on a terrace when you can glide straight up to a waterside bar and step right in?

Amsterdam’s canals aren’t just postcard material. They’re the city’s natural party lanes. Boat pub crawls let you skip the traffic, dodge the bikes, and kick back while seeing the best of the city’s bar scene—Brouwerij ’t IJ’s windmill brewery, the floating bar at Hannekes Boom, or the tucked-away brown cafés near the Jordaan. Think of it as the most laid-back, scenic taxi service, except you’re holding a cold Heineken or a local craft brew between stops.

If you’re looking for a new way to impress friends, celebrate with colleagues, or meet fellow travelers, this is hard to top. Local companies like Those Dam Boat Guys and Starboard Boats have all-in packages where you don’t have to worry about route planning or steering. Just show up and enjoy the ride. For a do-it-yourself twist, self-drive boats from Boaty let you chart your own course—just keep the city’s boating rules in mind and respect the neighbors living right on the water.

• Why Boat Pub Crawls Are a Big Deal in Amsterdam
• How to Plan Your Own Canal Bar Hop
• Best Canal-Side Bars and Local Breweries
• Essential Tips for a Smooth Sail

Why Boat Pub Crawls Are a Big Deal in Amsterdam

If there’s one thing Amsterdam is known for, it’s the canals. You see them everywhere—over 100 kilometers weaving right through the city. For locals and visitors, the water is basically a part of daily life. More than just scenery, the canals are a shortcut to everything, including the best bars and breweries you never knew were hiding just around a corner.

So, why are Amsterdam pub crawl boat tours exploding in popularity? First off, you’re avoiding busy bike lanes and packed trams, especially on weekends when the centers get wild. Amsterdam boats are a loophole in city chaos. Plus, laws allow open containers on private boats (as long as the captain stays sober), making it legal and chill to enjoy drinks on deck between stops. Try doing that in most other cities and see how far you get.

Boat pub crawls also tap into that ‘gezellig’ Dutch vibe—cozy, social, not rushed. Instead of squeezing into an overheated basement or jostling for space at a crowded bar, you’re hanging with friends while taking in the city from the water. And Amsterdam is perfectly set up for this: plenty of waterside bars, spots to moor for a bit, and safe, well-marked boating routes.

The boat crawl isn’t just for young partygoers, either. It’s big with locals celebrating birthdays, work parties (borrels), or reunions, and it’s a hit with tourists who want something a little more edgy than a walking tour. According to figures from Amsterdam Marketing, almost 1 in 5 tourists takes a canal cruise, but themed crawls and private boat rentals for bar hopping are surging—annual private canal cruise bookings grew by 22% between 2022 and 2024.

If you want to make the most of Amsterdam nightlife while skipping the worn-out pub crawl scene, going by boat just feels a bit more Dutch, a bit smarter, and honestly, a lot more fun.

How to Plan Your Own Canal Bar Hop

Pulling off a canal bar hop in Amsterdam isn’t complicated, but you do need some groundwork or things can float off course fast. First, round up your crew—most rental boats allow up to 8 people, though bigger groups can go with a guided bar crawl or charter boat. Figure out if you want to be your own captain or if it’s just easier to let someone else navigate (especially if you plan to enjoy more than one pint).

Start with a simple route. The inner canal ring (Grachtengordel) hits loads of classic cafes and trendy bars. A popular DIY path starts near the Amstel River, swings past Brouwerij ‘t IJ, drops by Café de Sluyswacht for history and a killer terrace, and steers toward Hannekes Boom—always buzzing with locals. If you want more, head west for Jordaan’s brown bars or north toward NDSM for warehouse spots like Pllek.

Not sure where to rent your ride? Here are some trusted boat rental companies and their average weekday prices:

Now, a few practical things:

• Book at least two weeks ahead for weekends, especially in summer.
• Always check if pick-up and drop-off are in the same spot—it can save taxis or long walks at the end.
• Pack snacks and water. Most boats let you bring your own, and not every stop has quick food service.
• Avoid glass if you can; most companies prefer cans or plastic for safety.
• Bring a phone charger and keep Google Maps handy—you'd be surprised how similar all the bridges look after a few drinks.
• Know the canal speed limits (usually 6km/h in the city center) and don’t drink and drive if piloting yourself. Fines are steep—up to €1000 for boating under the influence.

