The wonderfully historic capital of the Netherlands is one of the most culture-rich destinations in Europe, with its seventeenth-century buildings, snaking canals and some more unusual attractions like the Red Light District.
What to do when you first arrive on your Amsterdam cruise? You can hire a bike and ride around the city’s winding canals, of course. Many parts of the Dutch capital are incredibly beautiful and you’ll want to take in as much of the city as possible during your stay. Come lunchtime, Vondelpark makes for a great picnic spot and even offers free open-air concerts during the summer season.
Museumplein (Museum Square) is the cultural hub of the city and where you’ll find many of Amsterdam’s major museums and art galleries. Head to the Van Gogh Museum for the largest collection of the post-impressionist painter’s work. You’ll get to see masterpieces such as Sunflowers and The Potato Eaters, as well as works by Picasso and Monet. Make sure you also visit the majestic Rijksmuseum as part of your cruise to Amsterdam – where you can admire Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid.
Amsterdam features the world’s only floating flower market, the Bloemenmarkt. A feast of colours and scents, the Bloemenmarkt is an essential part of any visitor’s cruise holiday to the city. Buy a bouquet for your accommodation or take some bulbs to plant at home.
With so many museums, the Dutch capital offers plenty of opportunities to learn something new on an Amsterdam cruise. The ship-shaped NEMO Science Museum offers fun for all the family, while Verzetsmuseum (The Resistance Museum) offers a unique insight into the covert operations of the Resistance Movement during World War II. For a truly memorable and profound experience, visit Anne Frank House – the house where Anne and her family went into hiding for two years when the Nazis occupied the Netherlands.
When in Amsterdam, don’t miss the spectacular Royal Concertgebouw. This beautiful concert hall has hosted performances by some of the world’s most revered international artists and musicians. On Wednesdays, the venue hosts free lunchtime concerts lasting around 30 minutes.
Which cruise lines sail to Amsterdam?
Cruises from Amsterdam
Cruising from Amsterdam offers a blend of cultural exploration and scenic waterways, often through Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea. Amsterdam's central location and famous canals provide a picturesque departure point, with cruises commonly heading to destinations like Norway’s fjords, the British Isles, and the Baltic capitals. Cruises from Amsterdam offer a mix of cosmopolitan experiences and stunning natural landscapes, making it a great starting point for a European adventure. Learn more or browse our incredible selection of cruises from Amsterdam.
