SAIL Amsterdam happens every 5 years, in years ending in 5 and 0āthus 2025, 2030, 2035, and so on. The last edition was between August 20-24, 2025.
When is the next SAIL Amsterdam?
The next edition of SAIL Amsterdam will be held in August 2030, which will be the 11th edition. While exact dates haven’t been announced yet, recent editions have typically run from Wednesday to Sunday in the third week of August. Once definite dates are announced, this page will be updated.
It’s a unique eventāfree, massive, and unforgettable. Expect around 800 ships from 20+ countries, including dozens of spectacular tall ships.
I’ve been to every SAIL Amsterdam event over the past 20 years, and each one has left a lasting impression on meāincluding the most recent edition just last week in 2025 (at the time of writing).
The 2025 edition was significantly busier with 2.5 million visitors over five days compared to the 2015’s numbers. When I tried to walk the main route on Saturday afternoon, it was unpleasantācrowd control became a real issue.
I’m going to share tips on how to truly enjoy the event and avoid the worst crowds, based on my local, on-the-ground experience.
Some of the images I took during Sail Amsterdam 2025 – Ā© Hidden Holland
Table of Contents
What to Does Sail Amsterdam Look Like?
Day 1: Wednesday
SAIL Amsterdam always starts with the spectacular SAIL-In Parade. Ships arrive throughout the day (10:00 AM to 7:00 PM), sailing 22 kilometers from the sea to Amsterdam harbor. Expect cannon salutes, national anthems, and sailors high in the riggingāit’s a whole show.
The best viewing is from the quayside. Most people crowd directly outside Central Station, but walk 15 minutes west for a comfortable spot where you can sit down. Bring a picnic.
Skip the boat tours. They promise to sail through the fleet but don’t deliver. I tried the SAIL-Out Parade tour for ā¬109āthe boat just docked on the side and sat idle. Half the passengers saw nothing, the other half saw the same view as people on the quay who paid nothing. There are better ones during SAIL! See below.
Day 2-4: Thursday-Saturday
This is the main events where you can walk by the ships. There will be food trucks (though expensive), a ferris wheel (for some great views) and some of the tall ships are open for boarding from 10 AM to 8 PM free of charge. But expect long lines!
Being here is a super cool and a unique experience. But at the wrong times it feels extremely crowded, to a level that can be quite uncomfortable. This starts after 10 AM, and it worst between noon and 6 PM.
Here are my tips to reduce the crowds:
- Walk the main route (from Central Station to the Eastern Docks) before 10 AM. Start 8 AM and the walk way will be empty.
- Take a day boat tour on an open boat, this is a important or the roof/plexiglas blocks your photo opportunities.
- For the Firework shows every night, I recommend the Evening Cruise with Drink & Fireworks, so you don’t have to stand with 100,000 people packed together on the quayside.
The boats sail past the Tall ships. You avoid the enormous crowds and you get some great photo’s. If you opt to walk and do early, it will be just you and a few early birds, some cyclist and locals walking their dog.
The ships are not open to board before 10 AM, but you can see them from the quay perfectly fine, and you get some great photo opportunities. You can always come back later, just to one ship, and wait in line to enter.
In 2025 the evening boat sold out in advance consistently, the day tour too for the most popular slots, especially on the open boats. So book tickets in advance to avoid last minute scrambling for tickets, when you may find the only ones left are closed boats with a roof, which you do not want.
SAIL Amsterdam Open Boat Day-Time Tickets
Tickets are currently not available, since the next event is not until August 2030. I expect tickets to become available here in Spring 2030.
Evening Sail Amsterdam Concerts
Each night there will be SAIL On Stage concerts starting at 9:00 PM featuring diverse musical genres, from Concertgebouw Orchestra performances to electronic dance music. This is at NDSM island (a free 15-minute ferry ride from Central station).
ā¤· For these concerts you need tickets which you can order here once avaiable again for the next edition (I expect spring 2030).
