Amsterdam Cruise Port Guide: 10 Highlights You Can’t Miss
Known for its beautiful canals, tulips, authentic Dutch architecture, bicycles, and tolerant, friendly locals, the capital of the Netherlands is one of the most visited ports by cruise and river cruise ships in Europe.
Amsterdam is a relatively small city easy to get around and most of the main city attractions can be reached on foot.
The best part? The cruise port is conveniently located within walking distance of Amsterdam’s main attractions!
In this insider cruise port guide, read about:
- Amsterdam cruise port (Amsterdam cruise terminal, getting around, helpful links)
- 10 best things to do in Amsterdam including popular shore excursions to Zaanse Schans, Keukenhof Gardens, and Delft
Visit also our cruise port guides to Greenock (Glasgow), Edinburgh, Belfast, Invergordon (Inverness), Cork/Cobh, Reykjavik, Le Havre
Amsterdam Cruise Port
Amsterdam’s main cruise port terminal is known as Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, and is located within walking distance from Amsterdam downtown.
Ships may also dock at Felison Cruise Terminal located in the town of IJmuiden approximately 30 km (18.6 miles) from Amsterdam, although this rarely happens.
Passenger Terminal Amsterdam
Most of the cruise ships dock at Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA), conveniently located in the city center within walking distance from Amsterdam’s Central Station and city attractions.
Housed in a modern, wave-like glass building, PTA has 2 berths that can accommodate ships up to 630 m combined length.
Inside this modern building, cruise passengers will find a reception hall, a tourist information center, a cafe, shops, and free wifi internet.
The cruise port of Amsterdam is also a popular homeport (passengers embark and disembark in Amsterdam) for several cruise lines, including river cruises (Viking River Cruises, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways…).
A locker rental facility is available in the terminal and you can rent lockers to store your luggage for 24 hours. You can also rent segways and bikes, or book boat and sightseeing tours in the terminal.
There is large underground parking available for a fee as well.
Getting Around & Local Transportation
- Passenger Terminal Amsterdam is located approximately 2.2 km (1.3 miles) from Amsterdam city center (a 30-minute walk) and main city highlights. To get to the center, you need to follow the road to Amsterdam Central Station along Piet Heinkade Street located in front of the terminal building (you’ll see the street upon exiting the terminal, turn right and you’ll reach the station). The walk to the central station takes about 20 minutes. When you reach Central Station, the city center will be on your left-hand side.
- If you don’t want to walk, a tram station is just across the street. The tram station’s name is Muziekgebouw Bimhuis and here you need to catch a GVB tram 26 and get off at the next station which is the Central Station. You can also take a taxi to the Central Station or Uber.
- Public transport in Amsterdam is operated by Gemeente Vervoerbedrijf Amsterdam (GVB) and you can check the timetables and prices at the official webpage https://www.gvb.nl/
- At Central Station, you can rent bicycles, book canal and sightseeing tours, get a Hop on Hop off bus, or catch a connecting train to one of the nearby cities. Check out Amsterdam Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus tours on Viator and Get Your Guide
- If you want suggestions on the best local places to check out in Amsterdam, check out this Local Guide to Amsterdam and discover the city from the local’s perspective!
- Schiphol Amsterdam Airport is located 26 km/16 miles (a 30-minute drive) southwest of Amsterdam Passenger Terminal. The trains from Central Station run frequently and the journey takes around 20 minutes.
- The currency in the Netherlands is EURO (€). ATMs and currency exchange are available in the town. Local currency and credit cards are widely accepted.
- Explore Amsterdam tours and activities
- Find hotels near Amsterdam cruise port
Watch my YouTube video about Amsterdam Cruise Port and Top Attractions!
10 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam Cruise Port
1. Take a Canal Cruise
No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a boat trip through the famous and colorful canals, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Experience Amsterdam from the water, see many of the main city landmarks, admire the 17th-century architecture, and learn about Dutch culture and history!
The cruise often takes you through the UNESCO-listed Canal Ring, where you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the main city landmarks, including the Anne Frank House, the 17th-century Westerkerk, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, and the National Opera House.
