Discovering Amsterdam: Key Things To Do

Learn more about this popular European city with our travel guide. Here, we explore Amsterdam’s unique status as the world’s cycling capital, as well as top sights and attractions to add to your itinerary. Many of our European river cruises start or finish in the “Venice of the North”, so you can visit this wonderful city before or after your Emerald Cruises voyage.

Top things to do in Amsterdam

1. Take a bike ride in Amsterdam 

2. Visit iconic landmarks and attractions

3. Museums in Amsterdam

4. Explore Amsterdam’s canal network

5. The best restaurants and bars

6. Tips for visiting Amsterdam

7. Explore Amsterdam with Emerald Cruises

Take a bike ride in the world’s cycling capital

With over one million bicycles and 400 kilometres of cycling paths, it’s no wonder Amsterdam is the cycling capital of the world. During the 1970s, the city’s urban landscape began to be shaped around bicycles instead of cars due to growing concerns about pedestrian safety and environmental impact. Extensive bicycle lanes were constructed, giving rise to Amsterdam’s status as a bike-friendly city.

Exploring Amsterdam by bike is an unparalleled experience. Take advantage of the complimentary bikes available on your luxurious Emerald Star-Ship for a convenient and enjoyable adventure. You can access most attractions by bicycle, including key landmarks like Dam Square and the Rijksmuseum. If you want to gain more insight into the city, consider joining a DiscoverMORE excursion or guided bike tour.

With many of our European river cruises, including the Jewels of the Rhine cruise, you can embark on an exclusive guided bike tour to Waterland, passing idyllic scenery and beautiful fields of tulips.

Visit iconic landmarks and attractions

From the Royal Palace to the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, here’s our pick of the top places to see in Amsterdam.

Keukenhof Tulip Gardens

Wondering where to see tulips in Amsterdam? Just a short drive from the city is the iconic Keukenhof Gardens, featuring 32 hectares of spring-flowering bulbs. Here, you’ll be greeted by sweet aromas and a plethora of vibrant colours.

Delight in the sights of the flower gardens and visit one of the flower shows for an unforgettable experience. Keukenhof Tulip Gardens is also the Netherlands’s largest statue garden. You’ll spot various statues throughout the space, designed by national and international artists.

A guest favourite is the Tulips & the Rhine cruise, which features an excursion to Keukenhof and is especially popular in spring when the tulips are in full bloom.

Vondelpark

Explore Amsterdam’s most popular park, home to over 100 acres of picturesque lawns, paths and ponds. On a sunny day, this is the perfect spot to sit back and soak in the scenery. The park features an open-air theatre and a beautiful rose garden with 70 different species.

Royal Palace Amsterdam

Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the Royal Palace is one of the Netherlands’ key landmarks. Originally built as a city hall, it was transformed into a palace by King Louis Bonaparte in 1808 and is mainly used for official functions and entertainment purposes today.

The building was designed to illustrate Amsterdam’s power and wealth during the 17th century, which is reflected in the impressive Citizen’s Hall and marble galleries. The palace is open to visitors when royal receptions are not in progress.

Dam Square

Dam Square is Amsterdam’s most important plaza and a focal point for the city’s history and culture. It’s bordered by various notable buildings, including the Royal Palace, and is home to the National Monument, which was built to commemorate the Dutch soldiers who served in World War II.

It’s also the setting of many festivals and celebrations in Amsterdam, especially at Christmas, when it houses a grand, beautifully lit Christmas tree that serves as a focal point for holiday festivities. Admire the tree before wandering through the charming Christmas stalls, where you’ll hot mugs of mulled wine, festive food and festive trinkets, before embarking on an enchanting Christmas cruise, such as the Christmas Markets on the Rhine. 

Museums in Amsterdam

History and art enthusiasts can delight in a day of museum-hopping in Amsterdam, uncovering the city's rich past before embarking on your Emerald Cruise. Many of the museums are located in Amsterdam’s renowned Museum Quarter, while others are spread out further across the city.

