City Breaks along the Rhine
Amsterdam is an unbelievably diverse city. Old and new, quiet and bustling, cultured and commercial, small-town and cosmopolitan – every description of the canal city involves contradictions.
With nearly 7,500 listed buildings, Amsterdam offers the highest concentration of historical monuments in the Netherlands and is thus the perfect destination for a city trip. There is a piece of history waiting to be discovered around every corner in the Old Town, from illustrated gable stones and old shipyards to the Secret Church in the attic of a canal-side house.
Soak up the Dutch atmosphere during a romantic canal tour. The world-famous museums of the city invite you to join a cultural tour of discovery. Pay a visit to one of the many street markets and immerse yourself in the culinary variety. As well as fresh fruit and vegetables, you will also find colourful flowers and other goods typical for the country at the markets. Those who find the hustle and bustle of the city too much can enjoy a relaxing walk through the idyllic Vondelpark.
City trips to Amsterdam by ship
Step on board the A-ROSA cruise ships and discover Amsterdam from the river.
You will dock directly in the centre of Amsterdam with the A-ROSA AQUA, the A-ROSA BRAVA, the A-ROSA SILVA, the A-ROSA FLORA and the A-ROSA SENA during your Rhine cruise. You can reach the city centre by foot, where you will find multiple canals and multicultural flair. Explore the city by yourself or join one of our guided city tours with a guide who knows their way around. In the evening you can head back to the ship and look back on the day’s experiences over dinner or relax in our spa area. As you talk with fellow passengers, the ship is already setting off, headed for the next city on the Rhine, perhaps Antwerp or Rotterdam.
A-ROSA River Cruises to Amsterdam in 2024
Excursions and Sightseeing in Amsterdam
AMSTERDAM´S CANALS
Amsterdam is a city with an abundance of water. With around 200 canals, moats, locks and other similar bodies of water, this European city welcomes you on a reflective tour of the canals. Lean back and take in the diversity of the capital city whilst the boat floats gently through the canals. The main canals Singel, Herengracht, Keizergracht and Prinsengracht flow through the city centre. You can book canal tours quickly and easily in the city, for example in the central station.
MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM
With around 60 museums, Amsterdam has the highest concentration of museums in the world, including the Van Gogh Museum with the works ‘The Potato Eaters’ and ‘The Bedroom’. The Rijksmuseum is finally complete after ten years of renovation. Visitors have the chance to learn about the country’s history, craftsmanship and art. There is also a lot to discover for children of all ages in the NEMO Science Museum. And not only children will have a great time here – adults can learn a lot, too.
ANNE FRANK HOUSE
The Anne Frank House is situated directly on the Prinsengracht canal. It offers an insight into the life of Anne Frank, the Jewish girl whose diary – written during the Second World War – later became world-famous. The young girl hid from the Nazi regime in what is today known as the Anne Frank House. The small flat in which the family lived can be reached via a secret door. Tragically, the hiding place was discovered and Anne Frank died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Visitors can take a look at the hiding place in the building as well as an exhibition on the persecution of Jews and on fascism.
Vondelpark
The 48-hectare Vondelpark was created as the first public park in Amsterdam in 1877 and named after Renaissance poet Joost van den Vondel. There is also an impressive monument of him in the park. Wealthy citizens joined forces to create a ‘green lung’ in their new, exclusive neighbourhood south of the Canal Ring. Today, Café Vertigo, with one of the most beautiful and lively terraces, the Melkhuis restaurant and the Blauwe Teehuis provide outstanding refreshments.
Oude Kerk
The Oude Kerk – Old Church in English – towers above Amsterdam’s red light district. The historical building is one of the oldest remaining buildings in the Dutch capital. The church has retained its Gothic architecture. In 1951, the building was closed, as it was in danger of collapsing, and restored over the following two years. The high windows and extraordinary architecture give the church a charming character. The monument can be visited every day. Climb the tower and look out over the rooftops of Amsterdam.
ROYAL PALACE OF AMSTERDAM
The Royal Palace – or Koninklijk Paleis in Dutch – is right in the city centre. There’s always hustle and bustle in the Dam Square in front of the palace. The Madame Tussauds wax museum also borders the square. When first built, the royal palace initially served as the city hall. At the time, the decorative building reflected the wealth of the Netherlands. It was only after the French Revolution that Napoleon used the building as a palace where he made his brother king, who then resided there. Today, you can visit the rooms of the royal palace as part of exciting tours.
Albert Cuypmarkt
The Albert Cuypmarkt, named after a renowned landscape painter, is the largest daily market in Amsterdam. The market took place for the first time in 1904. At the time it was a Saturday market made up of handcarts and street vendors. Just eight years later, the Saturday market turned into a market that took place six times a week – exactly how it is today, still on Albert Cuypstraat in the district of De Pijp. Countless market stalls offer typical Dutch specialities such as flowers and cheese. Fruit, vegetables, textiles and other products are also on offer.
AMSTERDAM´S RED-LIGHT DISTRICT
The red-light district in Amsterdam is also a small tourist attraction. Exciting tours offer visitors authentic insights into the red-light district of this Dutch city. As well as the prominent neon signs, speciality shops and striking house façades, you will also find a few museums. Soak up the unique character of this district of Amsterdam. As a contrast, you could pay a visit to the Oude Kerk, a church which can be found in the middle of the red-light district.