The boats pass by the iconic Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug), a historic drawbridge known for its elegant design and the romantic ambiance it adds to the Amstel River.
The cruises vary in duration and depart every 15-30 minutes from several locations along the Amstel River, including the Central Station, Damrak, Anne Frank House, Museum Quarter, and Rijksmuseum.
Explore Amsterdam Canal tours and activities
2. Anne Frank House
Located in the center of Amsterdam, Anne Frank House is one of the most visited sites welcoming more than a million visitors every year.
In this house, Anne, her family, and four other people used to hide for 761 days during the Nazi persecution during World War II.
Unfortunately, in 1944 all eight of them were captured and sent to the concentration camp. The museum features personal objects of the people who hid in the house annex, including Anne’s diary.
Anne Frank House is located in Jordaan District, a 20-minute walk from Central Station. Alternatively, you can take a tram 13 or 17 to Westermarkt stop.
Due to the popularity of this site and limited capacity, you should consider pre-purchasing your tickets online, at least 2-3 months in advance.
Explore Anne Frank House tours and activities
3. Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam is famous for its world-class museums, most of which are located in the city center’s Museum Quarter.
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands and the “crown jewel” of all museums.
It is renowned for its grand, neo-Gothic architecture and impressive collection of Dutch and global art spanning over 800 years.
The museum is celebrated for its exceptional collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces and a wide array of historical artifacts.
Some of its most famous artworks include Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” which depicts a dramatic scene of a militia company preparing for a night patrol, and “The Jewish Bride”, which portrays a couple in an intimate moment.
Other must-sees include Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid”, Steen’s “The Feast of Saint Nicholas” and Van Gogh’s “Self-Portrait”.
The second floor houses the iconic Cuypers Library, the largest library in the Netherlands named after the museum’s architect, Pierre Cuypers.
Opened in 1885, the library houses a vast collection of art historical literature, including rare books, manuscripts, and periodicals.
It is strongly recommended to purchase your tickets in advance, at least a few days before.
The Rijksmuseum is huge, and you need a half day to visit it, but if you’re limited with time, I suggest you make a list of the priority artworks you want to see.
At the entrance to the museum, there is an information desk where you can get brochures showcasing the floor plan which can help you navigate the rooms.
The Dutch Golden Age masterpieces are all located in the Gallery of Honour, located on the first floor.
Besides the Gallery of Honour, I advise you to visit the Great Hall with its mosaics and stained glass windows, the small collection of Van Gogh paintings, and the iconic Cuypers Library. You need a couple of hours for all of these.
To get to Rijksmuseum, take a tram 2 or 5 from Central Station and get off at Hobbemastraat stop.
4. Van Gogh Museum
Another must-stop during your visit to Amsterdam is the Van Gogh Museum where you can discover the life and the largest artwork collection of the famous Vincent Van Gogh.
The Dutch impressionist painter suffered from mental illness since his early years and remained poor throughout his life, becoming famous one century after his death.
This impressive museum houses the world’s largest collection of his paintings and drawings, including iconic works like “Starry Night”, “Sunflowers” and “The Bedroom.”
To get there from Amsterdam cruise ship terminal, take trams 2, 5 or 12 from Central Station and get off at Van Baerlestraat station. After a few minutes’ walk, you’ll reach the museum.
Check out Van Gogh Museum tours and skip-the-line tickets
5. Dam Square, Royal Palace and Damrak
Located in the heart of the city, within a 10-minute walk from Central Station, Dam Square is the central square and a must-see place in Amsterdam.
The square is dominated by the impressive Royal Palace, originally built as a city hall in the 17th century during Amsterdam’s Golden Age.
The palace features stunning neoclassical architecture and richly decorated rooms, including the impressive Ballroom, which reflects the grandeur of the era.
When there is no official event, the Palace is open to the public and you can take a tour of the magnificent interior, see original furniture and learn about the rich history with a certified guide.
If your time in the port of Amsterdam is running short, it is worth admiring the palace’s stunning architecture from the exterior. The Royal Palace is located only a 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station.
