Amsterdam as a Port Stop
- Gail Gauvreau
- Aug 26
- 13 min read
Blog #91
I have arrived and departed Amsterdam on cruises (both ocean going and river), because this city is a regular port of call on all types of cruise line itineraries. I like Amsterdam and enjoy the friendly, safe atmosphere on offer. As the capital and financial center of the Netherlands, it is a bustling city with a charming combination of old and modern buildings. As large and as important as it is, the seat of government is not located here, rather the Hague has that honour. Consequently, the rail link between the Hague and Amsterdam is excellent with over one hundred trains a day making the 30-minute trip. This is important as the rail also links Amsterdam to Rotterdam, a major port city in the Rotterdam-Hague metropolitan area.
Why talk about Rotterdam in an Amsterdam blog? A few months ago, I learned that in 2026, Amsterdam is planning on moving the embarkation/disembarkation points for most of the large cruise ships to the port in Rotterdam. The reported plan is to have the large ocean-going cruises departing Rotterdam and the small, narrow river boat cruises to continue docking in Amsterdam. This will reduce tourism congestion and allow the passenger terminal in Amsterdam to be relocated. Consequently, I will be writing a blog on Rotterdam and linking it to this blog so that my readers can determine which port information best relates to them, depending on the type of cruise they are taking.
Where is the port “currently” in Amsterdam? The cruise port is called the PTA which is short for the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam. It is not that far from the Amsterdam Central Railway station and close to the public library. The guidebooks say it is about a ten-minute walk from the train station but I walked it and it took me twenty minutes. I know I am not a really fast walker, but I take it the people they based the time estimates on were fleet of foot.
Currency
Amsterdam uses the Euro symbolized by the € sign.
Language(s)
Dutch is the spoken language. English and Belgium French are widely spoken and understood. German is understood in areas along the border.
History of Amsterdam
Located at the mouth of the Amstel River, and in a rather boggy region, it is believed that permanent habitation of this area occurred late when compared to other European cities. That is not to say that early occupation did not occur as evidence has proven that this location has enjoyed human occupation since approximately 2600 BCE. It is believed that the settlements were originally seasonal due to flooding and wetlands during certain times of the year. Consequently, a year-round, permanent settlement, was not recorded until much later than those listed in neighboring countries. But clearly there is evidence of early visits. For example, objects from the Neolithic period have been discovered adjacent to the banks of the river along with everyday use items from other historic times.
The area really came under development around 1000CE with the majority of building taking place in the 13th century. In order to make the area habitable year-round, it was necessary to drain the boggy lands and areas predisposed to seasonal flooding, reclaim land through the building of dikes and widen drainage areas to carry the excess water out to the North Sea. To this day, parts of the city are below sea level. The city’s name is derived from the combination of the name of the river, the Amstel and the dams creating the dry land.
There are a number of the old buildings from the early settlement still in existence today, such as the Oude Kerk which was built in the 13th century. In those early times, each year, more canal work was done and by the 16th century, Amsterdam had become a walled city. You can still see three of the old fortification towers if you do a city tour.
The city began to take on the appearance of a spider web as the main canals were enlarged and other canals started to feed off or radiate from, those larger canals. By the 17th and 18th centuries, there was now a massive, ever-expanding harbour with shipping and trading becoming the major industry. The city and dike work continued to expand.
By the late 1800s, the North Sea Canal was built which resulted in a new, large channel running to the west being created. New rail lines were built on a man-made island and the new Central Station was built to complete the modernization and intercity connectivity.
Although the Netherlands declared itself neutral during the first and second world wars, it was occupied and subject to the horrors of war, including the rounding up and killing of its citizens. The Diary of Anne Frank is a testament to the horrors of the nazi occupation and program against Jewish citizens. I will write more on this subject when addressing places to visit in Amsterdam.
Today, Amsterdam is a modern city with lots to see and do. So, without further historical notes, I will move on to things to see and places to visit.