Day 5: Sunday
This the day of the goodbye parade: The SAIL-Out. It begins at 2:00 PM. Ships leave Amsterdam and you can be in the crowds to wave farewell.
You can see the boats anywhere from the quay all the way up to the ocean 15mi/22km out. Most people watch infront of central station. Just like Sail IN walk 15 minutes west for better spots.
There is also a saloon boat that takes people from 1 PM to 3 PM or 3:30PM to 5:30 to see the spectacle from the water. But I was on it in 2025 and found it a major disappointment. We just docked idle and sat there, not even that close to the boats. My advice: save your money and just sit on the quay.
PS during the morning you can still walk by the boats, and it feels then just like any other sail day. You can’t enter the boats anymore however, because the crew is preparing their departure for later that day.
During the 2025 event I walked past the tall ships on Sunday morning 8:30 AM and it was wonderful. The feeling of an early morning, just a few locals around. It was such a difference from my Saturday afternoon experience.
Planning Your Sail Amsterdam 2030 Trip (This is Critical)
Where To Stay in Amsterdam during Sail – My Recommendations
Hotels and apartments sell out fast for Sail Amsterdam 2030. Make sure to books your accommodation early, prices only go up and before you know it, you can’t stay near the event any longer.
My Top Pick: Doubletree by Hilton
Doubletree by Hilton Centraal Station is my top pick. This hotel is modern, comfortable, and right near the action (but still quiet location).
Other Recommended Hotels:
Sir Adam Hotel – riverside hotel in Noord, I can stay most likely one of the coolest hotels you will stay at.
Modern pick: Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam – this place has amazing views over the water from the Eastern Docks.
Good hotel areas in Amsterdam:
Can’t find a hotel in Amsterdam? If hotels are sold out consider cities nearby like Amersfoort, Utrecht, Zaandam, Haarlem, or Amsterdam Airport hotels. This often helps with prices too, each is option is no more than 30 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station by train, and the station is right at the event!
My Favorite Netherlands Guidebook
- Steves, Rick (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 544 Pages - 03/04/2025 (Publication Date) - Rick Steves (Publisher)
Getting to Sail Amsterdam is Easy
Schiphol Airport is just 20-minute from Amsterdam Central Station by train, or pre-book a taxi. The whole city speaks English. Public transport works well, with accessible trams, buses, and free ferries. The main event starts from Central Station.
Personal tip: I like to take the tram to “Rietlandpark” (tram 7 or 26). It’s at the end of the walking route. From here I make my way to the water and walk back the opposite direction. You can only do this when it’s early (arrival between 8 and 9 AM). But you get right into the action, and you beat even the early crowd.
ā¤· Here is my helpful article “How to get from the Airport to the City Center”
Ticket for Amsterdam Transportation + Airport Train
With this ticket you can use all public transportation in Amsterdam plus the train to and from the airport, and surrounding points of interest like Zaanse Schans. Using the Amsterdam Metro is my secret weapon during a busy event like this. Use trams to and from the metro. Tram 26 is very useful for stops along the route.
Weather
August in Amsterdam means the weather is all over the place, from pleasant summer weather, to downpours to extreme heat. In other words Dutch weather… š
That means two things. Layers, and a good umbrella. One that doesn’t bail on you when there is some wind, especially important when you’re on the water, and that also protects you against the sun. Bring a waterproof jacket, and waterproof comfortable shoes.
Typical temperatures range from 20-23Ā°C (68-73Ā°F) during the day. But it can be as hot as 38Ā°C (100Ā°F), so prepare for everyting. Evenings gets cooler.
The Windproof Umbrella I Can’t Live Without (Rain or Sun)
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Download the official SAIL Amsterdam app before arriving
Download the official and free Sail Amsterdam app (iOS or Android). It’s a great pocket-sized event guide, with all the details you need.