Rijksmuseum

Explore over 800 years of Dutch art and history at the Rijksmuseum – the national museum of the Netherlands. Inside, you’ll find over 8,000 historical artefacts and artworks, including pieces by Vermeer, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt. The museum is spread over four floors and features a café where you can unwind with a drink during your visit.

Van Gogh Museum

Just a short walk from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum gives visitors a unique insight into the life and work of the Dutch painter. Opened in 1973, it houses more than 200 paintings by Vincent van Gogh, as well as various drawings and letters. Be inspired by the painter’s artistic development and view some of his best-known artworks, including Sunflowers and Almond Blossom.

Anne Frank House

Located along the Prinsengracht canal, the Anne Frank House is a biographical museum dedicated to Anne Frank. Learn more about the diarist’s story through a series of original items, and witness the Secret Annex where she hid during World War II. This museum takes visitors on a journey through history and stands as a powerful reminder of resilience against oppression.

Explore Amsterdam's canal network

Built during the Dutch Golden Age as a mode of transportation for people and goods, Amsterdam’s canals have shaped the city’s history. The canal network stretches over 14 kilometres and consists of three main canals: the Keizersgracht, the Herengracht, and the Prinsengracht.

Join a canal cruise to learn more about the historical network. Many of the Emerald Cruises itineraries, including Jewels of the Rhine and Christmas Markets on the Rhine, offer this as an included excursion.

Board a glass-top canal boat for a tour down the Dutch capital’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system. This is one of the best things to do in the city, where you can uncover the history behind the waterways and witness iconic landmarks along the way. Popular options include:

• Hop-on-hop-off tours, which offer unlimited cruising throughout Amsterdam’s canal district.

• Dining tours, where you can enjoy a delicious meal as you cruise along the canal.

• Light Festival tours, where you can witness the city lit up with beautiful lights from November to January.

The best restaurants and bars

Amsterdam has an excellent culinary scene consisting of classic Dutch dishes and modern global creations. The city is home to a wide range of restaurants and bars, where you can sample traditional Dutch cuisine and Amsterdam’s most popular beer. Some of the best restaurants in Amsterdam include:

• Flore: A Michelin-starred restaurant with an idyllic canalside location.

• Restaurant Breda: A fine-dining restaurant with a seasonal menu, located in the heart of Amsterdam.

• Restaurant Moeders: A traditional Dutch restaurant that serves hearty meals in a relaxed atmosphere.

• Dine on board your luxury Emerald Star-Ship: Enjoy exquisite meals, delightful drinks and stellar service from the comfort of your Emerald Star-Ship. Your expert chefs use local ingredients to reflect the regions you sail through and capture the flavours of the area.

The Heineken Experience

Located inside Heineken’s oldest brewery, the Heineken Experience lets you uncover the history of Amsterdam’s most popular lager. Explore the home of Heineken with an interactive tour during your stay in Amsterdam, where you can learn more about the brewing process and enjoy a tasting session.

Tips for visiting Amsterdam

Make the most of your time in Amsterdam with our top four travel tips:

• Pre-purchase tickets: To avoid long queues at popular attractions, it’s best to book your tickets in advance for excursions and attractions not included in your Emerald Cruises itinerary.

• Carry cash and cards: While many cafés and restaurants are cashless, other traditional venues prefer cash, so it’s best to take both.

• Lock your bike: Bike thieves operate in Amsterdam, so remember to lock your bicycle’s front and back wheels when it’s not in use.

• Purchase a pass: During your stay in Amsterdam, if you’re planning to visit multiple attractions around the city, it might be better value to purchase an I Amsterdam City Card, rather than paying for each one separately. 

Explore Amsterdam with Emerald Cruises

Journey to Amsterdam with Emerald Cruises and explore one of the most captivating cities on the Rhine River. Whether you want to experience the magic of Amsterdam at Christmas time or see the tulips in bloom, there are a range of exciting itineraries to choose from.

Board your Emerald Star-Ship and set sail in style on your luxurious home away from home. Discover a range of excellent suites and staterooms, each equipped with an en-suite bathroom, ultra-comfortable beds with luscious linens and a selection of luxury toiletries, and truly experience the best of what Amsterdam and Europe has to offer.