Port Guide: Amsterdam

Who goes there

Almost everyone, since Amsterdam is both an ocean and river port. Ocean ships sail to numerous destinations, often the Baltic or Norway but also the British Isles and west coast of Europe. River ships operate itineraries down the Rhine, either to Basel or via the Main River and canals to join the Danube and finish (most often) in Budapest. Some meander Dutch and Belgian waterways, especially during tulip season.

Amsterdam is both a river and ocean cruising port.

Sail on in

You can’t call the arrival beautiful, since the Netherlands is flat, and your ship glides through built-up residential and industrial areas. It is however entertaining, since you manoeuvre through narrow canals and can spot office workers at their desks and locals cycling along with their shopping.

Berth rites

Don’t be alarmed by media reports of cruise-ship bans in Amsterdam. They aren’t being banned, rather being moved beyond the city centre, but the new cruise terminal won’t be operational until 2035. In the meantime, the Passenger Cruise Terminal for ocean ships (which has abundant facilities) remains conveniently close to Centraal station. River ships too dock along quays within walking distance. Some ocean ships however dock at Felison Terminal in IJmuiden, 26 kilometres away.

Before and after

You have no shortage of accommodation choice, but Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam occupies a monumental historic building and combines French flair with sleek, contemporary decor and artworks. Its French-influenced Dutch restaurant Bridges is surely the city’s best seafood restaurant. Given the Netherland’s short distances and excellent train system, don’t rule out staying in a small town such as Delft or Leiden.

Going ashore

Stroll the old-town core with its canals and 17th-century townhouses and churches. Famous sights such as Anne Frank House involve long queues. Or concentrate on Museumplein around which you’ll find the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum with its renowned Dutch Masters, or less famous (but equally fabulous) Stedelijk Museum for modern art. If you’ve visited before, explore districts beyond such as multiethnic De Pijp or arty, alternative district Jordaan. De Wallen district is home to patrician Golden Age mansions and the campus of Amsterdam University.

Don’t miss

Eastern Harbour, just beyond Centraal station, has been transformed with new development projects and entertainment districts – a refreshing change from cobblestone stereotypes. The excellent, hands-on Science Centre NEMO is a family-friendly science museum that allows kids to make electrical circuits and perform experiments on soap bubbles. NEMO’s rooftop is scattered with sand in summer, becoming an unusual beach venue complete with a bar.

Get active

Rent a bike and pedal Amsterdam’s superb network of cycle lanes along 100 kilometres of canals spanned by 400 bridges. At Sloterplas Lake you can rent a sailboat, windsurfer or catamaran. For a slower pace, follow any of several signposted walking routes that highlight different subjects such as architecture, public art, food and maritime history.

Retail therapy

Delft porcelain, pewter ware, arts and antiques, handcrafted wooden clocks and diamonds are Amsterdam’s specialties. Head to hipster Jordaan district for funky fashion, pedestrian Kalverstraat for mainstream shopping and Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat for Dutch design and antiques. Amsterdam has excellent street markets: try Waterlooplein Flea Market for bric-a-brac and souvenirs and Albert Cuypmarkt for clothing.

Further afield

Excursion options include capital The Hague, historic canal towns Delft and Utrecht, and destinations with old windmills or modern engineering projects that hold back the waves. One of the closest destinations is cheese-producing town Edam, which once flourished on maritime trade and shipbuilding and looks like a living Old Master painting.

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