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Long weekend in AMS with teens - accom/food/sights?

Posted by (California) on

Our family (2 adults, 11/13 yo kids) are heading to Amsterdam for a long weekend in January. Partner and I have been there a few times (and love it) but kids have never been.

We love history, food, music, unique experiences, weird sights (e.g. Atlas Obscura), wandering little streets, science and the arts, and scheduling in a little mellow downtime.

We are experienced travelers in Europe and beyond, and kids are intrepid and curious, but our trips have always been much longer (2-4 weeks).

We don't feel we need to see everything, because we know we will be back :) so we're looking for places that will be fun, eye opening, evocative and memorable given relatively narrow parameters. We'd like to generally soak in the Amsterdam vibe rather than rush around trying to see the "checklist" sights. Goal is to make the kiddos fall in love with Amsterdam :)

We know we want to see Van Gogh Museum, Rembrandthuis, Anne Frank Huis, and will try to see the Vermeer exhibit - and of course some good time wandering along canals.

We would ideally like to stay centrally where most is walkable (though we are very good on European public transit too) in a family room.

Any recommendations for sights, experiences, and restaurants/cafes/food stalls and accommodations would be deeply appreciated!

Thanks in advance :)

Posted by
16278 posts

We enjoyed a short stay in Amsterdam a few years ago, in late summer. We stayed with friends, somI cannot suggest a hotel, but we did like their neighborhood, known as De Pijp. There were lots of shops and restaurants, but maybe no hotels as it is more residential.

We walked everywhere. Our main goals were the botanical garden and Anne Frank Huis. Our friends went with us to the garden, as they had not been there before, and they were very impressed. Lunch in the Orangery café was excellent.

https://www.dehortus.nl/en/

In January the outside areas might be less interesting, but the greenhouses should be very nice.

Posted by
1306 posts

How many days do you actually have? When do you arrive? When will you depart? Where from, will you be jetlagged?
You have already some big sights planned, so depending how many days you’re actually here, you may not have a lot of time to do much else. The Vermeer exhibit doesn’t start until February 10, so unfortunately you’re here too early for that.
You may still be able to see the Amsterdam Light festival though https://amsterdamlightfestival.com/nl
The Adam Lookout may be a fun activity; https://www.adamlookout.com/

Posted by
145 posts

Adding some context - we will have 3.5 days on the ground and will not be jet lagged!

Posted by
6318 posts

I will second Lola's rec for de Pijp - I stayed at an AirBnb in the de Pijp neighborhood and loved it! There are tons of locals who live here and lots of activity, and so many restaurants and cafes. Lots of places with Middle Eastern food, which I love. It has great public transportation (I was only a block away from a tram that took me to all the major sights in minutes) and beautiful Sarphatipark was right across the street. A must see is the Albert Cuyp Market, a large market in de Pijp. There was always something going on, and I think teens would love it. https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/explore/neighbourhoods/de-pijp

Posted by
2825 posts

You could also rent bikes near Centraal Station, cross the river on the pedestrian/bike ferry about 100 yards away, and spend a relaxing day exploring the very pretty poulder countryside north of the city on some of the dedicated bike trails there. The rides are pretty easy, and if you're ambitious the route up thru the Waterland area to the old eel fishing village of Marken is worth doing. The village has many places to have lunch or, alternatively, pick up the makings for a picnic anywhere along the Ijmeer.
Would be a very "Dutch" thing to do.

Posted by
671 posts

We did a food tour in the Jordaan that we really enjoyed. Genever was served one place but they would have non-alcoholic options as well.

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