Begin your family-friendly adventure in Amsterdam by settling into your hotel and getting acquainted with the city. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque canals, admiring the charming Dutch architecture. In the afternoon, head to the Anne Frank House, a must-visit historical site where your family can learn about Anne Frank's life during World War II. In the evening, explore Dam Square, surrounded by iconic landmarks and bustling with street performers.
Anne Frank House: Tickets from €10, approximately 2 hours
Dam Square: Free, time spent varies
Restaurants
Breakfast: Pancakes Amsterdam
Enjoy a delicious and hearty breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam. This family-friendly restaurant specializes in Dutch pancakes and offers a wide variety of sweet and savory options. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
Lunch: The Pancake Bakery
Savor traditional Dutch pancakes at The Pancake Bakery. This charming restaurant located in a historic building offers a cozy atmosphere and a diverse menu with both classic and innovative pancake creations. Average cost for a meal is about €12 per person.
Dinner: Bierfabriek Amsterdam
For a unique dining experience, head to Bierfabriek Amsterdam. This restaurant and brewery serves delicious grilled chicken and homemade fries, accompanied by their very own brewed beers. Enjoy the casual atmosphere and interactive beer-tapping tables. Average cost for a meal is about €20 per person.
Friday, December 22: Art and Culture
Immerse your family in Amsterdam's rich art and culture. Start your morning at the Van Gogh Museum, where you can marvel at the masterpieces of Vincent van Gogh. In the afternoon, visit the NEMO Science Museum, a hands-on museum perfect for kids of all ages. End the day with a visit to the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, an architectural marvel with stunning interiors.
Van Gogh Museum: Tickets from €19, approximately 2-3 hours
NEMO Science Museum: Tickets from €17.50, approximately 3 hours
Royal Palace of Amsterdam: Tickets from €10, approximately 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Pancake Bakery, located near the Van Gogh Museum. Indulge in their wide variety of sweet and savory pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about €10-€15 per person.
For lunch, head to De Silveren Spiegel, a charming restaurant near the NEMO Science Museum. Enjoy traditional Dutch dishes with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about €20-€30 per person.
Finish off your day with a memorable dinner at Restaurant Ciel Bleu, situated in the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Savor their exquisite fine dining options and admire the stunning views of the city. Average cost for a meal is about €90-€120 per person.
Saturday, December 23: Family Fun in Parks
Spend a day outdoors enjoying Amsterdam's parks and attractions suitable for families. Start with a visit to the Vondelpark, a vast green space perfect for picnics and leisurely walks. In the afternoon, head to Artis Zoo, where your family can marvel at a wide range of animals. Wrap up the day at the Natura Artis Magistra, a unique zoo and botanical garden.
Vondelpark: Free, time spent varies
Artis Zoo: Tickets from €24, approximately 3-4 hours
Natura Artis Magistra: Tickets from €24, approximately 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Pancakes Amsterdam West, where you can indulge in a variety of delicious Dutch pancakes. The average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
If you're looking for a lunch spot, try De Bakkerswinkel at Westergas. This charming bakery offers tasty sandwiches and salads. The average cost for a meal is about €12 per person.
In the evening, dine at De Kas, a unique restaurant located in a greenhouse. Enjoy fresh, seasonal dishes made from ingredients grown on-site. The average cost for a meal is about €40 per person.
Sunday, December 24: History and Maritime Adventures
Explore Amsterdam's intriguing history and its strong maritime connections. Begin your day at the Rijksmuseum, home to a vast collection of Dutch art and historical artifacts. In the afternoon, visit the National Maritime Museum, where your family can learn about the Netherlands' seafaring past. End the day with a relaxing canal cruise, admiring the city from a unique perspective.
Rijksmuseum: Tickets from €20, approximately 2-3 hours
National Maritime Museum: Tickets from €20, approximately 2-3 hours
Canal Cruise: Tickets from €16, approximately 1 hour
Restaurants
Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam, located just a short walk from the Rijksmuseum. Indulge in a variety of sweet and savory pancakes, with average costs around €10 per person.
Lunch: For a quick and tasty lunch, head to Van Stapele Koekmakerij. This cozy bakery is famous for its freshly baked chocolate cookies, costing around €3 per cookie.
Dinner: In the evening, treat your family to a memorable dinner at De Kas. This unique restaurant is set in a greenhouse and serves seasonal and organic dishes. Expect to spend around €50-€60 per person for a three-course meal.
Monday, December 25: Festive Amsterdam
Experience the festive atmosphere of Amsterdam on Christmas Day. Start your morning at the Amsterdam Light Festival, where the city comes alive with stunning light installations. In the afternoon, visit the Micropia museum, dedicated to the microscopic world. End the day by exploring the Winter Village at Museumplein, an enchanting winter wonderland with ice skating and festive stalls.
Amsterdam Light Festival: Tickets from €20, approximately 2 hours
Micropia: Tickets from €16, approximately 2 hours
Winter Village at Museumplein: Free entry, activities at additional cost, time spent varies
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam, where you can indulge in a wide variety of sweet and savory pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 10-15 euros per person.
For lunch, head to Bakers and Roasters, a popular brunch spot known for its fantastic coffee and hearty dishes like avocado toast and eggs benedict. Average cost for a meal is about 15-20 euros per person.
In the evening, dine at De Kas, a unique restaurant housed in a greenhouse. Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine made with fresh ingredients from their own nursery. Average cost for a meal is about 40-50 euros per person.
Tuesday, December 26: Day Trip to Zaanse Schans
On your final day, take a day trip to Zaanse Schans, a charming Dutch village just outside of Amsterdam. Explore the open-air museum and witness traditional windmills, wooden houses, and local crafts. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the cobbled streets and savor delicious Dutch treats like stroopwafels. Return to Amsterdam in the evening for a relaxed dinner and some souvenir shopping.
Zaanse Schans: Free entry, time spent varies
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to De Bakkerswinkel, a cozy bakery known for its delicious pastries and bread. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For lunch, try Restaurant De Kraai, a charming spot that offers a variety of Dutch and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
For dinner, dine at Pllek, a unique restaurant located in a shipping container which offers stunning views of the waterfront. Average cost for a meal is about €25 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Amsterdam with family, make sure to visit the Nemo Science Museum, a hands-on experience that both kids and adults will enjoy. Another hidden gem is the Tropenmuseum, where you can explore cultures from around the world through interactive exhibits. For an off-the-beaten-path activity, take a boat tour through Amsterdam's canals, away from the crowded tourist areas, and discover the quieter, more local side of the city.