Amsterdam – A Favorite Cruise Port
MAK’n Waves – Favorite Cruise Ports: Exploring Amsterdam
Welcome to our brand-new blog series: MAK’n Waves – Favorite Cruise Ports!
Over the coming weeks, we’re spotlighting seven of our all-time favorite cruise ports, diving into the must-know tips for each — including where to stay, what to eat, things you just have to see, and even how to get around. Whether you’re planning a pre-cruise adventure or a post-cruise wind-down, these guides are here to help you cruise smarter and travel better.
And we’re starting with one of the most charming and culturally rich cities in Europe….
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First Up: Amsterdam, Netherlands
We had the chance to visit Amsterdam this past spring (2025) and instantly fell in love. From its winding canals and historic buildings and rich history to the smell of fresh stroopwafels in the air, this port city has an irresistible vibe — and it’s a perfect launching pad for river cruises and ocean sailings alike.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Our travel group was split between two completely different hotels, in each and every way. Whether you’re watching your budget and just looking for a clean, comfortable room to lay your head down at night, or looking for a more upscale atmosphere in the heart of the city, Amsterdam has you covered.
- Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam City East
My wife and I stayed at the Hampton Inn Amsterdam City East. As the thrifty travelers of our group, I always look for properties where I can use points for free nights – and in this case, I had enough Hilton Honors points to cover for all 5 nights. Now in all fairness, price isn’t my top factor in selecting a hotel, but with having stayed at the vast majority of the Hilton line of properties, I always know what I am getting – a clean, comfortable room and overall safe environment.
This property is a fantastic and affordable option located in a quieter, neighborhood setting. You’ll find excellent local eateries just a short walk away, three grocery stores within ½ mile (a full supermarket, an organic market, and a well-stocked convenience store) and also get a taste of everyday Amsterdam life without sacrificing comfort or convenience. The property is also just ¼ mile to a metro station for public transportation and also offers bike rentals (more below). - The Pulitzer Amsterdam
Now if you want something more upscale and historic, as did our travel partners, they highly recommend the Pulitzer. The Pulitzer — a collection of 25 canal houses turned into one central luxury hotel — puts you in the heart of the action. The hotel was so convenient as they were able to walk all over Amsterdam. The staff was marvelous and offered us many suggestions for dining that was in close proximity to the hotel.
Although the rooms on the canal are more desirable due to their view, they are a bit more costly. The hotel has a beautiful garden and courtyard area where you can enjoy an array of good food and dine in a relaxing setting. The gym has a little bit to be desired as there are only a few machines, but overall, we would recommend this hotel not only for the lovely setting and the outstanding staff but for the convenience of being close to many attractions.
Getting Around the City
Amsterdam is famously bike-friendly — in fact, there are more bikes than people here! If you’re adventurous, rent one and ride like a local. But beyond bikes, there are two other great options: public transportation via their trams, trains and buses; or you can walk and crush your daily walking goals.
Amsterdam’s public transportation is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate. We used the GVB train and tram system during our stay and found it to be a great way to explore. You can also use Uber (no Lyft in Amsterdam), but honestly, the trains will take you nearly everywhere you want to go — often faster and cheaper. Most of the popular tourist attractions are within ½ mile walk of a train station, but note when you travel further off the beaten path, you’ll want to account for extra walking time to get to your destination.
Note from my wife: Make sure your husband knows how to read a city map, as she got tired of the 20K step days hearing that our destination was “just up ahead”.
MAK’s Waves Warning: Bikes are the primary mode of transportation and have the “right of way”. So if you are walking around Amsterdam, make sure to look both ways (seriously) when entering or crossing a bike lane, because in the city, the bikes rule the roads and pedestrians are just speed bumps with opinions. Seriously though if you hear a bell, jump! – it’s either a friendly warning from an oncoming biker, or a final one.
What to See and Do
Here are a few can’t-miss experiences in Amsterdam that we just loved.
Take a day trip – Consider heading to nearby towns like Zaanse Schans for windmills and wooden shoes, or Keukenhof during tulip season. We found a tour that included both of these – first going to Keukenhof – a floral paradise that bursts into vibrant color every spring. Known as the “Garden of Europe,” it features over 7 million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in breathtaking arrangements across 79 acres of manicured gardens. Whether you’re a flower enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a stunning selfie backdrop, Keukenhof offers a picture-perfect escape into Dutch horticultural beauty.
After Keukenhof, we headed to Zannse Schans to check out the various windmills, wooden shoe making and an amazing cheese factory (more below). Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans Windmills Day Trip from Amsterdam
Anne Frank House – Deeply moving and unforgettable. It’s tricky to get tickets, as they sell out sometimes weeks and even months in advance. As we were trying to book online directly with Anne Frank House, we struck out. But we found a great walking tour with a local guide that not only who gave us some amazing backstory of Amsterdam during World War II and detailed information about several concentration camps, but they were running a promotion that also included Anne Frank House tour tickets. Anne Frank’s Story – Guided Walking Tour through Amsterdam
It’s not just a tour — it’s a moment of reflection. The Anne Frank House is undeniably emotional, but visiting helps preserve the memory of those who endured the unimaginable and reminds us why we must always stand against hatred and injustice.
