Amsterdam, are the streets made of water?

Another in my short series of cruise ports to visit in Europe, Amsterdam.

Yes we went in December aboard Fred Olsen Balmoral, and it was very cold!
There is a fairy tale quality to the tree-lined canal streets of Amsterdam, even in winter! Boutiques, cafes and hotels may hide behind the facades of the gabled townhouses, but the look of this beautiful city hasn't changed much since its 17th-century Golden Age.

Some 7,000 historic buildings remain -- merchants' mansions located along canals laid out in five concentric circles, connected by bridges and intriguing small streets. They are enchanting to see, whether it be a silent winters Sunday morning or a summer evening when the old facades are floodlit, the city is magical.

It is a small place and can be covered on foot, although you may need to take the coach transfer from the port to the city centre. so what can you do?
Dam Square
The Dam is the very centre and heart of Amsterdam, although there are arguably prettier sights in the city. As an historical site however, it is fascinating and worth taking the time to appreciate. The Dam has seen many historical dramas unfold over the years, and was for example, the reception area for Napoleon and his troops during the 1808 take-over of the city. The impressive history of the square is well documented in the Amsterdam Historical Museum.

Amsterdam Canals
The number of canals have led Amsterdam to become known as “The Venice of the North”. And thus, a trip to Amsterdam is not complete without a boat cruise. A canal tour can be both fascinating and relaxing by day and enchanting and romantic at night when many of the houses and bridges are illuminated. The four main city center canals are Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Singel. There are also numerous smaller canals in the neighbourhood of Jordaan, of which the Brouwersgracht, the Bloemgracht and the Leliegracht are especially pleasant.

There are plenty of other things to do, I suppose its reputation is well known! But you can have a pleasant day looking at the canals, in the squares and markets and museums.