Take a Mini Cruise to Amsterdam

If you are looking for a short break on the continent, Amsterdam is the perfect destination for a mix of culture and chilled out fun. What sets Amsterdam apart is how seamlessly it combines rich historical and cultural attractions with some of the best entertainment and nightlife in Europe. On a mini cruise all your travel, food and accommodation is taken care of and you are free to explore the city at your leisure.

Perhaps the best way to move around the city is to cycle – this is the Dutch way, and like most of the Netherlands the city is designed to be very bike friendly. You can travel between museums, restaurants and your accommodation, and it’s a wonderful way to see everything without worrying about public transport or car hire.

If you’re a caffeine person you’ll be right at home here as the Dutch take their coffee seriously; and once you’ve fuelled up, the city awaits. Here are just a few options for a flying visit.

Cruising Amsterdam

For a fascinating historical snippet, the Anne Frank Huis (Anne Frank House) is a must see stop on your Amsterdam tour. This can be a busy attraction so it’s worth hitting this early in the day to avoid queues. Inside the building you’ll find the hinged bookcase concealing the annex where the Frank family hid for two years during the Second World War. The museum next door houses the original diary which Anne Frank famously wrote while in hiding, and which her father published in 1947. An important symbol of recent history, the Anne Frank Huis is an excellent if sombre attraction that is well worth checking out.

There are several other museums that you’ve got to catch, and the Museumplein (the Museum Square) is where you’ll find them. The Square includes the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum.

With over 700 drawings and paintings by the man himself, the Van Gogh museum is your one stop shop for masterpieces including Sunflowers and The Bedroom. The Rijksmuseum is the largest collection of art and artefacts in Holland; with highlights that include Rembrandt and Vermeer originals, and examples of furnishings and architecture from the Dutch Golden Age. The Stedelijk Museum on the other hand is one of the leading modern art museums in the world, boasting works by artists including Picasso, Matisse, Warhol and Rauschenberg.

Van Gogh Museum

Once you’ve had your fill of grown up stuff, Amsterdam is amazing for a night out. If live music is your bag, Paradiso is for you – an extremely popular music venue which regularly holds multiple events in a day, showcasing a diverse range of popular and upcoming performers. Located in a deconsecrated church, this is the place to go for cool music and a guaranteed great night. Also good for a drink and a dance are Kamer 401 and the Weber bar.

Recover from your night out with another strong coffee and a walk along the canals, through the infamous red light district (if you’re curious), and into the city’s biggest park, the popular Vondelpark. You’ll probably want to stock up on some delicious local cheeses, chocolates and other gifts, and the place to do it is the Albert Cuypmarkt; the biggest and most popular food market in Amsterdam.

Between the unique Dutch architecture and the choice of cultural and entertainment attractions, Amsterdam is a perfect short break destination. It’s gorgeous just to wander around, but also chock- a-block with stuff to keep you busy and having tonnes of fun – well worth your consideration as a mini cruise destination.

Biking in Amsterdam