Amsterdam in 4 days or more | Historical Activities

Canal cruise and Royal Palace

Experience Amsterdam from the water with a 1-hour canal cruise around the canals of Amsterdam.
In a cruise boat, you are taken along beautiful imposing canal-side houses, the VOC ship and the docks.

The Canal Cruise of Rederij Lovers departures from the west side of the Central Station from the jetty close to the taxi stand.
Departure: every 30 minutes.
First departure: 9.00
Last departure: 17.30

After the canal cruise, walk from Central Station via the Damrak towards the Dam square and visit the Royal Palace. When the Palace is not in use by the Royal House, it is open to the public. The Royal Palace was originally built as a town hall in 1655.

Website: Rederij Lovers

The Royal Palace

Address: Dam Square, Amsterdam
Website: The Royal Palace
Open: 12:00 – 17:00 hours. Check the website for the opening days.

The Jordaan was built in the first half of the 17th century to house the working class. After a walk in the charming Jordaan neighbourhood, visit the former hiding place of Anne Frank, where she wrote her diary during World War II. This well-known museum tells the history of the eight people in hiding and those who helped them during the war. Anne Frank's diary is among the original objects on display. The Anne Frank House is located in the city centre of Amsterdam, on one of the major canals, the Prinsengracht.

A few blocks next to the Anne Frank House, is a contemporary restaurant/bar with terrace called WERCK. Ideal for a drink, lunch or dinner.

Address: Prinsengracht 267, Amsterdam

Website: Anne Frank House
Open: daily 09.00 to 17.00 (in summer till 21.00)

 

Restaurant Bar Werck

Address: Prinsengracht 277, Amsterdam

 

 

Dating back to the 14th century, this peaceful hidden courtyard is surrounded by the bustle of Kalverstraat, Spui and the Nieuwe Zijdsvoorburgwal. The original façades were replaced in the 17th and 18th century, but 18 of the houses still have Gothic wooden frames. The Begijnhofkapel (Begijnhof Chapel), with its paintings of the miracle of Amsterdam, and the English Church remind visitors of the courtyard’s religious foundations.

The Beguinage and its chapel are open every day from 9.00 - 17.00.

Very nearby is the Amsterdam Museum. The rich collection of works of art, objects and archaeological finds brings to life the fortunes of 'Amsterdammers' of days gone by and today. The Amsterdam Museum (formerly Amsterdam Historical Museum) reflects the tolerance, enterprising spirit and individuality of a city that for centuries has attracted people from the four corners of the earth. There is an outdoor café in the historic courtyard.

 

Opening hours of the museum: Monday to Friday 10.00 - 17.00, Weekends and national holidays 11.00 - 17.00.

The Amsterdam is an 18th-century Dutch Eastindia Company vessel, which was used as a cargo ship. Or at least a replica of it, because the original was wrecked during a violent storm in 1749.
At the moment the vessel is under maintenance. At the reopening of the renovated and renewed Maritime Museum on October 2nd 2011, the ship will be docked at its own dock at the museum and will be open for public.

Walk towards the Nieuwmarkt square. In the middle of the Nieuwmarkt stands the Weigh House or Waag. The weigh house was originally built in 1488 as one of Amsterdam's city gates. This characteristic monumental structure now houses Restaurant-Café In de Waag: the ideal place in the heart of Amsterdam for a drink, lunch or dinner. This magnificent historic building with its constrained yet informal interior design is lit by 300 candles.

Dutch East Indiaman, "Amsterdam"

Address: Kattenburgerplein 1, Amsterdam
Info: +31 (0)20 523 2222
Website: Maritime Museum

 

De Waag (The Weighhouse)

Address: Nieuwmarkt, Amsterdam
Website: Restaurant-Café In de Waag