But to access it you need internet access on your phone. Most provider over charge you for overseas packages. In the US for example they charge often $10/day. Getting an eSIM in advance is not only super easy to install, it a lot of cheaper too! Here is my recommendation:
Inexpensive and Flexible SIM
Stay connected in the Netherlands
Skip hunting for WiFi. Get on the go navigation, translations and mobile internet that works everywhere in Europe ā skip expensive international charges from your phone company.
My Phone Abroad Guide
Dealing with Crowds at Sail Amsterdam
2.5 million people visit Sail Amsterdam. That’s a lot of bodies in one (small) city. It really is. The first thing is to prepare for it mentally. Just knowing this helps, it means no surprises. Then there are few things you can actively do:
Smart timing means fewer crowds
- Arrive early before 10:00 AM
- Or visit later after 6:00 PM when crowds thin out
- Weekdays are better than weekends (but only slightly)
Location matters: find lesser crowded spots
- Take a open boat tour during the day to get first row seats, and avoid the masses
- Use my tram 26 hack above when you arrive early for a quiet walk-by
- For the Sail IN or Sail OUT parade, walk 15-20 minutes west for less crowded spaces.
- Book a ticket for the A’DAM Lookout Tower for views on the event from above
You can book tickets up to the last moment, as long as the booking widget above still shows availability.
The Best Way to See Sail Amsterdam: From the Water
Shore viewing is great, because you can access the ships from here. But viewing from the water is a lot better.
You get closer to the ships, avoid the crowds (this is the best part), and see angles impossible from land. Canal cruises offer exclusive proximity to tall ships impossible from shore positions.
Three Great Boat Tour Options
Option 1: Evening Cruise with Fireworks (My Top Pick)
- 2-hour cruise
- One drink included
- Make sure to select the fireworks option – this is the highlight
- ā¬110 starting price
This is your best bet. You’re on the water when the fireworks start. The views are incredible, and you avoid the waterfront crowds completely.
Book Your Sail Evening Cruise NowOption 2: Open Sail Amsterdam Boat Cruise
- 1-hour cruise from Central Station
- One drink included
- Live English guide
- Smaller groups, more intimate
The open boat gives you unobstructed photos from every angle. This is a really good boat tour to take. You get a much better view of the ships from the water. It’s great for pictures.
Plus, you can cancel up to 24 hours before if the weather looks terrible – no penalty, which is a great benefit.
Book Your Open Boat Cruise NowWhere to Eat During Sail Amsterdam
Prime Waterfront Spots
CafƩ KANIS sits directly on the IJ waterfront with front-row ship views. Cafe THT (Tolhuistuin), across with the ferry from Central Station offers also great water. Hannekes a wonderful cafe, especially the outdoor terrace.
I also like Beans and Bagels for breakfast, lunch or a break. Two locations are great for Sail:
- Veemkade 368 (direct views and great outdoor seating, but this one will be insanely crowded
- Their location on IJdok. No outdoor seating but great glass windows. Great views on SAIL IN and SAIL OUT parade days.
Bimhuis (at the new Muziek theater) is another great place with a view. They serve lunch and dinner, or it’s great for taking a break. Prices are steep during the event, but the view and location are great.
Photography Tips
There are no restrictions on taking photos. The city wants you to capture this.
Best shots:
- SAIL-In Parade along the IJ river. Great locations if you walk east from Central Stations (Nord exit).
- Java Island for close-up ship details
- Book a Sail Boat Cruise for water-level angles
- Evening illuminated ships, great with this Sail Amsterdam VIP Boat Tour
Make sure to bring a battery pack to charge your phone/camera.
More of the images I took during Sail Amsterdam 2025 – Ā© Hidden Holland
Frequently Asked Questions About Sail Amsterdam
When is the next SAIL Amsterdam?Ā
The next SAIL Amsterdam will be in August 2030 and this will the 11th edition. The exact dates for August 2030 haven’t been announced yet, but recent editions have typically run from Wednesday to Sunday in the third week of August. Once definite dates are announced, this page will be updated.
