Musician, artist, and seasoned captain, Jan has been showing people Amsterdam from the water for nearly two decades. He's worked every kind of boat from classic salon ships to high-end private charters, but now he's happiest introducing guests to the city aboard a smaller, more personal cruise. For Jan, a tour isn't just about the route, it's about reading the guests, matching the mood, and making sure each trip feels unique. His Amsterdam is full of music, hidden corners, and easy conversations in brown cafes. If you're lucky, he might even tell you about the time he ended up sharing a drink with Ramses Shaffy.
Jan ()
Captain Jan recommends:
Hidden Gems & Routes
Around the botanical gardens near Artis Zoo you’ll find leafy, quiet streets with beautiful old houses. The gardens themselves date back to the 1600s and are among the oldest in the world.
Location: Plantage Middenlaan 2a
Captain Jan recommends:
Hidden Gems & Routes
Explore the oldest part of Amsterdam around the Red Light District, but do it by day to notice the gable stones, old courtyards, and historic facades. The Zeedijk is perfect for soaking up the city's layered history.
Captain Jan recommends:
Culture & Entertainment
Jan's an art lover, so he'll send you to the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh with a tip: 'squint at the paintings through your eyelashes, and you'll see the light the way Van Gogh painted it.' For live music, try Bourbon Street or The Last Waterhole
Captain Jan recommends:
Food & Drink
For dinner, Jan's picks range from laid-back Indonesian or Cantonese spots to La Oliva for Spanish bites. He's a fan of the little brown cafes in the Jordaan, where you can still find a real local crowd.
Captain Jan recommends:
Hidden Gems & Routes
Jan loves wandering the Jordaan for its mix of cafés, restaurants, and quiet side streets. He also recommends Prinseneiland for a peaceful, almost village-like escape in the heart of the city, or the leafy streets near the Hortus Botanicus