Hop On / Hop Off Bus and Boat
Those of you who follow my blogs know that I am a fan of the Hop On / Hop Off buses (HoHo), that operate in every major tourist city. In Amsterdam you can do both a HoHo bus, a HoHo boat or a combination of both. I opted for both, and enjoyed the boat tour in the morning followed by the bus tour in the afternoon. This gave me a fairly good overview of the inner city and allowed me to earmark places that I would want to see in the subsequent days. I bought a 48-hour pass but for those just stopping for a day and are on a shore excursion, you can buy a 24-hour pass. The bus and boat tours are well worth the 30 euros price tag and take you to all the important locations that might be on your must-see list. You should also note that the Canal Ring is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. There are lots of photo opportunities on the boat tour and I could easily have done it again on the same day; it was that interesting.
One of the things to watch for on the boat tour is the house with six heads (see photo). Our tour guide told us that the six heads depicted on the exterior wall of the house, represents the heads of six thieves that broke into the house. They were allegedly caught by a kitchen maid who killed them and cut off their heads. She subsequently hung the heads outside the house as a warning to other thieves. I am not sure I believe the story, but it is an interesting anecdote.
Red Light District
My hotel on my last visit was within easy walking distance to the De Wallen (aka the red light district). This is a popular tourist destination that I went to see on my first visit to the city. On my latest trip, I visited the area again as the hidden church "Our Lord in the Attic' house and the Oude Kerk were located there. On my way to tour the house (which I will write about under museums), I happened to stumble across one of the famous windows sporting a blond wigged woman decked out in bondage gear. It took a moment before I realized the purpose of her apparel but it all became clear when she accepted a client and closed her blinds. Amsterdam is known for its history of allowing sex work in a public forum and I learned it dates back to the 14th century. The area sports two impressive churches that seem to have reconciled the surrounding 300 plus windowed sex rooms which constitutes its neighbours. This area is best seen in the evening as there are more illuminated rooms and workers to see, but it does operate 24/7 so it is possible to see sex workers during the day. There are also a number of sex shops and stores that sell cannabis which appeared to be ubiquitous in the area. In fact as a non-smoker, I found the ever present smell of both cigarette smoke and cannabis to be annoying.
There is a Museum of Prostitution for those who wish to explore the history of sex work in the city. I have not visited this museum so I cannot offer comment on the quality or quantity of the displays. The museum is located at: Oudezijds Achterburgwal 601012 DP Amsterdam.
Visiting Various Museums
I will start with the Rijksmuseum which opened in 1885. Yes, it is an art museum which is always a must visit for me. This one is a gem as it houses an impressive array of paintings, such as those done by Vermeers and Rembrandt. It is truly a remarkable building to visit as well as an incredible structure for those who like to examine historical architecture.
Nearby, in what is called the Museumplein, you will find the Van Gogh Museum which stands in stark contrast to the Rijksmuseum. Modern and contemporary, it houses the world’s largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings.
Also in the Museumplein, you will find the Stedelijk Museum which I am told houses modern and contemporary works by De Kooning and Mondrian. Even though I had a ticket to visit, I spent too long in the Rijksmuseum and ran out of time to tour the Stedelijk. This museum awaits my next Amsterdam visit.
If you buy a Netherlands Museum Pass, you can visit all three of these museums. It is best to buy your tickets in advance and select a timed entry if you are on a shore excursion and have to ensure you are able to enter at a certain time. Give yourself plenty of time to take in all the sights.
The church, Our Lord in the Attic (aka the Hidden Church house), is an ordinary looking canal house built in the 1660s. The Catholics were unable to worship in public so these clandestine churches were built in people’s houses. When I first heard about these hidden churches, I envisioned a small room with a little chapel, much like ones seen in castles in England, but no, this is one very large church that takes up three floors. With changeable altar backgrounds and carved statues, it presents a stark contrast to the much plainer offerings found in the Dutch Reformed Churches.
