Amsterdam Cruise and Stay Holidays and Deals

OVERVIEW

AMSTERDAM

From cycling along the city's canals to exploring the centre’s twisting lanes by foot, Amsterdam is one of Europe's easiest cities to traverse. With historic buildings, colourful markets, artistic masterpieces, quirky cafes and Michelin-starred restaurants hiding around every corner, you'll never be short on great things to see and do in the city.

Discover the history of Amsterdam for yourself, from the city's strange "tulip fever" of the 17th century to the sobering story of Anne Frank during the Second World War. Find out more about two of the world's most famous Dutch artists - Rembrandt and Van Gogh - or catch a jazz performance at Concertegebouw to see current and future star performers in action. If you want a quiet spot to relax, without leaving the city, head for Amsterdam’s most famous green space – the tranquil Vondelpark.

Once your feet have had enough of exploring, head to one of Amsterdam's many bars for a well-earned drink. Choose from a traditional "bruin cafe" or a swanky cocktail joint housed in a 17th-century building.

Your trip to Amsterdam wouldn't be complete without a night out in one of the city's world-famous clubs. There's a venue for every musical taste, from house and club to current pop and, with some clubs operating a 24 hour licence, you can dance all day and all night if you feel like it.

THINGS TO DO

AMSTERDAM

Anne Frank House

One of Amsterdam's most well-known past residents, the Anne Frank House at Prinsengracht 263 is where the young girl lived with her family during World War II, hiding in secret for more than two years. The house has been converted into a museum, offering an in-depth and moving look at the life of Anne Frank, as well as the persecution of the Jews during the war.

Rijksmuseum

With 80 galleries and more than 8000 objects on display, Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum is an unmissable stop for any visitor. Showcasing pieces from the Dutch Golden Age all the way through to present time, highlights include Rembrandt’s best-known masterpiece "The Night Watch" and Johannes Vermeer’s "The Milkmaid". The museum's sculpture-filled gardens are also worth a walk around.

Tulip Museum

Chronicling the history of the tulip and the flower's role in Amsterdam and beyond, the Tulip Museum is one of the city's best, small museums. The exhibition offers an in-depth look at "Tulipomania" - the period between 1634 to 1637 when a craze for speculating in tulips began, leading to the development of a wide-spread "tulip fever".

Van Gogh Museum

Dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries, the Van Gogh Museum is one of the most visited museums in the world. Located in Museum Square, near the Rijksmuseum and the Concertgebouw, the museum is home to the largest collection of Van Gogh works in the world - comprising of some 200 paintings, 400 drawings, and 700 letters. Visitors can view some of the artist's most famous pieces, including "Sunflowers" and "The Potato Eaters"

The Royal Palace

Serving as the King's residence when he stays in Amsterdam, The Royal Palace was designed in a similar style to the classical structures of ancient Rome. Inside, the interior is lavishly decorated, with paintings by Ferdinand Bol and Govert Flinck - two of Rembrandt's distinguished pupils. One of the most famous rooms is the Council Hall, considered to be one of the grandest and most beautiful staterooms in Europe.

Jazz at Concertegebouw

Every Wednesday at 12.30pm, visitors have the chance to catch the free lunchtime performance at Concertegebouw are a long-running institution. The performances range from young musicians to public rehearsals of the full Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, making this an ideal spot to catch a spot of jazz for free.

Bloemenmarkt

Amsterdam's colourful floating flower market in the Bloemenmarkt is one of the main suppliers of blooms to the city, but it's also a great place to pick up presents and people watch. Amateur photographers will love the array of bright stalls and bulbs on display, while those looking for a keepsake will find plenty of clogs, gnomes and other tourist-tat.

Vondelpark

Escape the hectic buzz of the centre for a while in the lush green expanse of Vondelpark. With ponds, waterways and wildlife, including a colony of noisy green parakeets, this park is also home to an open-air theatre which provides free concerts during the summer months.

Schuttersgalerij

The Schuttersgalerij, or Civic Guards Gallery, is one of the city's best free historical attractions. Featuring a collection 15 portraits, each depicting a Civic Guard from the 17th century, the gallery is located in a passageway off a main street in the old town.

NIGHTLIFE

AMSTERDAM

Cafe Tabac

You can't leave Amsterdam without a visit to one of the city's traditional bruin cafés, or "brown cafes". Widely regarded as one of the best local watering-holes is Cafe Tabac, on the corner of the Prinsengracht. This famous, much-photographed bar is the ideal place to try a local ale (or two!).