For a seamless Amsterdam pub crawl by boat, it pays to plan a loose schedule but be ready to go with the flow—literally. Some bars will have dock space, some won’t, and you might find a new favorite spot that’s not even on your list. Flexibility and friendly attitude make the night better, guaranteed.

Best Canal-Side Bars and Local Breweries

Let’s talk about the real stars of a canal pub crawl: the waterside bars and breweries that turn a simple boat ride into a proper night out. Amsterdam’s got loads of them, some right in the thick of the action and others hidden in quieter corners. Hitting up a mix of local favorites and big-name spots can level up any Amsterdam pub crawl by boat.

Here are some must-visit places for your route:

• Brouwerij ’t IJ — You can’t miss it, thanks to the giant windmill. Their terrace looks straight out over the canal and you can try a fresh Zatte or an IPA brewed on-site. Crowds flock here for the beer and the vibe, especially during sunny afternoons.
• Hannekes Boom — Half-floating, half-built from scavenged wood, this laid-back bar is almost always buzzing. Their dock is a favorite drop-in for boats rolling up to grab beers, nachos, and catch live music. Come early if you want a seat during weekends.
• Café de Sluyswacht — Built in a 17th-century lockkeeper’s house, this brown café has loads of character. It’s tucked right on the water at Nieuwmarkt, and locals swear by the house bitterballen with a pint of Amstel.
• Waterkant — Inspired by Surinamese street food, this spot is perfect for a group lunch or the first round before sundown. You can moor your boat right next to their colorful quay and grab some Parbo bier or a craft Gulpener.
• Proeflokaal Arendsnest — This one’s a shrine for Dutch craft beer. They only serve beers brewed in the Netherlands—over 50 on tap! The mooring’s small but worth it if you want to geek out over local brews.

Quick heads up—most of these bars have their own rules about docking, especially during peak season. Always call ahead if you’re coming with a group or plan to dock for a while. And if you’re not sure where to park the boat, ask the staff—they’re used to it.

Curious about prices, opening hours, and crowds on a Friday night? Here’s a snapshot from summer 2025:

One last tip: most places in Amsterdam now take cards, but if you’re heading into older bars like de Sluyswacht, carry some cash just in case. And because these spots fill up when the sun’s out, it’s best to keep your crawl flexible—if a favorite is full, just cruise to the next one down the canal.

Essential Tips for a Smooth Sail

If you want your Amsterdam pub crawl by boat to be worry-free, a bit of planning goes a long way. The city’s canals might look relaxed, but there are some things you’ve absolutely got to know if you want to enjoy the night and avoid rookie mistakes.

• Don’t skip the rules: Amsterdam’s canals aren’t lawless rivers. There’s a strict alcohol policy—open containers are fine on private boats, but the captain (even if that’s you) can’t drink at all. The Waternet police hand out real fines; in 2024, the average fine for drunk boating hit €400.
• Book your boat early: Weekends book up fast between April and September. The earlier you reserve, the better shot you have at landing a prime time slot and a good boat, especially for groups bigger than 6.
• Mind the noise: Plenty of Amsterdammers live in canal houses, so blasting tunes late at night isn’t cool. Most companies will actually remind you—Dutch locals value respect and peace around their homes.
• Bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks: Not all boats have munchies onboard, and nobody drinks well on an empty stomach. Plus, drinking water is not just wise—it’s required by city rules on many tours.
• Know where you can dock: Some canal-side bars like Café de Ceuvel and Vesper Bar have legit spots for boats. Others don’t, and random mooring can land you a €150 fine.
• Pack for the weather: The Dutch sky changes its mind every hour. Bring a waterproof jacket or poncho even if the morning’s sunny. Most rental boats have a small roof, but wind and rain still sneak in.

For those who like seeing the numbers, here’s a snapshot:

Power banks don’t hurt either—your phone’s going to work overtime with maps, music, and photos. Want music? Most rentals allow Bluetooth speakers, but keep it chill when cruising past houses. And keep a garbage bag handy—a clean boat is a happy boat, especially when you’re handing it back. Follow these tips, and you’ll spend less time worrying and more time soaking up that Amsterdam magic from the water.