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Amsterdam Light Festival location & boarding points

The Amsterdam Light Festival brings the city’s canals to life with glowing artworks, historic bridges, and reflections dancing across the water. Here’s everything you need to know about the Amsterdam light festival location, including the main boarding points for your cruise.

Pick your boarding point

Amsterdam canal boat during Light Festival evening cruise.

Hard Rock Cafe

Situated on the vibrant Max Euweplein, Hard Rock Cafe offers a lively waterfront atmosphere where music and canal views set the mood. Its central location makes it easy to soak in Amsterdam’s nightlife before your cruise.

Amsterdam Noord skyline with A'DAM Tower and Eye Film Museum at dusk.

A’DAM Tower

A’DAM Tower stands tall on the northern bank, famous for panoramic city views and entertainment spaces. Its lively rooftop atmosphere creates an energetic start to your festival cruise, with the sparkling city as your backdrop.

Amsterdam Central Station illuminated at night, reflecting in the canal, Netherlands.

Centraal Station

As Amsterdam’s main transport hub, Centraal Station is surrounded by canals and historic 19th-century architecture. Its central location provides a bustling, easy-to-reach boarding point with iconic city sights right at your doorstep.

Anne Frank House and canal view in Amsterdam at sunset.

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House area offers a serene canal-side setting steeped in history. Boarding here gives a quieter, reflective start to your cruise, with narrow streets and classic canal architecture adding charm to your evening.

Traditional canal boat cruising during Amsterdam Light Festival.

Starboard Dock

A smaller, quieter dock along the Amstel, Starboard Dock provides a peaceful boarding experience. Its intimate setting is ideal for private or smaller boats, letting you enjoy festival views with fewer crowds and a relaxed vibe.

Boat passing under illuminated bridge during Amsterdam Light Festival evening cruise.

Oudezijds Voorburgwal

Oudezijds Voorburgwal winds through historic canals framed by classic façades. This atmospheric pier immerses you in Amsterdam’s architectural charm, providing a picturesque, slightly tucked-away starting point perfect for taking in the festival’s glowing waterways.

Getting there

Here’s how to reach each Amsterdam Light Festival boarding point using public transport, taxi, or car.

  • Tram: Lines 2, 11, 12 stop at Leidseplein; walk two minutes through Max Euweplein to reach the pier.
  • Metro: Take M52 to Vijzelgracht, then a 10-minute walk along Weteringschans to the waterfront.
  • Taxi/Car: From Museumplein, follow Weteringschans toward Max Euweplein; garages Byzantium or Museumplein provide nearby parking.
  • Ferry: Free Buiksloterweg ferry departs behind Amsterdam Centraal, crossing the IJ River in five minutes directly to the tower.
  • Tram: No direct line; use the ferry from Centraal, then walk a short five-minute path to the pier.
  • Taxi/Car: From Centraal Station, take Overhoeksplein; drop-off is in front, parking limited, follow IJ waterfront streets carefully.
  • Tram: Almost every city tram stops here; lines 4, 9, 14, and 26 provide easy access from various Amsterdam neighborhoods.
  • Metro: M51, M52, M53, M54 serve the station; follow pedestrian signs to the boarding docks at Stationsplein.
  • Bus: Regional buses from Schiphol, Zaanse Schans, and surrounding towns arrive at Centraal, walking five minutes to docks.
  • Tram: Lines 13, 17 stop at Westermarkt; follow the 2-minute walking path along Prinsengracht to reach the boarding point.
  • Metro: M52 to Rokin; walk south along Rokin and Raadhuisstraat for about 12–15 minutes to the dock.
  • Taxi/Car: Minimal street parking; best to follow Damstraat from city centre and drop passengers nearby, then continue to garages.
  • Tram: Lines 4, 14 stop at Rembrandtplein; walk five minutes along the Amstel waterfront to reach the dock.
  • Taxi/Car: From city centre, take Amstel street toward Rembrandtplein; drop-off nearby, limited parking, public transport preferred.
  • Tram: Lines 4, 9, 14 stop near Nieuwmarkt or Spui; walk along narrow canals to reach the pier.
  • Taxi/Car: From the city centre, follow Rokin and Zeedijk to the pier; nearby garages provide short walking access.

Attractions you’ll see on the cruise

Magere Brug illuminated at night over the Amstel River in Amsterdam.

Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge)

A historic 17th-century wooden bridge illuminated during the festival, reflecting softly across the water while connecting bustling canal neighborhoods.

Hermitage Amsterdam museum facade with visitors walking and cycling nearby.
Dutch National Opera building with canal boats in Amsterdam.
NEMO Science Museum exterior with canal and pedestrian bridge in Amsterdam.
Bridge over canal with historic buildings in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Parking near the boarding points

  • Hard Rock Cafe: Byzantium and Museumplein garages nearby.
  • A’DAM Tower: Limited drop-off and parking near Overhoeks; ferry recommended.
  • Centraal Station: Multiple central garages and on-street parking options available.
  • Anne Frank House: Minimal parking; walking preferred.
  • Damrak (City Centre): Garages at Bijenkorf and Rokin.
  • Starboard Dock: Drop-off points nearby; limited parking.
  • Oudezijds Voorburgwal: Short walk from central garages; mostly pedestrian access.

Frequently Asked Questions about Amsterdam Light Festival location

Can I change my boarding point after booking?

Some cruise operators may allow it if space is available, but it’s best to confirm at least 24 hours in advance.

Which boarding point has the least crowding?

Starboard Dock and Anne Frank House piers are quieter options for a more relaxed cruise experience.

Are all boarding points suitable for wheelchair access?

Major piers like Centraal Station and Hard Rock Cafe have ramps or level access; check with your cruise operator for specifics.

Do the cruise routes differ by boarding point?

Yes. Some piers may take you on slightly longer or shorter routes, showcasing different sections of the festival.

Is public transport recommended over driving?

Definitely. Central Amsterdam streets are busy, and parking is limited, making trams, metros, and ferries the easiest way to reach your pier.

Are there facilities like restrooms or cafes near the boarding points?

Hard Rock Cafe, A’DAM Tower, and Centraal Station have nearby facilities. Smaller docks may not, so plan accordingly.

Can I arrive late and still board?

Arrival times are strictly enforced for safety. Arrive at least 20 minutes early to ensure smooth boarding.