I use a walker/wheelchair. Can I still enjoy SAIL Amsterdam?
Yes, absolutely. Most riverside viewing areas accommodate wheelchairs, and the free ferries have wide ramps. You can’t board most ships, but you can see a lot from the quayside. Sail Amsterdam Cruises usually require you to be able to transfer on your own to a seat and take a few steps. But the crew will always lend you a hand getting in, and you can take a walker or wheelchair on boat (but it has to manually be lifted in the boat) The Evening Cruise has easier access with a ramp.
Is Sail Amsterdam worth the trip, or is it just a bunch of boats?
It’s definitely worth it. Yes, it’s boats, but tall ships are no ordinary boats. You’ll get to see 800+ vessels from 20+ countries, including a great number of historic tall ships you’ll never see together again. Add the free fireworks shows, cultural programming, and you get something special. This combination won’t happen again in another five years.
How long should I stay in Amsterdam for Sail?
I recommend three days minimum. Arrive Tuesday evening, enjoy Wednesday’s SAIL-In Parade, have Thursday and Friday for ship exploration, and leave Saturday or come for the weekend and see the SAIL OUT parade. If you stay more than five days, then you’ll run out of SAIL-specific activities, but there is enough to see in do in Amsterdam itself, and the surrounding areas. You can easily fill one week to 10 days here.
What if I can’t find Amsterdam hotels?
Try Amsterdam Airport hotels, Haarlem (15 minutes), Zaandam (15 minutes), Utrecht (30 minutes), or Amersfoort (30 minutes). All have direct train connections to Amsterdam Central Station which is where the event begins. The train ride for all of these towns is easy and comfortable. You can also search Amsterdam hotels in areas like Duivendrecht, Sloterdijk, RAI or Bijlmer. Just follow my link and copy these names indivually in the search bar. These are suburbs of Amsterdam with great metro or train connections into the city. The metro runs every 3-5 minutes during SAIL from very early to late at night. The Amsterdam + Region transit ticket works great for these hotels.
Should I be worried about crowds and safety during Sail Amsterdam?
The crowds are intense – 2.5 million people over five days is what they expect. But Amsterdam handles large events well. Police presence is high, medical stations are positioned throughout, and the Dutch are generally helpful to visitors. Biggest risk is pickpockets in crowds, so keep valuables secure. Early mornings and after 6 PM are much more manageable.
My Bottom Line
The combination of free admission, incredible accessibility, and the sheer scale of ships creates something you won’t find anywhere else.
SAIL Amsterdam 2030 is going to give you front-row seats to maritime history in a city that knows how to welcome visitors.
Book early. Pack for rain. And don’t forget to book a day time open boat cruise and the evening fireworks cruise.
I promise you, you’ll remember this trip for years.
Ps. If you love boats and maritime experiences I want to recommend two great museums:
1. Amsterdam Maritime Museum with an amazing VOC replica, and a fantastic indoor exhibition on how to Dutch lived with the water, and become rich because of the water over the past few centuries. As part of the Sail Amsterdam event entrance was free in 2025 during Sail. Once details for 2030 are know I will update that here.
2- The Rijksmuseum. People think of this museum as Golden Age Paintings, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hals. All true. But did you know it has an entire collection on model ships.
It’s right next to the cloakrooms, called the “Special Collection”. Not many people know this. And behind it, there is a room with treasures retrieved from sunken ships (valuable cargo), and a lot of information on the Dutch story on the VOC and trade with Asia.
Plus right next the famous “Nightwatch paiting” you’ll find and enormous model ship made to extraordinary details. It’s incredible. Make sure to download the app, bring headphones and listen to the story. It’s also on the audiotour, which is the same as the free app by the way.
I highly recommend if you’re in town for Sail to purchase a ticket for the Rijksmuseum in advance (tickets need to be pre-purchased). Get the two drink offer when buying your tickets. It’s half price and the cafe is wonderful!
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