Travel in Amsterdam Post-Cruise Ban: From Cruises to Bikes
Amsterdam has always been one of the top destinations in Europe and among the most visited ones. The city is beautiful and cool with many things to do for any kind of traveller (it’s one of my favourite European capitals!). Because it is situated on Amstel river that connects the city with the North Sea, Amsterdam has become one of the key destinations on European cruises. However, as the city evolves, so does its approach to tourism. Amsterdam’s upcoming ban on cruise ships by 2035 marks a significant step in reshaping travel in Amsterdam post-cruise ban.
In this blog post we will discuss what does the cruise ban mean for you as a traveller, how you can reinvent the travel future of Amsterdam in a more sustainable and greener way while still visiting all the historical and cultural sights.
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Short on time? Here are my top recommendations:
- highest rated bike rental service on Viator
- best bike tours
- Bilderberg Garden Hotel – eco-friendly stay & my personal recommendation
- Amsterdam Go City Card
Understanding Amsterdam’s Cruise Ship Ban
Let’s explain briefly what is the cruise ban in Amsterdam, why it was implemented and what it means for you and the city.
What is the Amsterdam Cruise Ban and Why Was it Implemented
In 2024 Amsterdam city council announced that they plan to ban the docking of all cruise ships in Amsterdam by 2035.
This decision addresses growing concerns about over-tourism, environmental harm and the strain on locals’ quality of life. For example, in 2023 Amsterdam and the surrounding region of North Holland reported over 10 million international arrivals!
About 1% of this number arrive by cruise ship, but even though cruise tourism contributes around 105 million Euros to the Dutch capital annually, most of these tourists don’t give back to the local community. Mainly because they have already organised guided tours and meals included on the ship + the accommodation provided by the cruise company, which means they don’t need to spend much (if any) money while spending a day in the city. Also, I looked at dozens of cruise packages and most of these itineraries include just one day in Amsterdam, which is:
a) not enough time to explore the city and all it has to ever in a more profound and meaningful way
b) economically not a sustainable tourism module for the aforementioned reasons
Additionally, it has been acknowledged that these ships release harmful emissions, disrupt local ecosystems and overwhelm Amsterdam’s infrastructure.
What Does it Mean for Tourists and the City
Currently, the number of cruise ships permitted in Amsterdam is at 190, however, the plans are that these number reduces to 100 starting from 2026.
It is still yet unclear what is the full plan with the cruise ship ban in Amsterdam, but for now it looks like they are going to dock outside of the city centre, which means that anyone on the cruise will be able to explore the city, but they will need to take a public transportation to reach the city centre, which could mean an hour on a coach per way (a solution which might not be ideal to some!).
Surely the measures indicate that there will still be some form of cruise tourism in Amsterdam, but in a more controlled and effective way. If you love cruises, the good news is that you would most likely still be able to onboard the ship and visit Amsterdam.
And for the rest of us, it means that it might become more enjoyable to sightsee Amsterdam and that we may not need to book museums months in advance to have a guaranteed entry (which is exactly the reason why I missed to visit the Van Gogh Museum because the tickets were sold out one month before already!).
Most importantly, it means that the city will be moving to a more sustainable module of tourism. Which also gives us an opportunity to contribute to it by exploring the city on foot or if you want to have more fun – on bike. And if you’ve ever been to Amsterdam, you know how much the locals love to cycle!
📖 Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Then check my Perfect 4 Days Amsterdam Itinerary for Culture and Fun blog post.
Why Bikes are the Future of Travel in Amsterdam
Cycling in Amsterdam is a way of lifestyle, which is why Amsterdam is one of the most bikeable cities in the world. It is slowly redefining its culture, so it’s no surprise that it is also becoming the future of travel in Amsterdam, especially if you love to be immersed into the local culture and way of living.
Amsterdam’s Bicycle Culture
Cycling has been synonymous with Dutch culture for decades when it started shaping itself in the 1970s.
In the early 1970s, road fatalities were on the rise and with a high number of children being struck down on Dutch roads, the people had had enough. The famous campaign Stop de Kindermoord (Stop the Child Killings) has begun. After two years of peaceful but persistent demonstrations, the cycling infrastructure took shape.
Today, you will see people on bicycles everywhere you go, no matter the time of the day, weather, age or gender. Even the Dutch prime minister is regularly spotted riding his bike to work!
Benefits of Exploring Amsterdam on Two Wheels
As a traveller visiting Amsterdam, biking is surely a great way of exploring it for many reasons: it’s fun, healthy and sustainable!
It’s a great choice to sightsee the city in an eco-friendly way to reduce the carbon footprint while immersing yourself in the city. Also, unlike cruises, which confine you to a fixed route, cycling gives you a lot of flexibility. You can explore the vibrant neighbourhoods, enjoy scenic routes and connect with locals in a more authentic way and at your own pace.
Bikes vs Cruises in Amsterdam
There are a lot of differences in exploring Amsterdam with bikes as opposed to coming from a cruise ship. The main one is of course environmental that we have already discussed in detail when explaining the cruise ban.
The second one was briefly explained too and it comes down to exploring Amsterdam in a more meaningful and deeper way. Cruise ships are not only limiting you to a strict schedule, but they also don’t offer much flexibility, and often result in visiting the main sights only.
And don’t get me wrong, I love exploring the main tourist attractions too – it’s what makes the city popular and culturally important! However, I also love to lose myself in the little cobblestone streets, explore off the beaten path and just watch life go by. Which is hardly an experience you’d get with a cruise.
