After a smoke boat tour ends in Amsterdam, you are typically dropped back off at the same central departure point where you boarded, leaving you right in the heart of the city with the rest of your evening wide open. Most tours last around one hour, finishing in the late afternoon or early evening, which is the perfect window to transition into dinner, a coffeeshop visit, or a night out. The sections below answer the most common questions about what to do once the cruise wraps up.
Where do smoke boat tours typically drop you off in Amsterdam?
Most smoke boat tours in Amsterdam return passengers to the same central departure point where the tour began, usually somewhere along the canal belt in the city center. This means you step off the boat within easy walking distance of restaurants, coffeeshops, bars, and public transport connections, making it straightforward to carry the evening forward without any complicated logistics.
The central location is genuinely convenient. Amsterdam’s historic center is compact, and most of the neighborhoods worth exploring after dark, including the Jordaan, the Red Light District, Leidseplein, and Rembrandtplein, are all reachable on foot within fifteen to twenty minutes from a central canal drop-off. You do not need to plan onward transport in advance unless you are heading somewhere farther out.
What are the best things to do right after a smoke boat tour?
The best things to do immediately after a smoke boat tour in Amsterdam are a relaxed canal-side walk, a visit to a nearby coffeeshop, or settling in for dinner at one of the city’s many laid-back restaurants. The mood after an hour on the water tends to be social and unhurried, so activities that match that energy work best rather than anything fast-paced or overly structured.
Here are some well-suited options to consider:
- A walk through the Jordaan: Amsterdam’s most charming neighborhood sits right on the canal belt. Narrow streets, independent shops, and quiet brown cafes make it ideal for a slow post-cruise wander.
- Visiting the Red Light District: The area is most atmospheric after dark and is within easy reach of most central drop-off points. It is worth exploring even if only for the history and the street life.
- A canal-side drink: Many bars and terraces sit directly on the water. Grabbing a drink with a canal view is a natural continuation of the boat experience.
- A coffeeshop visit: If you want to continue in the same spirit as the tour, Amsterdam’s coffeeshops are everywhere in the center. More on this below.
Where should you eat after a smoke boat in Amsterdam?
After a smoke boat tour, the best areas to eat in Amsterdam are the Jordaan, the Nine Streets, and the streets around Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, all of which offer a wide range of casual to mid-range restaurants within walking distance of the canal belt. Amsterdam’s food scene is genuinely diverse, so finding something that suits the whole group is rarely a problem.
For a relaxed group meal, Indonesian cuisine is a local favourite and widely available. A rijsttafel, which is a traditional spread of small Indonesian dishes served together, is a communal eating style that suits groups well and pairs naturally with a slow, social evening. Dutch bar snacks and bitterballen at a traditional brown cafe are another easy option if you want something lighter and informal. If the group is hungry and wants something more filling, the streets around Leidseplein have everything from pizza and burgers to Thai and Middle Eastern food, often at reasonable prices for a city center.
Can you visit a coffeeshop after the smoke boat tour?
Yes, you can absolutely visit a coffeeshop after a smoke boat tour in Amsterdam. The smoke boat operates on a bring-your-own-cannabis (BYOC) basis, meaning guests purchase from a coffeeshop before boarding. After the tour ends, there is nothing stopping you from visiting again, whether to restock, sit down in a relaxed environment, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Amsterdam’s coffeeshops are legal, licensed establishments, and visiting them as a tourist is permitted under Dutch law. Each coffeeshop has its own character. Some are lively and social, others are quiet and low-key. The ones nearest to the canal belt and Red Light District tend to be busier and more tourist-facing, while coffeeshops in the Jordaan or De Pijp neighborhoods often have a calmer, more local feel. It is worth noting that you must be eighteen or older to enter, and you will typically need to show ID.
How do you get around Amsterdam after the tour ends?
Getting around Amsterdam after a smoke boat tour is easy because the city is small, flat, and well-connected. Walking and cycling are the most practical options from any central drop-off point, and public trams run frequently through the center until late at night. For groups heading further out or wanting a more direct route, taxis and rideshare apps are readily available.
Here is a quick breakdown of your options:
- Walking: Most central Amsterdam attractions are within twenty minutes on foot. This is often the most enjoyable option after the tour, especially in good weather.
- Cycling: Rental bikes are available across the city and are a genuinely practical way to move around. Amsterdam’s cycling infrastructure is excellent and well-signposted.
- Tram: The GVB tram network covers the city center comprehensively. You can pay by contactless card directly on board, so there is no need to buy tickets in advance.
- Taxi or rideshare: Bolt and Uber both operate in Amsterdam and are useful for groups or for getting back to accommodation further from the center.
How can you extend the experience into a full evening programme?
You can extend the smoke boat experience into a full evening by pairing the cruise with dinner, a coffeeshop visit, and a bar or club stop, creating a natural three-part progression that covers the best of what Amsterdam offers after dark. Planning these elements in sequence, rather than trying to decide on the fly, makes the evening feel cohesive and stress-free.
