Cruises to & from Amsterdam, Netherlands

Foodhallen 

Address: Bellamyplein 51, 1053 AT Amsterdam, Netherlands

Foodhallen sounds exactly like what it is: a food hall where the many food stands offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for local brews, Vietnamese bites, or freshly made yoghurt. The open floor plan means even a crowd doesn’t feel intimidating at Foodhallen. 

Greetje 

Address: Peperstraat 23, 1011 TJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

Greetje will teach you a little bit about traditional Dutch cuisine keeping in line with the family tradition of its owners. They offer a tasting menu for two, where you can sample all the entrees. Or you can go à la carte and choose from dishes like roast lamb with potatoes and gravy or slow-cooked veal. Top off your meal with creme brulee or a selection of Dutch cheeses for dessert.

Rijks Restaurant 

Address: Museumstraat 2, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands

Located within the Rijksmuseum is the Michelin-starred Rijks, which offers classically Dutch dishes with a modern spin. Here you can find a six-course tasting menu or an upscale lunch. It’s fine dining in a romantic but airy space, making the restaurant an ideal place to dine after a day of museum tours.

Fishing and trade have been at the core of Amsterdam’s history since the 13th century, when the city was, according to legend, founded by fishermen. By the 17th century, the golden age of Amsterdam had begun, ushering in a renaissance of trade for diamonds and other exports. Famous artists like Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Rembrandt are heavily featured throughout the city. During World War II, Amsterdam faced tragedy as Jewish citizens were deported and sent to occupation camps all over Europe, sparking the city’s efforts to memorialize and honor those who were lost, which resulted in the founding of the National Monument and the Anne Frank House. Today, Amsterdam is known as the cultural heart of Europe, home to a variety of art museums and institutions. Amsterdam is a bicyclists’ haven and open-minded capital city where all are welcome. Each year in April, Amsterdam hosts its celebrated tulip festival.

There’s not a ton of shopping near the cruise port, but you should leave time before your cruise from Amsterdam to go shopping in the city center to grab local items like Dutch pottery and Amsterdam-themed souvenirs. Look for fashion boutiques and daily markets like Albert Cuypmarkt or Westermarkt for clothing. There are both daily and weekly markets scattered all over the city, where local food vendors and antique sellers offer unique finds for all tastes.

Biking is the traditional mode of transportation here, so do like the locals and explore the city on two wheels. There are typically stands where you can hail a taxi, but unlike other cities, you can’t hail a taxi just anywhere. Otherwise, it’s fairly easy to walk on foot around the city center to see Amsterdam’s most important sights.

The official currency of the Netherlands is the euro, and you’ll find that credit cards are accepted in most places. Your best bet is using Visa or Mastercard. ATMs are plentiful, too. Some smaller shops and restaurants will only accept debit cards with a pin code. When it comes to tipping, leave a 10% tip at restaurants, or 5% if you’re ordering a coffee or snack. For taxi drivers, it’s polite to round up to the nearest euro, or tip 5% to 10% of your fare.