Amsterdam Delights: A 5-Day Family Adventure on a Budget

Discover the enchantment of Amsterdam: family fun awaits in the Venice of the North!

19 July 2023

A family-friendly trip to Amsterdam offers a unique blend of culture, history, and entertainment for all ages. Explore the picturesque canals by taking a boat tour or renting bikes, and visit the world-renowned museums like the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum. End the day by savoring delicious Dutch pancakes and stroopwafels or simply enjoying a peaceful stroll in the beautiful Vondelpark.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Canals and Museums

  • Start your day with a leisurely boat tour along Amsterdam's enchanting canals, soaking in the picturesque scenery and the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Visit the Van Gogh Museum, a haven for art enthusiasts who can indulge in the vibrant brushstrokes and enigmatic beauty of Vincent Van Gogh's masterpieces.
  • Stop by the Anne Frank House to pay homage to the young diarist, whose courageous spirit lives on in the secret annex that once sheltered her during WWII.
  • Enjoy a delightful lunch at Pancakes! Amsterdam, where you can savor a variety of delicious pancakes topped with everything from smoked bacon to syrup-infused apples.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the quirky shops and boutiques in the Jordaan neighborhood, where you can discover unique souvenirs and treasures.
  • End the day with a relaxing stroll through the stunning Vondelpark, Amsterdam's green oasis, and find a cozy spot to enjoy a picnic or simply people-watch.
Day 2

Discovering Dutch Delights

  • Start your morning with a visit to the vibrant Albert Cuyp Market, where you can sample traditional Dutch delicacies like stroopwafels and freshly herring.
  • Immerse yourself in Dutch art at the Rijksmuseum, which houses an impressive collection of masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch masters.
  • Indulge in a delicious lunch at De Pizzabakkers, a quirky pizzeria that offers mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas with a Dutch twist, like Gouda cheese and Dutch sausage.
  • Explore the interactive and educational NEMO Science Museum, where children and adults alike can engage in hands-on exhibits and learn about science.
  • Embark on a whimsical adventure at the Amsterdam Dungeon, where interactive shows and actors recreate the dark history of the city in a thrilling and amusing way.
  • Dine at De Silveren Spiegel, a historic restaurant that serves refined Dutch cuisine in an elegant setting, and don't forget to try the traditional Dutch pea soup!
Day 3

Rediscovering Rembrandt

  • Begin your day with a trip to Rembrandt House Museum, where you can step into the former residence of the iconic Dutch painter and admire his etchings and paintings.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the picturesque streets of the Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes), known for their charming boutiques, unique shops, and cozy cafes.
  • Stop by the Bloemenmarkt, the world's only floating flower market, and marvel at the vibrant displays of tulips, daffodils, and other Dutch blooms.
  • Treat yourself to a delicious lunch at Winkel 43, renowned for its mouthwatering apple pie topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
  • Visit the Amstelkring Museum, also known as Our Lord in the Attic, a hidden Catholic church located in a 17th-century canal house with a fascinating history.
  • Enjoy a relaxing evening canal cruise, where you can admire the romantic beauty of Amsterdam's illuminated bridges and charming canal houses.
Day 4

A Taste of Amsterdam

  • Start your day with a visit to the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, a grand building in the heart of the city that showcases the opulence and history of the Dutch monarchy.
  • Explore the vibrant multicultural neighborhood of De Pijp, home to the famous Albert Cuyp Market and a plethora of international food stalls and restaurants.
  • Satisfy your taste buds with a scrumptious lunch at Bakers & Roasters, a popular eatery offering a fusion of Brazilian and New Zealand flavors in a cozy setting.
  • Immerse yourself in the world of contemporary art at the Stedelijk Museum, where you can marvel at avant-garde pieces and thought-provoking installations.
  • Take a tour of the Heineken Experience, an interactive museum that allows you to learn about the brewing process and enjoy a refreshing sample of this iconic Dutch beer.
  • Dine at De Kas, a unique restaurant housed in a former greenhouse where seasonal ingredients are grown and transformed into exquisite dishes.
Day 5

Windmills and Parks

  • Explore the picturesque countryside of Amsterdam by visiting the charming village of Zaanse Schans, known for its iconic windmills and well-preserved Dutch architecture.
  • Learn about the history of windmills at the Windmill Museum, where you can climb to the top of a working windmill and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch by the serene waters of the idyllic Westerpark, a vast green space that offers beautiful gardens, playgrounds, and even a hidden petting zoo.
  • Discover the interactive and educational Micropia, the world's first museum of microbes, where you can learn about the hidden world of bacteria and viruses.
  • Visit the Nieuwe Kerk, a stunning Gothic church that hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing art, history, and culture.
  • Indulge in a farewell dinner at Moeders, a cozy restaurant that serves traditional Dutch home cooking, where the recipes have been handed down through generations.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Amsterdam by plane is to fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport from major cities around the world.

Car

Driving to Amsterdam is relatively easy, with major highways connecting the city to cities in neighboring countries.

Train

Traveling to Amsterdam by train is convenient from major European cities, with the Amsterdam Centraal station being the main hub.

Boat

Traveling to Amsterdam by boat is possible with various river cruises and private yachts docking at the city's ports along the River IJ.

Bus

Taking a bus to Amsterdam is affordable and comfortable, with various coach companies offering services from nearby cities such as Berlin or Paris.

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