Anne Frank House
Famous for her diary detailing her, and her family’s life in hiding during the second world war, this is a very popular tourist attraction. You cannot simply go to the house and buy an entry ticket. You must buy your ticket(s), online at least six weeks in advance. Your ticket will also give you a timed entry so you will have to ensure that if you are arriving by cruise ship, you plan and book your ticket in advance. Payment for your 16 euro adult ticket or 7 euro child (10-17 years), can only be bought by bank or credit card.
The address of the house is Prinsengracht 263-267 but to enter the museum you must round the corner and access through Westermarkt 20. Both the HoHo boat and buses have stops near this location.
Shopping
In the city centre I found a beautiful neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance style building which is now the Magna Plaza. Located at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 182, 1012 SJ Amsterdam. This former post office was built between 1895 and 1899 and is an interesting stop for those who shop and those who like historical architecture. Open seven days a week from10am to 9pm, it has modern stores, typical Dutch souvenirs, cheese shop and a food court.
Albert Cuypstraat Market located at 199, 1073 BE Amsterdam. This open street market is out of the city centre but easily accessible. It offers up a mix of food, clothing and tourist souvenir stands. The prices were good (and cheaper than in the city centre). Lots of little food shops around as well.
Rembrandt Art Market located at Rembrandtplein, 1017 CT Amsterdam is a Sunday only market where artists sell their works. Various styles and mediums are on offer and yes, there are deals to be had.
If you like flea markets, visit the Waterlooplein market. With over 300 vendors, it has a large selection of goods. Located at Waterlooplein 2, 1011 Amsterdam it has everything from second hand clothing to leather goods and antiques.
For those who just like to walk and check out stores along the streets, I suggest you walk the Damrak. I found a selection of individual stores there selling everything from cheese to wooden shoes. It is in the heart of the tourist area so don’t expect to find bargains. Having said that, at the end of the typical tourist season last year, I bought several souvenirs that were discounted.
Dutch Cheese
Cheese is called “Kaas” in Holland. To say that it is prolific in Amsterdam would be an understatement. Walk along the major shopping routes and you will pass various cheese stores. Probably the most famous cheese is Gouda but I found a lot more to choose from. Leyden and Beemster made my list while Edam topped out as my husband’s favourite. Limburger was a popular option among some patrons in a cheese store we randomly walked into when we were tempted by the massive wheels of cheese in the window display. The cheese can be shipped all over the world but I contented myself with small samplings of different types that could be eaten over the week in our hotel room. Visit a cheese store and try samplings of their offerings. The counter people I have met over the years were always pleased to talk about their products and provide some samples. If you are walking along the Dam in the city centre, look for the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store located at 62 Damrak and the Amsterdam Cheese Company which can be found at 84 Damrak.
Cathedrals/Religious Buildings
As always noted in my blogs, I love to visit cathedrals and places of religious significance. The reason is twofold. First and foremost (especially in Europe), churches had the money over the centuries and employed the finest architects, artists and craftsmen to build and decorate the buildings. Even in Holland, where the reformation irradicated a lot of the opulent decorations that once adorned churches, religious buildings still represent historical footnotes to the times they were built (or were restructured). Secondly, religious buildings often reflect the fabric of the culture.
I have already discussed the church Our Lord in the Attic, so I will move on to a few that I believe are architecturally noteworthy.
Sint Nicolaaskerk (Saint Nicholas), is the basilica that took me several attempts to enter. Every time I went there, it was closed to visitors. Located at Prins Hendrikkade 73, 1012 AD Amsterdam and very close to the central railway station, I finally was able to access the interior and found it worth the wait. This neo-Baroque church was built in honour of St Nicolas who is the patron saint of sailors. My pictures (a few of which I have attached to this blog), do not do it justice. I recommend a visit, but remember, it is not open to the public on Sundays and has limited access around services during the weekdays.
