I am planning to travel with my 13 & 15 year olds to either Vienna or Amsterdam for about a week in early July, any suggestions? We are open for any suggestions (Germany, Switzerland...we have been to Paris, London and Rome already).
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8141 posts
I love both cities, however Vienna is more of a continental city and Europe's Music City.
It may also be a little more conservative for young ladies.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15809 posts
With teens, I think I'd go for Amsterdam. It's got a younger vibe, and they should enjoy the canals, the biking culture and architecture. It's also a good spot for some easy day trips to smaller, very pretty towns (which can be less harrowing spots for renting two-wheelers).
Posted by
1226 posts
I haven't yet been to Vienna, but have been to Amsterdam several times. My kids, especially my 15yo daughter, loves it. We always rent bikes, which makes the city very accessible (and exciting - biking there is a new experience). There are many excursions within 30 minutes of the city too. I agree it has a young energy. It can get very crowded in July with partiers, but if you stick to the outer rings for the most part, that energy can be fun and not so drunken (the red light district). Last summer we rode the rented bikes out along the Amstel river to a lake (about a 30 minute ride out of the city) for a swim and then back for an afternoon at Nemo (although at 13 and 15 yours are at the upper age for Nemo). We mostly avoid the center of town except to visit the Oude Kerk and the Old Church in the Attic (really enjoyed that). The park between the Rijks and Van Gogh museums is fun in the evening, where many people hang out to play frisbee and sports. Of course Vondelpark is good for this too. I imagine Vienna would feel more, mm, formal, as someone else suggested. If you chose Amsterdam, I would break up the week in different places, or plan on day trips to places like Haarlem, Delft, and maybe as far as Rotterdam (and north you could go to Edam/Markham)....
Jessica
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
Amsterdam is am easy option for letting your teens loose during the day with a bike and a mobile phone.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Obviously it depends on the interests of the teenagers. Vienna's main attractions are fine arts museums, palaces, and classical music. Sure, there are other things, but these really dominate. If the teenagers aren't into these things, they may not be that enthralled with Vienna. In other words, unless they have a specific reason to go to Vienna, I'd pick Amsterdam.