With cycling, you can even go the extra mile and more easily explore local neighbourhoods and completely non-touristy places, like a local would do. Heck, you can even cycle to nearby villages!
The Ultimate Guide to Biking in Amsterdam
Here let’s see how you can rent a bike in Amsterdam, what to visit during your rental alongside some general tips.
How to Rent a Bike in Amsterdam
Renting a bike in Amsterdam is easy, accessible and most importantly, affordable. The best and most reliable way to rent a bike is to do it via a reputable company like Viator.
🫶 This is the highest rated bike rental service on Viator.
Must-See Places to Visit in Amsterdam by Bike
Here are some of the must-see places in Amsterdam that you can easily explore by bike.
Museum Quarter
You can’t visit Amsterdam without checking at least one museum there, ideally more (especially if you’re a museum buff like me!).
💡Museum tickets in Amsterdam get sold out quite quickly, so I recommend booking them as soon as you know you’re travelling there, so you don’t miss your chance to enter to some, like it happened to me with the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House!
To save money, I recommend double checking Amsterdam Go City Card and see if it makes sense for you to purchase one depending on the things you’d love to explore.
My favourite is Rijksmuseum where you can explore 800 years of Dutch art history and see some of the famous artworks of Rembrandt, Vermeer & Van Gogh.
Obviously on my list was the Van Gogh Museum too, but sadly that was left for my next time in Amsterdam. If you love Van Gogh’s art, then buy your tickets asap!
For those of you who love modern art and immersive exhibits, then you have to check out Moco Museum. I loved it a lot there!
Vondelpark
Vondelpark is the most famous park in Amsterdam and surely a great spot to check out while cycling. Or to rest a bit.
Jordaan
Jordaan is my favourite neighbourhood in Amsterdam, full of quirky cafes, restaurants, filled with beautiful bridges and canals. It is that postcard-picture place where you can enjoy the architecture of Amsterdam and imagine yourself living in one of those tiny houses.
There you will find the Anne Frank House, which I also wanted to visit, but the tickets get sold out weeks in advance. You can only buy them on the official website. They get on sale every Tuesday at 10 am Amsterdam time for a visit 6 weeks out. So, if you want to visit, make sure you set up the alarm or reminder and buy as soon as they get released. I wish I knew that before booking my trip to Amsterdam…
De Pijp
De Pijp neighbourhood is a slightly less-known gem, which I loved a lot! Make sure to check out The Albert Cuyp Market where you’ll find the best street food in Amsterdam. I recommend trying a Stroopwafel which is a Dutch specialty dessert.
Tips for Navigating Amsterdam’s Bike Lanes
Amsterdam’s bike lanes are efficient, but they come with rules. Always use designated paths, signal your turns and respect pedestrians. Safety is key, so don’t forget to lock your bike securely when parked and consider wearing reflective gear for nighttime rides.
Best Bike Tours in Amsterdam
While you can easily explore Amsterdam by bike on your own, there are also some amazing bike tours you can do too!
Guided Bike Tour of Amsterdam’s Highlights and Hidden Gems
This small-group bike tour (max 11 people) is perfect if you’re short on time but still want to see it all. From famous landmarks like the Rijksmuseum to secret spots only the locals know, this tour has you covered. Plus, your guide will share cool stories about Amsterdam’s history and culture along the way.
Keukenhof: Flower Fields Small-Group Cultural Bike Tour
If you happen to be in Amsterdam during the tulip season, this is one of the best ways you can see the tulips on a bike. You will visit random tulip fields (I loved them so much!), do a Tulip Experience and check out the Keukenhof Gardens later.
📖 Interested in visiting tulip fields near Amsterdam? Then check my How to Visit Tulip Fields near Amsterdam (+2025 Dates!) blog post.
Countryside Bike Tour from Amsterdam: a Windmill and Dutch Cheese
This guided bike tour takes you through farmlands, historical windmills and UNESCO-listed canals. You can choose between a shorter route on a standard bike or a longer one on an e-bike (the minimum height for e-bike is 155 cm or 5′ 1″, otherwise you won’t be permitted). Plus, you’ll get to stop and sample delicious Dutch cheese!
Zaanse Schans and Zaandam Countryside Electric Bike Tour
This small-group e-bike tour takes you out of Amsterdam to the picturesque countryside of Zaanse Schans and Zaandam. You’ll cycle past windmills, traditional wooden houses and stalls selling Dutch cheese and clogs. What’s great is that you’ll have plenty of time to explore the region on your own too!
Eco-Friendly Hotels in Amsterdam
If you want to go the extra mile and have an even more sustainable visit in Amsterdam, you can also choose to stay in an eco-friendly hotel.
These are my top 3 choices:
- Bilderberg Garden Hotel – I stayed there and loved waking up to birds’ song each morning
- Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam – where luxury meets sustainability
- Eden Hotel Amsterdam – Green Key Gold Award holder for sustainability
As we’ve seen, the cruise ban in Amsterdam is slowly shaping the future of travel and tourism, not only in the city of Amsterdam but in the Netherlands in general. As a traveller, you can already support this mission by changing the cruises to bikes and by staying in eco-friendly hotels. And even if you’re coming from a cruise, you can still think of ways to support the local economy and businesses. Surely the way we’re travelling is changing and we can be all a part of that change.
Let me know your thoughts on the cruise ban and how you think this will change the travel in Amsterdam in the comments below!
Read my other Amsterdam blog posts:
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