If you’re planning on booking a trip to Europe with the family, remember to add Amsterdam to your list of must-visit places! This relaxing city is filled with an array of beautiful sights, restaurants and cafes, and there are a whole slew of kid-friendly activities that families can explore together. We’ve curated a list of top touristy picks that you can easily add to your itinerary – so you don’t have to scratch your head fretting over where to stay and what to do while you’re there!
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You're spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodations in a city like Amsterdam. There are so many alluring hotels and apartments located all over the city, most of them modern with charming interiors. You can book a room at The Hoxton Amsterdam if you're into boutique hotels, or perhaps Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam if you'd prefer something a little more luxurious.
Want something by the water? The July - Boat & Co. works for families because of their adequately-sized apartments that have been beautifully furnished, and you get to enjoy the lovely view of the waterfront day and night. Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam also allows you a waterfront view since it's right next to the IJ River, and this boutique hotel has been Indonesian-inspired interiors.
Booking an apartment on Airbnb is also an option in Amsterdam, and most feature gorgeous interiors that do not disappoint. Depending on your budget, you'll be able to find nice apartments of different sizes, like this luxurious-looking abode or even a unique boathouse for a cool experience.
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Family-Friendly Accommodations in Amsterdam:
One of the simplest activities you can do in Amsterdam is to simply take walks around the streets and canals, soaking in the place and its beauty. You can perhaps start from Jordaan District, an area in the center of Amsterdam known for its pretty streets, houses, canals and small shops.
There are also several different museums to explore, such as the Rijksmuseum, where you get to learn about the history of Amsterdam and check out seasonal exhibitions that are currently showing. During the Dutch school holidays, the museum sometimes even organizes special activities for kids. Moco Museum is also a fun option since it's a more contemporary museum that sometimes features quirky exhibitions that are more colorful and interactive - something the kiddos might enjoy.
Anne Frank House is also one of the top tourist attractions because of how iconic her story is, and this museum lets you learn more about her life via quotes, photos, videos and more. It's an emotional and moving experience which is one of a kind, but do note that tickets do sell out fast so it is recommended to purchase them online once they are available on the museum's website.
Kids might also be excited to visit the A'DAM Lookout, an observation deck with a panoramic view of Amsterdam. The little ones might be in awe of how stunning the view at the top is, and they even have attractions like a giant swing at the top for those who'd like a little bit of thrill.
You can also wind down towards the end of the day by booking an evening canal cruise, allowing the family to sit down, relax and enjoy a tour around the waterways and soaking in the view.
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Family-Friendly Attractions in Amsterdam:
One of the main tourist attractions, Foodhallen, is actually related to food and meals! Here, you'll be able to try different food from many different food stands, featuring cuisines from all over the world, and it's housed in a large, spacious venue where you can sit down and enjoy your meal.
Winkel43 is a perfect spot for meals all throughout the day. They have a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu available, and the restaurant even serves snacks if all you want is a quick food break in between activities during the day.
Miss G's Brunch Boat is a unique floating restaurant that lets you glide along the scenic canals of Amsterdam while you enjoy your meal on the boat, and they serve dishes like Benny Avo and Chicken & Waffles. They've even got a S'mores Waffle if you're craving something sweet.
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Family-Friendly Restaurants in Amsterdam:
CT Coffee & Coconuts has been one of the popular cafes for years, and fun fact: it is actually housed in a former cinema. This makes its ceilings high, allowing the cafe to feel spacious and airy, and you're also in for a treat with the delicious range of coffees and yes...coconuts! You gotta try their coconut pancakes, and maybe even their coconut coffee.
A fairly new cafe that just opened in 2022, Scandinavian Embassy offers an array of excellent coffees that go really well with their range of homemade pastries. The space is small, quaint, with a minimalistic Scandi-inspired interior, and there's adequate outdoor seating for the family to seat themselves at as they enjoy their desserts and people watch.
The kids might love Trudy's SUGARBAR. This dessert shop is decorated in quirky hues and serves handmade ice-cream and freshly baked sweets. There are also milkshakes and ice-cream floats - sounds yummy, doesn't it? If you're craving for something a little more savoury, they do have Chicken & Waffles on their menu, too.
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Family-Friendly Cafes in Amsterdam:
If you're thinking about doing a little exploring with the family, and are considering taking day trips outside of Amsterdam city itself, there are actually several travel spots you can head to.
Old Holland is one of them, where you'll get to see beautiful windmills next to the river Zaan. The area, known as Zaanse Schans, is a pleasure to explore, and the entire family can enjoy a nice stroll next to the calming waters as they take pictures together in front of the stunning windmills. There are also various museums you can visit while you're here.
Alternatively, you may want to head to Vlieland, an island in the North that has sand dunes and meadows. There's also only one village on the island, and cars are banned, so the whole family can spend a nice relaxing day exploring this little Dutch village on foot, and you can stop by restaurants and cafes along the way. You can also look out for places that serve fresh seafood for lunch.
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