Amsterdam’s reputation as a city of canals, culture, and quirky charm extends to its culinary scene — especially when it comes to BBQ experiences. The city offers unique ways to enjoy grilled delights while cruising past historic sights and lively neighborhoods. Among these, we love the Amsterdam: Private BBQ Cruise with Personal Chef & Drinks for its intimate setting, gourmet food, and scenic views. Nothing beats watching the city drift by while savoring perfectly cooked meat and vegetarian options. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a different perspective on Amsterdam, these tours deliver memorable moments on the water.
While traditional BBQs are common, Amsterdam’s best experiences mix culinary craftsmanship with the city’s iconic waterways. From a casual private cruise to a luxe vessel with live cooking, each offers distinctive ways to enjoy good food in spectacular surroundings.
Quick Overview
Our list of the best BBQ experiences in Amsterdam includes three standout options:
– A private canal cruise with a personal chef, unlimited drinks, and vegetarian-friendly options (Tour #1)
– An upscale, luxury cruise with live-cooking BBQ and guided commentary (Tour #2)
– A more intimate, personalized boat ride with an onboard chef preparing your barbecue feast (Tour #3)
1. Amsterdam: Private BBQ Cruise with Personal Chef & Drinks
This tour stands out for its personalized experience. You’ll enjoy a two-hour private cruise along Amsterdam’s canals, with your own chef preparing a BBQ meal tailored to your preferences, including vegetarian options. The tour includes unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, making it perfect for celebrating or just relaxing in style.
What makes this experience special is the intimate setting—you’re not part of a large group but rather a small, private party. The boat is comfortable, and you’ll get unobstructed views of Amsterdam’s famous landmarks. The reviews highlight the friendly team, generous portions, and the overall good vibe: “Everything was great! Food was lovely and you get a lot off it,” said one guest, giving a perfect 5/5 score.
The tour’s value lies in its combination of exclusivity and quality. For around $369 per person, you get not just a meal but a private adventure on the water. It’s best suited for those celebrating a special milestone or travelers who want a personalized, upscale experience.
Bottom Line: If you want a relaxing, private cruise with top-notch food and drinks in an exclusive setting, this tour hits the spot. Book early, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time.
2. Amsterdam: Private Luxury Cruise with BBQ and Drinks
At number 2, the Amsterdam: Private Luxury Cruise with BBQ and Drinks offers a high-end experience. This up to 10-person vessel provides a live-cooking BBQ with unlimited drinks and a guided tour led by a knowledgeable skipper. The boat is covered and heated, making it a great choice for cooler days or early/late season cruising.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of luxury and local insights. You’ll cruise through the UNESCO-listed canals, seeing iconic sights while your chef prepares fresh barbecue on deck. The reviews, with a 4.8/5 rating from 17 travelers, emphasize the excellent service and delicious food. One reviewer noted, “Celebrate in style with your private company on this amazing tour,” highlighting its suitability for special celebrations or corporate outings.
Compared to other options, this tour offers more space, a guided experience, and the comfort of a heated boat, making it a premium choice for those who want relaxation without sacrificing style. At $676 for up to 10 guests, it offers a good value for a group looking for a memorable, high-class meal on the water.
Bottom Line: Ideal for groups seeking a luxurious, guided cruise with excellent food and drinks. Advance booking is recommended to secure this premium experience.
3. Amsterdam Private BBQ and Drinks Cruise With Onboard Chef
The Amsterdam Private BBQ and Drinks Cruise With Onboard Chef offers a personalized, all-in-one experience. You’ll board a private vessel, with a skipper pointing out Amsterdam’s landmarks, while your personal chef prepares a BBQ feast right on deck. The tour lasts about 2 hours, during which you enjoy unlimited drinks and stunning views of the city’s waterways.
What sets this tour apart is the interactive cooking experience. Instead of just eating, you watch your chef at work, adding a fun, engaging element. The open-air boat can be covered for bad weather, ensuring comfort regardless of the forecast. The reviews favor its intimate setting and delicious food. One reviewer said, “It’s a great way to enjoy the city from the water with personalized service.”
This tour is perfect for small groups or couples wanting a relaxed, private experience with the added bonus of sightseeing. For $350.11 per person, it provides a balanced mix of sightseeing, good food, and personalized service.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for those who value personalized service and scenic views combined with a tasty BBQ. Booking early will ensure you get your preferred date.
How to Choose the Best BBQ Experience in Amsterdam
When selecting your ideal Amsterdam BBQ cruise, consider your budget, group size, and what kind of experience you want. If you’re looking for intimacy and gourmet food, the private BBQ cruise with a personal chef offers excellent value. For those seeking luxury and guided commentary, the luxury cruise with live cooking is perfect, especially for celebrating special occasions. Meanwhile, the onboard chef experience suits travelers wanting a more interactive, personalized outing.
Think about the season and weather—the luxury cruise offers covered and heated options, making it suitable year-round. For smaller groups or romantic escapes, the onboard chef tour provides an intimate, flexible experience.
Booking early is advisable, especially in busy periods, to secure your preferred time slot and ensure a smooth, memorable experience.
To sum it up, Amsterdam offers a superb range of BBQ cruises that suit various tastes and budgets. If you want an upscale, guided experience, the luxury cruise is your best bet. For intimacy and personalized service, the private chef tours shine. And for those who just want to relax with good food and views, the private BBQ cruise with a personal chef is hard to beat. Whichever you pick, these tours promise a delicious way to see the city from its legendary canals—just remember to book early to avoid missing out.