getting from ship to Old City Center in Amsterdam and then return to ship

[atlaturne]

We are in Amsterdam for one day on our upcoming cruise.We have not signed up for any tours and will likely try to go on our on for the day.I have heard that the Old City center is a good area to see.Question-what is a good ,safe way to get to this area and then return to ship?Are taxis available and reliable for getting us there and returning to ship.Also,I've heard of a train that might be doable for this?Any help or suggestions will be appreciated.Thanks George R.

[rosepetals]

We are in Amsterdam for one day on our upcoming cruise.We have not signed up for any tours and will likely try to go on our on for the day.I have heard that the Old City center is a good area to see.Question-what is a good ,safe way to get to this area and then return to ship?Are taxis available and reliable for getting us there and returning to ship.Also,I've heard of a train that might be doable for this?Any help or suggestions will be appreciated.Thanks George R.

 

The cruise port terminal in Amsterdam is a 15 min. walk into the city centre. Or if you want you can take tram #26 from the port to Amsterdam Centraal, their main train station (10 min walk & ride), and then explore the city from there.

[DrivesLikeMario]

Definitely take the tram. It does get rather packed at peak hours though (around 8ish and 5-7ish) so plan to cram on and stand the whole time during those hours. We took the tram to Centraal Station, then got on another tram. You can walk it too if you're into that. There are plenty of taxis around and yes, they are reliable and safe to use but most people will use the trams.

 

If you enjoy museums, get your tickets ahead of time. You can pass by the massive lines with them. It'll save you about 2-5 hrs. doing this depending on the day and how many museums you see. The tram goes right out to Museumplein for the Van Gogh and the Rijksmuseum. It's a fantastic opportunity to see these amazing museums but a little overwhelming to do two in one day (like we did). One would be good, then a nice lunch and maybe the Heineken tour afterwards.

 

Or, just take it easy and walk around, soak up the atmosphere of old town and get a nice lunch in one of the very unique restaurants. ;)