Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh doesn’t have one riverfront; it has three. The Allegheny and Monongahela rivers hug two sides of the triangle-shaped downtown known as the Golden Triangle and converge to form the Ohio River.
The 36-acre Point State Park at the tip of the triangle offers visitors plenty of riverfront and is the site of many festivals and fireworks displays throughout the year.
On the north bank of the Allegheny, PNC Park is home to the MLB Pittsburgh Pirates, and groups can either catch a baseball game or tour the stadium. A riverwalk leads to nearby parks, such as Allegheny Landing.
Groups can rent kayaks to paddle alongside coal barges and pleasure craft on the rivers.
“From that vantage point, the skyline is right there,” said Karl Pietrzak, vice president of convention sales for VisitPittsburgh. “It’s a pretty awesome view.”
On the Monongahela, Station Square is a historic train-station complex that’s been transformed into an entertainment, shopping and dining district. From its Station Square dock, the Gateway Clipper Fleet riverboat offers year-round cruises and charters. Also based at Station Square, Just Ducky Tours includes a drive across the Roberto Clemente Bridge before splashing down into the river.
Two of Pittsburgh’s historic inclines remain on the south bank of the Monongahela and Ohio rivers across from downtown Pittsburgh.
Amsterdam
Whether on the historic south banks of the river IJ or across the water in the new North Amsterdam district, groups have plenty of ways to enjoy the water and the attractions that line its banks.
NDSM Amsterdam is a former industrial ship wharf that’s been transformed into a creative community with cafes, clubs, restaurants and bars overlooking the IJ.
The Eye Film Museum on the north bank explores the history of cinema and filmmaking and showcases various filmmakers. Just a few hundred feet away, Tolhuistuin is located on the former Shell site and is an eclectic arts and culture venue with a massive restaurant, three theater and concert halls, exhibition spaces and a sun terrace overlooking the IJ.
On the south bank, the Nemo Science Museum is a massive boat-shaped building that juts onto the water. Inside, visitors will find interactive science exhibits, experiments and shows.
Amsterdam is famous for its 17th-century canal system. Canal cruises are a favorite way to tour the city, and groups have their choice of tours, from romantic to wacky. De Pannenkoekenboot, i.e., the Pancake Boat, serves all-you-can-eat Dutch pancakes during cruises on the IJ.
Many canal cruises also provide hop-on/hop-off access so passengers can visit various city attractions such as the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, the Royal Theatre Carré and the Heineken Experience.