House Bar

Located within two 17th century buildings, the House Bar is a perfect representation of Amsterdam's modern and historic sides. Serving up artistic cocktails in a sleek interior, the House Bar's own mixes include the delicious "War of the Roses" and "The Music Lesson", as well as good selection of whiskies and spirits.

Bar Botanique

Looking for Amsterdam's coolest new drinking spot? Head to Bar Botanique. This hipster-friendly bar on Eerste van Swindenstraat was formerly De Ponteneur - a much loved Dutch local - now completely revamped and home to a lush tropical interior and Mediterranean inspired menu.

De School

Amsterdam is known for globally for its club scene, and with a 24-hour licence, De School is one of the city's most famous venues. Housed in a former school building, De School is home to a cultural complex, restaurant and nightclub. Alongside dancing through the day and night, De School also attracts artists and young creative types, who use the complex for studios and exhibition space.

AIR Amsterdam

Located in the popular nightlife hub of Rembrandtplein, Club AIR is a visual and audio feast for the senses. The state-of-the-art club features mostly house and dance, with DJs including Tiësto and Skrillex having played in the past.

EVENTS

AMSTERDAM

King's Day

Held every year on 27 April, King's Day is one of the biggest and most colourful festivals in the Netherlands, and nowhere celebrates it better than Amsterdam. More than a million people spill into the streets and canals for King's Day, with live music, street performances, food vendors and markets.

Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival takes place every year in late December, with artists and visitors from all over the world descending on the city for the annual display of light installations and light-based artwork. During the festival, the city is a magical place to visit at night, with boat tours being particularly popular at this time.

Pride Amsterdam

One of the world's biggest celebrations of LGBTI equality, Pride Amsterdam runs yearly from the end of July until the first week of August. The city comes alive with colour and festivities -including an unmissable boat parade along the canal, attracting more than 350,000 participants from all over Europe.

Holland Festival

The annual Holland Festival has been taking place in June in Amsterdam since 1947. The critically-acclaimed international festival features local and world premieres, as well as opera, classical music, theatre, dance, art and ballet performances.

RESTAURANTS

AMSTERDAM

Restaurant Vermeer

For Michelin-starred dining with local Dutch ingredients, head to Restaurant Vermeer. Helmed by Christopher Naylor, the restaurant is famous for its passionate use of seasonal products, particularly evident in Naylor's "From the Land" menus.

Restaurant Vinkeles Amsterdam

Housed in a beautiful, historic building, Restaurant Vinkeles combines traditional and modern French cuisine, with local fresh ingredients. Chef Dennis Kuipers love of innovative twists on classic dishes makes this Michelin-starred restaurant an unmissable stop in Amsterdam.

Vondelpark3

After a walk through the peaceful greenery of Vondelpark, stop in at one of Amsterdam's cosiest restaurants to taste one of their traditional Burgundian dishes. Housed in a grand old building in the park, hungry visitors will find hearty food, including beef roulades and Belgian ale gravy.

The Pantry

If you’re in search of a traditional Dutch dining experience in Amsterdam, you’ll find it at The Pantry. Located near Leidseplein, this charming restaurant serves up an array of Dutch dishes in a cosy, family-friendly setting.

De Silveren Spiegel

For those who want to come traditional Dutch food with a history lesson, head for De Silveren Spiegel - meaning "The Silver Mirror". The restaurant is housed in a 17th-century building that dates back to the Dutch Golden Ages, with most of the interior intact and the decor left in its original state where possible. In summer, everyone makes for the sun-catching outdoor terrace - the ideal spot for an alfresco Dutch meal.

Amsterdam

Introduction

OVERVIEW

AMSTERDAM

THINGS TO DO

AMSTERDAM

Anne Frank House

Rijksmuseum

Tulip Museum

Van Gogh Museum

The Royal Palace

Jazz at Concertegebouw

Bloemenmarkt

Vondelpark

Schuttersgalerij

NIGHTLIFE

AMSTERDAM

Cafe Tabac

House Bar

Bar Botanique

De School

AIR Amsterdam

EVENTS

AMSTERDAM

King's Day

Light Festival

Pride Amsterdam

Holland Festival

RESTAURANTS

AMSTERDAM

Restaurant Vermeer

Restaurant Vinkeles Amsterdam

Vondelpark3

The Pantry

De Silveren Spiegel

Annual Average Temperature

Popular Cruise Lines that visit Amsterdam

When would you like to go?