Dam Square is also surrounded by notable landmarks, shops, and cafes, and hosts various events and celebrations throughout the year. Here you can also visit the National Monument, a striking white marble obelisk erected in 1956 to commemorate the Dutch victims of World War II.
It also marks the beginning of Damrak, Amsterdam’s main street stretching from the Central Station to Dam Square. This vibrant street, lined with historic buildings, contemporary shops, cafes, and restaurants, serves as a central artery connecting key parts of the city.
For those looking to shop, a few shopping malls are available in Damrak and the area surrounding Dam Square.
Explore Royal Palace tours and activities
6. Red Light District
This famous neighborhood is located in the center of Amsterdam and houses the world’s oldest profession.
Dating back to the 16th century, this district was the favorite area for sailors arriving from around the world due to its proximity to the harbor.
Today, its narrow streets lined with canals are renowned for its illuminated red windows where legal sex work takes place, as well as its lively nightlife, coffee shops, and diverse range of bars and restaurants.
The area is home to the Museum of Prostitution, providing insights into the district’s history, the sex industry, and the realities and experiences of sex workers.
Bars and clubs in the area feature adult-themed entertainment and performances, and while all the action takes place during the night, the Red Light District is still a very popular tourist destination during the day.
The best way to explore it is by foot or bicycle due to its narrow alleys.
Explore Red Light District tours and activities
7. The Heineken Experience
If you are a beer lover, this tour is the perfect pick for you! Discover the history behind this famous beer on an interactive, self-guided 90-minute tour through the old brewery and enjoy a refreshing tasting at the end!
To get to the Heineken Brewery, take tram 24 at Central Station and get off at the Stadhouderskade stop. The museum is wheelchair-friendly.
8. Zaanse Schans
Take a trip to the most popular attraction located in the north of the capital, approximately 18 km/11 miles (a 25-minute drive) from the cruise port Amsterdam.
Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum that showcases a collection of well-preserved historic windmills, wooden houses, and artisanal workshops, allowing visitors to experience the charm and craftsmanship of the 18th and 19th centuries.
You can do so many fun things in this village, including a visit to unique museums such as the Wooden Shoe Workshop and Bakery Museum. Tasting cheese is a must!
There is no entrance fee to Zaanse Schans village but there is a fee to visit each Windmill and Zaans Museum; however, you can purchase a Zaanse Schans Card that will give you access to all windmills, museums, and much more!
To get to Zaanse Schans, you can take the R-net bus line 391 from Amsterdam Central Station. Buses run frequently (every 15 minutes) and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
You can also take the train from Central Station to Zaandijk – Zaanse Schans station. The trip by train takes 17 minutes. Once you get off at the station, you need to walk 15 minutes to get to the village. Zaanse Schans village is fairly flat for guests with mobility challenges.
Explore Zaanse Schans tours from Amsterdam
9. Keukenhof Gardens
The breathtaking Keukenhof is the world’s largest flower garden and the most visited attraction during the summer, welcoming over a million visitors per year.
The Keukenhof gardens feature over 7 million flowers including 800 different types of tulips spread across an area of 32 hectares. Open throughout the year, the best time to see the tulips is from March to May.
Keukenhof is located in the town of Lisse approximately 35 km/22 miles (a 1-hour drive) from Amsterdam cruise port.
There are several ways to get from Amsterdam to Keukenhof Gardens, including taking a 20-minute train to Haarlem Station and then taking bus 50 to the gardens.
10. Delft
Explore this beautiful medieval town known for its hand-painted blue-and-white pottery, charming canals, and famous for being home to the renowned painter Johannes Vermeer. Delft is located approximately 70 km/44 miles (a 1h 15-minute drive) from Amsterdam port.
From Central Station, there is a direct train to Delft and the ride takes approximately 1 hour. Due to the distance from the port, it’s advisable to visit Delft on a guided tour from Amsterdam.
To Wrap Up
Whether you choose to explore Amsterdam’s historic canals, iconic museums, or vibrant neighborhoods, your visit is sure to be unforgettable.
Make sure to stay a couple of days before or after your cruise to fully explore the city!
Have a wonderful cruise! 🙂
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Australia & New Zealand
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