Amsterdam, Netherlands

Few cities can match the sophistication and postcard-level beauty of Amsterdam. Known to the rest of the world as a bicycler’s town and famous for the often-mentioned Red Light District, there’s more to Amsterdam than meets the eye. On your Amsterdam cruise, you’ll discover this is a place that embodies a slower lifestyle, where enjoying simple pleasures is part of the daily routine.

When you cruise from Amsterdam, you can take a leisurely approach to seeing everything the city has to offer. Artsy travelers will love the city’s emphasis on fine artists like Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Rembrandt, whose works are displayed at museums across the city. Check out the famous Van Gogh Museum for a must-see glimpse into Van Gogh’s tragic and incredible life story. Hop on a rented bike and explore the city on two wheels, whether you’re riding along the canal or going windmill spotting across the city. Stop in a coffee shop (which means something entirely different than what you’re used to) in Amsterdam to experience the city’s unique culture. You could also go gallery hopping or tour a gin distillery. There’s a lot to see and do in Amsterdam.

In Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, canals and historic sites can be discovered around every corner. If you’re looking for things to do in Amsterdam before a cruise, there’s no shortage of options. Amsterdam shore excursions take art and culture very seriously, making it one of the best cities in the world for exhibits and events and a favorite stop on a Northern European cruise. Grab a bike and stroll the city on two wheels, which is Amsterdam’s most popular form of transportation.

Another way to see Amsterdam is from the water on a short canal cruise, where you’ll hop on a scenic ride through the city’s colorful facade and its 17th century architectural influence. Enjoy a sampling of Dutch wine and cheese afterward. For a night out, explore the famous Red Light District, where shops, clubs, and cafes await for an evening adventure. A cruise to Amsterdam isn’t complete without a proper pub crawl in the heart of the city.

You could spend your entire time in Amsterdam at its many museums. Visit the Vincent Van Gogh Museum for a huge collection of his most famous works and to understand the history of his life in Paris and elsewhere. It’s the largest collection of Van Gogh in the entire world. A tour of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is a must-see, a haunting testament to Anne Frank’s life and struggles during the Holocaust. Then there’s the Rijksmuseum, which is dedicated to art and the history of Amsterdam specifically.

When you’re ready for natural beauty on Amsterdam shore excursions, make a quick stop at the flower auction in Aalsmeer, where vast quantities of flowers are prepared for shipment. You’ll be amazed by the flowers, plants, and dedication it takes for traders and wholesalers to bring beautiful flowers to the rest of the world. Explore the Keukenhof gardens where tulips and hyacinths bloom freely. You’ll feel like you’re in a postcard.