An Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with an Optional Open Bar – A Fun and Relaxing Experience

Treat yourself to a truly special experience in Amsterdam with a light festival cruise and optional open bar. During the Amsterdam Light Festival, you can witness the city lit up with various light installations, some of which even interact with the water to make for a stunning display. And, as the sun sets and lights flicker into life, you can enjoy the view while taking a glass of the optional open bar.

So, if you’re looking to relax and take in the marvels of Dutch modern art, this cruise is an experience not to be missed. Read on to find out what you need to know to make the most of your Amsterdam light festival cruise.

What Is the Amsterdam Light Festival?

The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual event that takes place from early December until early January, lasting roughly one month. During this time, sculptures, exhibits, and light installations are set up throughout the city.

Many of the pieces created for the festival use the sparkling of city canals to create unique visuals and reflections from the pieces of art, making it a must-see event for Dutch modern art fans. Each year features new works and designs, making it a must for photography and art fans alike.

What Are the Benefits of Taking a Light Festival Cruise?

One of the main benefits of taking a light festival cruise is that it offers a unique perspective on the artwork. On a normal day in Amsterdam, it can be easy to miss many of the canalside designs due to obstructions created by nearby buildings and bridges. When you’re on board a boat, your view of all the stunning light displays is unobstructed.

Not only that, but taking a light festival cruise allows you to enjoy the artwork in a more relaxed and tranquil setting. You can sit back and enjoy your drink while you watch the art unfold around you, creating a perfect evening and providing a much-needed reprieve from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

What Is Included With a Light Festival Cruise?

When you book a light festival cruise, there are a few different things included with your ticket. Firstly, you’ll get to enjoy an evening tour of the canals that will show off many of the artworks lit up across the city. Depending on which tour you opt for, you’ll also receive either a complimentary drink or open bar throughout the evening. Some boats also feature commentary from local guides who are well-versed in Dutch culture, allowing you to learn more about the light festival during your journey.

Where Can You Book?

If you’re interested in taking a light festival cruise, there are plenty of boats available with tours that encompass all aspects of Amsterdam’s captivating culture.

One example is GetYourGuide’s Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with an Optional Open Bar. This takes two hours and offers you views of some of Amsterdam’s best-loved attractions from its network of canals from sunset until nightfall, with unlimited drinks included throughout. You’ll also be able to take advantage of commentary provided by experienced tour guides who have detailed knowledge about the area and its culture.

At the end of your tour, there’s even time to explore the inner-city by foot and make use of some of its wide range of eateries and bars. So, if it’s just a relaxing evening or possibly a night on the town you’re after, GetYourGuide’s light festival cruise has plenty to offer.

Is It Recommended?

Overall, if you’re looking for an activity that combines comfort with local history and culture during your time in Amsterdam, then you should consider taking a light festival cruise with an optional open bar. Seeing the city’s canals lit up with extraordinary artwork is truly captivating, and being able to repay yourself for your sightseeing efforts with an open bar makes for an outstanding evening out in Amsterdam.

Whether you’re looking for a tranquil experience or want to wind down after a long day exploring the city’s attractions, taking a light festival cruise with an optional open bar is sure to make your stay memorable. To book your tour now and see this marvellous event first-hand, head to GetYourGuide.

An Insider’s Guide to Amsterdam: Beyond the Tourist Hotspots

Local Attractions

When we think of Amsterdam, the first things that come to mind are often the famous canals, the red-light district, and the coffee shops. However, the city has much more to offer than its common tourist spots. One hidden gem that is worth exploring is the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam. This botanical garden dates back to the 1600s and features a vast collection of plants from all over the world. Another unique attraction is the Electric Ladyland museum, which is entirely dedicated to fluorescent art. Here, you can explore mind-bending installations that glow in the dark.

Dining Spots

Dutch cuisine may not be as famous as French or Italian, but it certainly has its charm. One must-try food when you are in Amsterdam is the Stroopwafel, a chewy caramel cookie that is usually served with a cup of coffee. For something more substantial, head to Cafe de Klos, which serves the best ribs in town. The restaurant doesn’t often take reservations, and it can get crowded, but it’s definitely worth the wait. A fun fact: many Dutch people like to have a late-night snack of “frites” or French fries, and one of the most popular places to get them is the Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx.

Cultural Experiences

Amsterdam is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and there’s no better way to experience it than by visiting its many museums. However, instead of the more well-known museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, why not check out the Museum Willet-Holthuysen? This museum is a preserved 17th-century canal house, and walking through its historic rooms is like stepping back in time. You can also visit the EYE Filmmuseum, where you can learn about the history of Dutch cinema and watch classic movies on a state-of-the-art screen.

Local History

Amsterdam’s history is full of fascinating stories. One such story is that of the Hollandsche Schouwburg, a former theater that was turned into a Nazi deportation center during World War II. Today, it is a memorial museum that honors the lives lost during the war. Another site worth visiting is the Begijnhof, a tranquil courtyard that dates back to the 14th century. The Begijnhof was originally a convent for Catholic women, and although it has been renovated over the years, it still retains its old-world charm.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re looking for something unique to do in Amsterdam, consider taking a tour of the city’s underground tunnels. These tunnels date back to the 17th century and were built to help drain the city’s canals. Another out-of-the-ordinary experience is visiting the Micropia Museum, a science museum that is entirely dedicated to microbes. Here, you can learn about the tiny organisms that surround us and play an essential role in our lives.

Conclusion

Amsterdam may be famous for its liberal attitudes and coffee shops, but it has so much more to offer. From quaint canal houses to off-the-beaten-path museums, the city is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. By exploring Amsterdam’s local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, you can experience the city in a way that goes beyond the typical tourist experience.