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2 days in Amsterdam

I'm looking for recommendations for things to do in Amsterdam. We are traveling with our teenagers who are not particularly interested in museums although we are seeing Anne Frank's house. We want to stay in the city as we are really just there for one full day. Thanks in advance!

Posted by
9098 posts

Amsterdam without going to museums is a bit of a challenge:) Amsterdam's art scene is a large part of the city's appeal. In the evening the Boom Chicago improv comedy show is fun. The Heineken Experience might be an option. For theme park type attractions you might consider Madame Tussads or it's sister attraction the Amsterdam Dungeon. The city zoo is also excellent.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Amsterdam

Posted by
3551 posts

just walking around can be alittle seedy. you could rent bicycles, have lunch at a creperie, take a canal tour wonderful anytime.if that doesn't work for oyur teens... Go to Delft by train see the windmill there and all things blue and white, ceramics etc.

Posted by
162 posts

We just spent a day in Amsterdam -- tho my kids are maybe a bit older than yours. We enjoyed walking along the Bloomemmarket canal, walking thru the Red light district -- tho that was a real eyeopener and maybe too much information for your family?? Took a canalboat ride. Rode the tram from Dam square out to the Rijks museum campus and went to Coster diamonds, Then walked back to the Anne Frank house then back to eat at Leidseplein square at the Irish pub next door before going to Boom Chicago that night. No museums except for Anne Frank house. Fun day -- but one was enough.

Posted by
989 posts

I'm surprised your teenagers wouln't like the Sex Museum.

Posted by
78 posts

We go to Amsterdam a lot (we have family just outside of there) and I love it. Our kids (8 and 6) love it too and they have been to the red light district (during the day!) with no problems. The area is clean, lots of police around, and it's honestly quite the interesting experience that would be a shame to miss. Not something you see everyday, and you can just stroll through it in a few minutes and add it to your 'wow, crazy' list!

I love just walking around Amsterdam looking at the architecture, and sitting in a cafe in a busy plein watching the world walk by. A canal boat tour is touristy but could allow you to see a lot of things quickly. Usually we just walk and walk and walk!

Have fun, and dip your fries in mayo there, sounds weird but it's great!

Posted by
47 posts

I spent 2-3 days in ams 2 years ago alone. I don't smoke, so didn't go to any coffee houses:)
I went to van gogh, which wasn't thrilled....
I went to anne frank and rented a bicycle and sort of wandered. It's a great town and a lot to look at.Rent some bikes, take a walk around, go to the cyup market. I didn't do all the museums and usual stuff and still had a great time!

Posted by
989 posts

I had 2.5 days in Amsterdam and it wasn't enough so I plan to go back, next time for 4-5 days. Fun city to wander around, and there was a music festival going on in Dam Sqare. Trance the first night, opera the next...something for everyone.

Posted by
109 posts

Take them on a bike tour. Rick Steves and Lonely planet both list sevveral good ones in their travel guides.