Guest post by Tamera Trexler

I have never been to Amsterdam. In a couple of weeks, however, I will land in this historic city and have a few days to explore before boarding Ralph’s Dream Cruise on the Rhine and Moselle rivers. I want to make the most of this opportunity and use my time wisely to get to know this fascinating city.

I have been researching websites, travel guides and maps. There is so much going on in Amsterdam and the surrounding area, that it’s difficult to decide what to do. How do you make the most of limited time in such a place? Amsterdam seems to have something for everyone: history, modernity, contemporary art, immersive experiences, canals and the riverfront, parks, bars, architecture and more. Public transport, cycling and walking are well supported in Amsterdam and not only seem to be the most fun way to get around but also are part of the experience. In fact, this city is world famous for being bike friendly. 

I am an active outdoorsperson, and I like to find things to do that are not always the main attractions. Here is what I came across in my research that piqued my interest.

I Amsterdam | The official guide to Amsterdam is a fun site that gave me a lot of useful information. I enjoyed exploring this site. It includes things to do, cultural attractions, walking, cycling routes, exhibits and events. The site also includes a section called Amsterdam Beach Cycleseeing Route that provides helpful information about cycling routes and bike rentals. There is also a calendar posting festivals, music events and much more.

I Amsterdam also gives you the ability to purchase City Cards, which are packages that include transportation as well as discounted tickets to museums and experiences. Some City Cards will also give you one free bike rental for the day or a free canal ride, as well as the discounted admissions to experiences. The City Cards range from a 24-hour card for €60 and up to 120 hours for €125.

Amawaterways, the operator of our Dream Cruise, includes a canal cruise through Amsterdam on the day that we board AmaPrima, October 3. So the first couple days in the city before boarding, I wont be doing a canal tour. 

Through my research and going down the rabbit holes I have narrowed down some options. I hope to visit the Jordaan quarter, full of quaint cafes and Anne Frank’s House. I have read the Diary of Anne Frank and another book or two about her life. I understand there may be a long line to tour the Anne Frank house, but I am happy to just stand outside her home, in her neighborhood and to gain a sense of place and context for her life and what her whole community experienced.

Ralph and I, along with others on the Dream Cruise, plan to take bikes across on the ferry to cycle the Waterland area. It’s an area of picturesque villages and natural scenery. Perhaps we’ll find a place to grab a bite to eat for lunch. We also hope to stroll some of Amsterdam’s city parks and meander the streets, stopping where we fancy. The Amsterdam Xtracold Ice Bar seems interesting. The ice bar provides parkas and gloves while you sip cocktails in Arctic Temps. The vodka cocktails or orange juice are served in glasses made of ice, imbibing among ice sculptures. Sounds fun.

There are immersive museums that look interesting as well. You can purchase discounted tickets and combos on the I Amsterdam site mentioned previously or on Tours and Tickets: Get Great Deals on Your European City Tour! Or Just look at the website to get ideas of what to do and where to go. 

From this website I have narrowed down a few immersive art experiences that I hope to see. Fabrique des Lumières | Digital & immersive art center in Amsterdam and Amaze Immersive Experience Amsterdam | AMAZE. And Moco Museum: Amsterdam. It seems the best plan is to purchase tickets in advance directly from the venue’s website or get a combo tickets from the Tours and Tickets site. My understanding is that this can guarantee you getting in and avoid any lines, and possibly offered some discount.

On our other day in Amsterdam, I intend to visit the historic city of Haarlem on the coast. Haarlem is a 19-minute train ride from Amsterdam Centraal (the main train station). We will meander through the streets of Haarlem making our way to Zuid Kennemerland National Park Welcome in Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. The park offers free admission to this coastal gem with roaming Bison and dunes. The park has bike rentals with miles of paths. 

I only hope we have the time and energy to do it all. Will jet lag slow us down? No thank you!

• Also see …
• When In Amsterdam: Cycle Waterland
• Amsterdam, Netherlands Port Profile
• Other articles on Amsterdam