Vondelkerk Cathedral (Vondel Church). Located at Vondelstraat 120, 1054 GS Amsterdam, this place is just outside of the city centre. It was a lot easier to access the interior here than it was to enter Sint Nicolaaskerk. Built in the neo-Gothic style in 1872, and called the Sacred Heart of Jesus, it ceased being a church in 1977 and is now a public venue for weddings, meetings, receptions etc. Have a look at the beautiful stained-glass windows which depict the saints John, Luke, Marc and Mathew.
Oude Kerk (Old Church) Located in Oudekerksplein Square, this is the oldest church in Amsterdam. Originally built around 1213 and consecrated as a church in 1306, it was changed from a catholic place of worship to a Dutch reformed church in 1578. Unfortunately, at the time of its conversion, it was stripped of many of the historic works during a ransacking. However, the interior and majesty of the building is still evidenced in the vaulted medieval ceiling. It is about a 5-7 minute walk from the central rail station and has an admission cost.
Portuguese Synagogue Built in 1639 by Jews who fled Spain and Portugal, it is an excellent 17th century orthodox Sephardic structure with exceptional period architecture. There are 72 windows that light up the well-preserved interior. This building survived the German invasion during the second world war with most of its' precious artifacts, and the congregation listing, secreted in the attic. Access to the attic was hidden by the beams.
Tourism Cruises (Prices November 2024)
In addition to the HoHo boat trip, there are a number of cruises you can take. Here are a few that I came across:
Wine and Cheese Cruise – 90 minutes with a pickup at Prins Hendrikkade 8pm start Cost: 35 €
Amsterdam Dinner Cruise – 120 minutes with a pickup at Prins Hendrikkade 7:30pm start. Four course meal and drinks included. Cost 89 €
Pancake Cruise – All you can eat pancakes. These cruises have assorted departure times Dutch pancakes “pannenkoeken” are very popular and come with a large variety of toppings. You have to take the NDSM ferry to get to the departure point at MS Van Riemdijkweg. Cost 27€.
The One Hour Canal Cruise – 60 minutes and has 4 departure points. Cost 17€. Basically, it is an hour of canal sightseeing and a great way to see the UNESCO canal ring within a limited time.
Semi-Open Boat Cruise – 60 minutes with a pickup at Prins Hendrikkade Cost 17.50€
Day Trips
A few tours that you might consider would be the Windmills and Countryside Tour which last fall cost 52.50 euro. It was an all-day tour that included a cheese & syrup waffle demonstration, scenic boat trip, clog making demonstration, visiting an operating windmill and a visit to a traditional market.
For a very Dutch experience, consider a day trip to Giethoorn and the Enclosing Dike. Giethoorn is a tiny village located very near the German border. There are no roads or cars and you travel by little boats. Cost 79€.
You can also do a day trip to Belgium which is lovely. It is a wonderful medieval city and a UNESCO world heritage location. The cost from Amsterdam last year was 79 euros for the day. I have to admit that I really like Belgium (called Bruges), so I don't hesitate to recommend it. Tours run between 89 and 79 €.
While on the subject of visiting other cities, consider a day trip that will include Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague. An organized tour from Amsterdam is around 79€
Lastly, a day trip to Zaandam will take you to an historic town that you can cover in three to four hours of touring. If you decide to visit, and have limited time, head directly to the Zaanse Schans neighborhood which retains the traditional Netherlands aesthetics and will give you views of the local windmills. The price of the tours vary but for a basic one it will cost about 49 - 59€.
Toilets
There are public washrooms available but they are not as easy to find as they are in North America or in other parts of Europe. Expect to pay for the use of a public toilet and always ensure you have euro coins with you. The central railway station does have public toilets but as with other locations, you must pay to use them. The HoHo boats have public toilets that are free to use.
As with all my blogs, if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at gailgauvreau@gailgauvreau.com or post them below.
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