A well-structured evening might look like this: start with the boat tour in the late afternoon, move on to dinner in the Jordaan or near Leidseplein, then visit a coffeeshop before finishing at one of Amsterdam’s many bars or live music venues. For bachelor and bachelorette groups, this kind of itinerary is particularly effective because each segment has a distinct energy and the group stays together throughout without the usual friction of deciding what to do next.
The key is to keep transitions short and locations close together. Amsterdam’s center is compact enough that you can walk between all three stops in most cases, which keeps the evening relaxed and avoids the disruption of coordinating transport for a group.
How Fun Amsterdam Can Complete Your Evening After the Smoke Boat
We at Fun Amsterdam make it easy to turn the smoke boat tour into a full, well-organized evening without the stress of piecing it together yourself. Our team knows Amsterdam inside out, and we can build a seamless programme around the cruise that suits your group’s size, preferences, and pace.
Here is what we offer to extend the experience:
- The Smoke Boat Amsterdam itself: A private one-hour cannabis-friendly canal cruise for two to twelve passengers, covering the canal belt, Amstel River, and the Red Light District, with an onboard guide sharing stories about Amsterdam’s history and culture.
- Complementary group activities: We offer a range of shared activities that pair naturally with the boat tour, from city experiences to evening entertainment, all bookable through us directly with no middlemen.
- Tailored evening programmes: For bachelor parties, friend groups, or corporate outings, we can combine the boat with dinner arrangements and other activities into one clear itinerary.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees: Because we own most of our activities directly, you get the best prices and full flexibility without surprises.
If you want to make the most of your time in Amsterdam without the hassle of planning every detail separately, book the Smoke Boat Amsterdam directly through us, explore our full range of shared group activities, or get in touch and we will help you put together an evening worth talking about. You can also find out more about everything we do at Fun Amsterdam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a smoke boat tour in Amsterdam?
It is recommended to book at least a few days in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and summer) or if you are travelling with a larger group. Smoke boat tours are private and have limited capacity of up to twelve passengers, so availability can fill up quickly on popular dates. Booking early also gives you time to coordinate your pre-tour coffeeshop visit and plan the rest of your evening around the cruise.
Where is the best coffeeshop to visit before boarding the smoke boat?
The best coffeeshop to visit before boarding depends on your group’s preferences, but sticking to one within easy walking distance of your departure point is the most practical approach. Coffeeshops in the city center near the canal belt are plentiful and beginner-friendly, while those in the Jordaan or De Pijp tend to have a calmer, more local atmosphere if you prefer something less touristy. Ask your Fun Amsterdam guide or the booking team for a recommendation tailored to your group’s experience level and location.
What should first-time visitors to Amsterdam know before taking a smoke boat tour?
First-timers should know that cannabis is purchased at a licensed coffeeshop before boarding, as nothing is provided on the boat itself. It is also worth pacing yourself, especially if you are not a regular user, since the combination of being on the water and sightseeing can make the experience more intense than expected. Bring a valid ID (you must be 18 or older to enter coffeeshops), dress in layers as canals can be breezy even in warmer months, and arrive at the departure point a few minutes early so the tour can start on time.
Is a smoke boat tour suitable for mixed groups where not everyone wants to smoke?
Absolutely. The smoke boat tour is a private canal cruise first and foremost, and non-smoking guests enjoy the same experience of exploring Amsterdam’s waterways with an onboard guide covering the city’s history and culture. There is no pressure on anyone to participate in the cannabis aspect, and the social, relaxed atmosphere on the boat works well for groups with mixed preferences. It is one of the reasons the tour is popular with bachelor and bachelorette parties where guests have different comfort levels.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?
Amsterdam’s canal tours typically run in most weather conditions since the experience of being on the water is enjoyable year-round, and light rain rarely disrupts the cruise significantly. If severe weather is a concern, it is best to contact Fun Amsterdam directly ahead of time to confirm the schedule and discuss any available options. Dressing appropriately for the conditions, including a waterproof layer, goes a long way toward keeping the experience comfortable regardless of the forecast.
Can the smoke boat tour be combined with other Fun Amsterdam activities on the same day?
Yes, and this is actually one of the most popular ways to book it. Fun Amsterdam offers tailored evening programmes that combine the smoke boat cruise with dinner arrangements and other group activities into a single, seamless itinerary. This works especially well for bachelor parties, friend groups, and corporate outings where you want a structured evening without the hassle of coordinating everything separately. Getting in touch with the Fun Amsterdam team directly is the easiest way to build a combined programme that fits your group’s size and preferences.
Is it safe to walk around Amsterdam's city center after a smoke boat tour at night?
Amsterdam’s city center is generally very safe for tourists at night, and the areas most commonly visited after the tour, including the Jordaan, Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, and the Red Light District, are all well-lit, busy, and regularly patrolled. As with any city, standard common-sense precautions apply: keep an eye on your belongings, stay aware of your surroundings, and stick together as a group. The compact layout of the center also means you are rarely far from a busy street, a tram stop, or a taxi if you need to move on quickly.
