Duration
Free cancellation
Audio guide
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Combine Amsterdam’s premier indoor attraction with its top seasonal winter event for a 5% saving and a seamless afternoon-to-evening itinerary.
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Take a 75-minute heated boat tour along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route to view over 20 illuminated artworks from the water.
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Access the original 1867 brewery at the Heineken Experience for a multi-sensory tour featuring interactive exhibits, a 4D ride, and two perfectly chilled Heinekens.
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Use your tickets on the same day for a complete winter experience or split them across different dates to suit your own pace.
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Travel with ease between locations; the festival cruise departure at Prins Hendrikkade is just a short 10-minute transit from the brewery in De Pijp.
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Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise
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75-minute canal cruise on official Light Festival route
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Boarding from Prins Hendrikkade
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Audio guide in English & Dutch about art and artists
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Heated, closed boat seating
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Free WiFi on board
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Restroom on board
Heineken Experience
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Entry to Heineken Experience
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Live presentation in English
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Audio guide in Dutch, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese
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2 complimentary Heinekens or soft drinks
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Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise
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Meals and drinks (hot chocolate and gluhwein available for purchase)
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Hotel pickup and drop-off
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Tips/gratuities
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Transfers to/from departure point
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You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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Combine the multisensory history of a global brewing icon with the seasonal magic of Amsterdam’s waterways illuminated by world-class light art.
Getting started
Most travellers choose to visit the Heineken Experience in the afternoon before heading to the Prins Hendrikkade pier for an evening cruise. Present your digital ticket at the brewery entrance for validation and a brief ID check. For the festival cruise, arrive at the pier 15 minutes before your scheduled departure to scan your mobile voucher and board your heated vessel.
What to expect
Amsterdam Light Festival cruise
Board a heated, glass-top boat as the sun sets to follow the official festival route, providing a water-level perspective of large-scale light sculptures spanning the city's historic bridges.
Features:
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75-minute official route: Glide past over 20 unique artworks specifically commissioned for the annual festival theme.
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Bilingual audio commentary: Hear the stories and artistic intent behind each installation via English and Dutch audio guides.
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All-weather comfort: View the festival through panoramic windows from the warmth of a heated cabin featuring onboard restroom facilities and WiFi.
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UNESCO historic circuit: Navigate the winter-themed canal belt as it is transformed into a nocturnal open-air gallery.
Heineken Experience
Explore the heritage of the original 1867 brewery through a self-guided circuit that leads you from historic industrial architecture to high-tech interactive bars.
Features:
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The historic brewhouse: Walk among the massive copper kettles where the very first batches of Heineken were crafted over 150 years ago.
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4D 'Brew Your Ride': Experience a sensory simulation of the brewing and bottling process from the perspective of a beer bottle.
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The tasting bar: Learn the "Star" pour technique from a brand ambassador and enjoy two chilled Heinekens included in your tour.
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Interactive heritage exhibits: Discover the evolution of the brand’s global marketing and hands-on brewing science through digital displays.
Wrapping up
The cruise concludes at the central pier near Centraal Station, placing you within walking distance of the city's main public transport links and the historic centre.
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What to bring
Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise + Heineken Experience
- Have your entry tickets and ID ready for a seamless experience.
Heineken Experience
- Carry your earphones for an immersive audio guide experience.
What’s not allowed
Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise + Heineken Experience
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Outside food & beverages and smoking are not allowed on this experience.
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Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise
- Sharp metallic tools or objects, vaping, and large bags and luggage are not allowed on this experience.
Heineken Experience
- Safety is a priority, so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 18 years.
Accessibility
Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise + Heineken Experience
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise
- The experience may not be fully wheelchair accessible. Please check with the operator in advance if you have specific accessibility needs.
Heineken Experience
- This experience is wheelchair accessible. However, visitors with disabilities are encouraged to contact Heineken Experience in advance to arrange a suitable tour, subject to safety and accessibility considerations.
Additional information
Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise
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Hot chocolate and gluhwein are available for purchase.
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The boat is heated and covered, but outdoor areas may still be cold during the winter months.
Heineken Experience
- Facilities: lockers, a cloakroom, and a restroom.
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