What a wonderful day we had together!
This morning at 8:30 AM, I had the pleasure of picking up a lovely family of four directly from their cruise ship at the passenger terminal. From there, we set off to discover the very best of Amsterdam — seeing the city from all angles before heading back at 4:00 PM with big smiles and full hearts.
Our first stop was a canal cruise, one of the most iconic ways to experience Amsterdam. Floating under centuries-old bridges and past the gorgeous 17th-century canal houses, they learned all about the Golden Age of the city — and loved seeing Amsterdam’s beauty from the water.
Afterwards, we walked past the Anne Frank House, where we paused to reflect on its powerful history. The story of Anne Frank and her diary never fails to move people, and standing outside this historic canal house was a truly memorable moment.
Next, we made our way into the famous Red Light District, one of Amsterdam’s oldest neighborhoods. Dating back to the 14th century, this area is famous for its vibrant nightlife and rich maritime past. They were intrigued to discover its fascinating stories and unique architecture.
We then cruised by the majestic Rijksmuseum, designed by Pierre Cuypers and opened in 1885. Even though we didn’t go inside, its grand facade — an icon of Dutch art and culture — was certainly a highlight for everyone.
Of course, we had to take in the lively heart of the city at Dam Square, surrounded by historic landmarks like the Royal Palace. Built between 1648 and 1655 as a city hall and later used by Dutch royalty, the Palace’s grand halls and its classical architecture gave us a glimpse into Amsterdam’s past.
Just next door is the Nieuwe Kerk, or “New Church,” which dates back to 1408 and still hosts royal inaugurations and cultural exhibitions. They admired its elegant Gothic features before we moved on.
A quick look at Central Station — built in 1889 and famous for its neo-Renaissance style — was next. It’s one of the city’s most important transport hubs and an iconic part of the waterfront.
To taste a bit of local life, we strolled through the Albert Cuyp Market, founded in 1905 and named after the 17th-century painter Albert Cuyp. The family enjoyed the lively atmosphere, where we discovered street food like herring, cheese, and stroopwafels.
In the picturesque Jordaan neighborhood, originally built for workers in the 1600s, we admired its cozy cafés, boutique shops, and quiet canals. Everyone loved the neighborhood’s charm and character — it felt like stepping into a postcard.
Afterwards, we took a refreshing walk through the Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s most famous green space. Established in 1865, it’s the perfect place for a short break to watch cyclists, dog walkers, and locals relaxing in the sunshine.
Finally, we ended the day with a scenic trip to Zaanse Schans, just outside the city. Famous for its traditional wooden windmills and green wooden houses — some dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries — it felt like stepping into a storybook version of old Holland. The family loved seeing the windmills up close and sampling local cheese before our drive back to the cruise terminal.
By the end of this wonderful tour, my guests had experienced the very best of Amsterdam — from its historic landmarks to its vibrant modern life — and it was my pleasure to help make their visit truly unforgettable.