Cruise the Canals – It’s cliché but worth it. We lucked out in that the tour we did to the Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans also included a canal cruise at no additional cost. A canal cruise gives you a whole new perspective of the city’s charm, but help me most in understanding the layout, as it could be quite confusing. My recommendation would be to do a canal cruise early during our visit, helping to identify landmarks for further exploration. Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans Windmills Day Trip from Amsterdam
Visit a local market – Try the Albert Cuyp Market for a taste of everything — food, clothes, bikes, and people-watching. Depending where you are staying the city, it’s a ½ mile to 2 mile walk. From the Hampton Inn we were staying at, it was close to 3 miles….so we took an Uber.
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam houses the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, including over 200 paintings and hundreds of drawings and letters. A must-visit for art lovers, the museum offers an intimate look into the artist’s life, struggles, and iconic style. Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam Exclusive Tour w/Reserved Entry.
What and Where to Eat
From cozy (ok – maybe I mean crowded) canal-side cafés to bustling local markets, Amsterdam is a food lover’s paradise — especially if you know what to look for. While Dutch cuisine may not always top global foodie lists, including ours, it does offer nice surprises with comforting street snacks, rich cheeses, and sweet treats that hit the spot after a day of exploring. Whether you’re craving a gooey stroopwafel, curious about raw herring, or ready to brave the iconic FEBO vending wall, Amsterdam serves up local flavor in the most memorable ways. Here’s a guide to some must-try dishes — and where to find them like a savvy local.
Stroopwafel
After a week in Amsterdam, I was 70% stroopwafel and 30% regret — but no actual regrets. I tried every kind I could find: gooey ones, crispy ones, ones dipped in chocolate, sprinkled with marshmallows, and even one the size of my face (shared at least). It’s basically two thin waffles holding hands with a caramel hug in the middle. Warning: once you have a fresh, warm stroopwafel off a street cart, the packaged ones at the airport or grocery store will taste like betrayal. Best eaten warm!
Want to learn to make your own Stroopwafel? We highly recommend this Traditional Dutch Syrup Waffle Making Workshop
Where to try:
- Original Stroopwafels stand at Albert Cuyp Market
- Van Wonderen Stroopwafels (centrally locted)
- Lanskroon Bakery (near the flower market)
- Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels (food truck)
- Really, anywhere that makes them onsite and serves the hot!!
Bitterballen
Now this was interesting. Bitterballen are small, deep-fried balls filled with a rich, savory beef or veal ragout. The filling is thickened with a roux, chilled until firm, then rolled in breadcrumbs and fried until golden and crispy. Now I am always up for anything “fried until golden and crispy” so thought it was worth a try. These are traditionally served piping hot with a side of mustard and a cold beer — often as a pub snack or part of a borrel (Dutch happy hour).
MAK’n Waves Tip: Don’t forget to pair your bitterballen with a cold Dutch beer (try a local favorite like Heineken, Amstel, or La Trappe) for the full experience — and don’t forget the mustard!
Where to try:
- Café de Klos (Kerkstraat 41-43)
While more famous for ribs, the bitterballen here were pretty amazing. They also addressed my obsession with having “great bar snacks.” - De BallenBar (inside Foodhallen at Bellamyplein 51)
This is basically a bitterballen paradise. They serve up some crazy (gourmet) versions versions with unique fillings like truffle, cheese, or even bouillabaisse. They like to call it a modern twist on the classic Dutch snack. - Café ‘t Smalle (Enelantiersgracht 12)
This is on the canal in the Jordaan district, and what I thought was the most relaxing place to enjoy your bitterballen — it’s like the universe wanted me to relax, dip fried meatballs in mustard, and question all my life choices… in a good way.
Dutch Cheese (especially Gouda or Edam)
If there’s one thing the Dutch do exceptionally well (besides biking like it’s an Olympic sport), it’s cheese. From creamy Edam to that rich, nutty Gouda, Dutch cheese isn’t just a snack — it’s a cultural experience. Whether you’re strolling through a local market or visiting one of Amsterdam’s many cheese shops, prepare to sample your way through wheels of cheesy goodness that are so good, they may just require their own suitcase on the way home.
During our day trip to Zaanse Schans and Keukenhof (mentioned above), we also stopped at the Henri Willig cheese factory. Not only did we learn how they make their famous cheeses, but then they let you loose in their huge retail store. The store has samples of pretty much every variety of cheese they make, which is estimated at about 50 different kinds and flavors. After getting our fill of samples, though wish they had onsite wine pairings, the four of us ended up literally buying some 15 different kinds of cheese. Some were designated as gifts to bring home and others earmarked for enjoyment on our upcoming cruise.
