- Visit the Anne Frank House.
- Stroll the City of Amsterdam.
Walking is one of my favorite activities, and I love exploring the city and the country. Our ship docked near the Central Station, so we were able to walk there to start our wandering. We went in the back door of the Central Station, walked straight through, and exited onto Damrak, one of Amsterdam's main streets. Damrak was filled with visitors, and we strolled past the sex museum to Dam Square, the city center. This square was where the original dam was built across the Amstel River. Since our time was limited, we went east from Dam Square into the Red Light District (my husband's choice). Although I wouldn't recommend wandering in this area after dark, it seemed perfectly safe on a Sunday afternoon.We strolled up and down the narrow streets and gazed at the interesting architecture and canals. There were many sex shops selling erotic items and coffee houses selling pot and coffee (no, not pots of coffee, but marijuana and coffee!) We even saw a couple of "ladies of the day", but Ronnie was not impressed. I'm happy to say we emerged unscathed and sober from the Red Light District, after a fascinating couple of hours.
- Take a Grand Tour of Holland and See the Rest of the Netherlands.
Many cruisers have visited Amsterdam and want to see the rest of Holland. Most cruise ships offer a Grand Holland Tour, which features a drive through the countryside and visits the Hague and Delft. Since The Hague is the country's seat of government and home of the royal family, you will see the Royal Palace, Houses of Parliament, and the Peace Palace. (Amsterdam is the capital of Holland.) Delft is the home of that wonderful blue and white pottery. This tour lasts all day and usually includes lunch. Note that you won't see any of Amsterdam if you choose this shore excursion.
For many visitors to Amsterdam, this is a "must do". However, you must time your visit right, or you will spend more time waiting in line than in the house! You will have to visit on your own, because the house is so small that no shore excursion groups are scheduled by any of the cruise lines, and no tour groups are allowed. Avoid the crowds and go early, or avoid the crowds and go after dinner (unless your ship is sailing). From April to August, museum is open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. The rest of the year it closes at 5:00 pm. This tiny house is one of the world's most visited. Whenever I think of the story of Anne Frank and her family, hiding in the tiny attic for two years before their capture, it always brings tears to my eyes. Seeing that tiny space and reading about the persecution of the Jews in Amsterdam during the War will be moving to anyone.
Although I've only listed 6 things to do in Amsterdam, I could probably come up with 50. Most cruisers have limited time in each port, so these 6 should get you started on a memorable day in Amsterdam.
