Wandering Amsterdam: A Day of Reflection, Beauty, and Shopping

Amsterdam has a way of making even the shortest visit feel unforgettable.

We were so excited to sail into warm weather on our recent Northern European cruise. The sun was shining, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and it seemed summer was in full bloom in Amsterdam.

I think I was fourth grade when I read the Anne Frank Diary in school. It was a story that haunted me for many years. As we were exploring options for Amsterdam on our port day, both the FamTrav husband and I knew a visit to the Anne Frank House and Museum was priority.

We disembarked the ship, took a taxi from the port to the city center, and walked the rest of the way. The home is unassuming from the outside, marked with a simple placard.

The modern exterior of the attached museum provides a stark contrast to the home.

We’d briefed the teens that this would probably be an emotional visit. Even so, we had no idea just how emotional it would be. It is a powerful and humbling experience. With audio, printed, and video guides, guests are moved through each room of the home where Anne and her family hid during World War II. We saw artifacts like logs, pictures, school records, and some of the diaries (there’s more than one). As we moved through the Secret Annex, there was a certain reverence in the absence of sound. We relived the day the family was captured. Imagine a room full of strangers, from all backgrounds, all races, numerous countries, sharing this experience in complete silence.

The tour concludes in the museum with video interviews of Holocaust survivors, including Otto Frank, Anne’s father. He was the only family member to survive the concentration camps. His retelling of learning that his family members died brought me to tears. Anne’s diaries were found and saved by two family friends who’d hoped to return it to Anne. Otto Frank published what we know as the diary in 1948.

After the tour, the four of us sat in the museum cafe to decompress and share our thoughts. As challenging as teenagers can be sometimes, I’m often reminded that our two are compassionate and empathetic human beings. This gives me so much hope at a time the world is not as compassionate and empathetic as it could be. I’m particularly fond of this Jimmy Carter quote, “We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each other’s children.” Of late, this often comes to mind.

If you decide to visit – and I think everyone should – you should know that there are a limited number of daily tickets sold, and they are only available through the Museum directly.

Tickets become available every Tuesday at 10:00 am Central European Time, six weeks prior.

After composing ourselves, we strolled along the iconic canals and enjoyed how very beautiful Amsterdam is. The cobblestone streets, quaint bridges, and cyclists everywhere are quintessentially European, and I love it!

We rarely purchase souvenirs apart from Christmas ornaments, but after visiting the Cheese Museum, and Tulip Museum, we couldn’t help ourselves! Fun fact: you can purchase bulbs and cheese that are approved to fly back home to the USA with you!

Amsterdam is full of independent boutiques and quirky shops that make it easy to find unique gifts and keepsakes. From hand-painted Delftware and vintage finds to champagne-flavored cheese, and artisan chocolates, there’s something for every taste. My favorite find is this gorgeous is this tulipiere! I smile every time I walk by it.

My second favorite find was a beautiful cheese knife with a Delft handle that was inadvertently left in a carryon bag, and confiscated by authorities at London Gatwick. That memory does not spark joy.

Amsterdam certainly provided a day of reflection, beauty, and shopping. And I could not be more grateful.

To Reykjavík and Beyond! / Norwegian Prima / Ísafjörður: Iceland’s Hidden Fjord Gem / Chasing the Midnight Sun in Akureyri / Exploring Ålesund: Norway’s Most Striking Seaside City / Flåm, Norway: A Fairytale Tucked Between the Fjords / Where Mist Meets Magic: Bergen’s Quiet Grace / Wandering Amsterdam: A Day of Reflection, Beauty, and Shopping / Belgian Fam and London Icons: Cruise Finale