MAK’n Waves Tip: Most of their cheeses do not need to be refrigerated as they are pasteurized. But they do have some that are not-pasteurized, and these in particular are not allowed to be brought into the US and several other countries. We were able to bring them on the ship in Amsterdam, so just planned to eat those before we got home. The staff does a great job of letting you know which are pasteurized and which are not, as they want to make sure you don’t have to abandon your cheese cache at customs.
Where to try:
- Henri Willig Cheese Shops (located throughout the city)
Their flagship stores—notably around the Flower Market and along Singel are welcoming for impromptu tastings. - Amsterdam Cheese Museum (yes, that’s a real thing! and admission is free)
This is a 2-minute walk from Anne Frank House and is more than just a specialty cheese shop, but invites you to sample a wide array of cheeses, from Gouda, Edam, and many flavored varieties – think truffle, chili, cumin, and saffron. - Fromagerie Abraham Kef (three locations in the city)
They offer raw-milk Dutch cheeses and expert-led tastings.
FEBO Vending Wall
If you’re strolling through Amsterdam and suddenly find yourself face-to-face with a glowing wall of food, don’t be alarmed — you’ve discovered FEBO, the Dutch answer to fast food on the fly. FEBO isn’t just one quirky snack spot—it’s everywhere! There are over 20 locations throughout Amsterdam. This iconic vending wall lets you skip the counter and go straight to the goods: piping hot croquettes, burgers, and cheesy treats, all nestled behind little glass doors. Just pop in a few coins (or tap your card), swing open your selection, and enjoy a uniquely Dutch snacking experience that’s equal parts convenient and quirky.
For in-depth reviews of restaurants in Amsterdam, considering visiting amsterdamfoodie, where they dive into some of the best restaurants in Amsterdam.
Only in Port for the Day? Here’s How to Make the Most of It
If your cruise is docking in Amsterdam for the day, don’t worry — you can still pack in plenty of memorable moments.
Cruise ships typically dock near Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA), which is just a short walk or quick tram ride to the city center. From the terminal, you’re only about 20 minutes from many of the top attractions.
Here’s how we’d spend a perfect 6–8 hours in Amsterdam:
- Start with a canal cruise – It’s the best way to get your bearings and enjoy the city’s scenic beauty in a short amount of time. Many tours leave from spots near Central Station.
- Walk to the Jordaan neighborhood – Quaint streets, boutique shops, and cozy cafés make this a lovely spot to explore. Grab a coffee and watch life go by.
- Visit the Anne Frank House or Van Gogh Museum – If you plan ahead and reserve tickets, you can make one of these a meaningful part of your visit. If time is tight, opt for the Van Gogh Museum, as it’s a bit easier to access with limited availability.
- Stroll through Dam Square – It’s touristy, yes, but iconic. The Royal Palace and the lively atmosphere are worth a look.
- Lunch like a local – Grab a bite at a Canalside café or head to Foodhallen if you’re willing to hop a tram for a variety of local flavors in one spot.
- Be mindful of timing – Give yourself at least 45 minutes to get back to the ship, depending on how you’re getting around. The public transport is reliable, but delays can happen — and you definitely don’t want to miss sail away.
Amsterdam is incredibly walkable and easy to navigate, even with limited time. Just wear comfy shoes, keep your camera ready, and soak it all in — even a few hours here can leave a big impression.
Why Amsterdam Is a MAK’n Waves Favorite
Whether you’re starting or ending your cruise here, Amsterdam offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. You can pack your days with sightseeing or sip wine by the canals and watch the world go by. It’s walkable, welcoming, and full of unique experiences.
We happen to be there during King’s Day in April, which is the day in which they celebrate the King’s birthday. Oh, and on King’s Day, everyone is required to wear Orange. So while most of our trip was fairly laid back, King’s Day festivities take over Amsterdam, where the city population grows from about 650 thousand to over 1 million people…all wearing orange. Think of the absolute largest frat-party you can imagine and add 1 million people. It was crowed, crazy, and an absolute must if you are the partying type.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing six more favorite ports of ours, so stay tuned for insider tips on cities like Barcelona, Livorno/Pisa, London, Rome, Greenock (Glasgow/Edinburgh), and Belfast.
Amsterdam Fun Fact
Amsterdam sits two meters (6.6 feet) below sea level and is built on soft peat and clay, so to stay above water, the foundations of the city require a major feat of engineering. To sum up the full history, 11 million wooden beams stop the city’s buildings from sinking. Wooden piles are even put in place to stop trees in Vondelpark from slipping into the naturally marshy ground.
