where is the best area of amsterdam to take my kids for a week end break?

Question

which is the best area to book a hotel...or if you know a great hotel, let me know

Answer 1

I don't know how old your kids are, but I would highly reccommend seeing the museum of Ann Frank. The following site has great information on visiting Amsterdam in December including events and what to pack. I was there in the summer. I didn't know that December is Amsterdam's rainiest month, so you'll want to head for the indoors.
As far as a Hotel I found this Traveler rating:
Amsterdam: Prinsenhof: "Kids loved it."
Mar 14, 2006
My experience with this property took place in:
February, 2006

I traveled to this hotel with: spouse/partner, small children

I recommend this hotel for: Young singles, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists

My visit was for: out-of-town getaway

Would I stay at this location again: absolutely!
Stayed at the Prisenhof over half-term and the kids loved it! It was literally 30 seconds from the number 4 tram stop. So near we walked past it first time. It overlooks the prinsengracht canal and even in the drab, coldness of February was very pretty. The door opened stable style and was attached to a rope so that it could be pulled open from the first floor. Kiddy excitement number 1. To get to the first floor you need to climb up the steepest stairs in Amsterdam. KE number 2. We had Room number 1 - Family Room - big enough for us and clean. Good views out to the canal. KE number 3. Finally the breakfasts were excellent - cold meats, cheeses, nice breads and boiled eggs kept in a chicken! KE number 4. Substantial and help yourself to as much as you want. The kids had a great time and that meant we as parents enjoyed it too. Very friendly staff helped!

I also found this article which might be helpful
August 29, 2006

Sightseeing stopover in Amsterdam

By ILONA KAUREMSZKY -- Special to Sun Media

Q: My daughter and I are stopping over in Amsterdam for two nights on the way to Africa. What would the most important things to do or see be considering we're only there for two days?

-- Lynne, Toronto

A: Not knowing the ages and interests of your daughter, here's a general sightseeing list which would be great for children of all ages and curious adults compiled with help from Brigitta Kroon-Fiorita, marketing and PR development manager for the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions.

First, get the I-Amsterdam Card (iamsterdamcard.com) for easy transportation and access to museums and attractions. This card consists of a chip-card, a public transport ticket and a full-colour guide on Amsterdam. You'll see it offers free admission to some of the most important museums in Amsterdam, a free canal boat tour and use of public transport. The I-Amsterdam Card also offers a 25% discount on various tourist attractions and restaurants-- more than $140 in savings.

Now you're ready for sightseeing. Make sure you visit the Maritime Museum at Kattenburgerplein 1 where there are modern ships and torpedoes besides the famous United East Indian Company ship Amsterdam, which is moored outside the museum.

Next, visit the Amsterdam Historical Museum at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 357, which has a great collection of suits of armour on display.

Another must-see is the Anne Frank House at Prinsengracht 267. This is where the young Jewish girl wrote her now-famous diary while her family were in hiding for two years during World War II. You can see how Frank lived and there is an exposition on the history of the Frank family.

Other museums worth seeing include the NEMO Science museum, Amstelkring Museum -- where you can see how the people lived in Amsterdam in the 17th century and discover a hidden church -- the Houseboat Museum, Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum if you and your daughter like art.

As for accommodations, Kroon-Fiorita says the new B&B Cake Under My Pillow is perfect for kids or adults with a sweet tooth. It's run by the owners of well known Amsterdam bakery De Taart van m'n Tante (My Auntie's Cake) and has a cafe that serves sweet treats and beverages. Visit detaart.com and cakeundermypillow.com.

Kroon-Fiorita also recommends the funky Chocolate Bar at 1e van der Helststraat 62a, which "serves lunch and small bites in the evening."

For a list of kid-friendly restaurants, visit specialbite.com.

Lastly, you won't want to miss the canal boat tour or canal bike ride through the city's historic streets.

For even more ideas, see holland.com

Have fun!

Answer 2

There are plenty child-friendly activities in Amsterdam, particularly the centrered around the Eastern docklands: the Artis zoo, the Nemo museum and of course the boats (the 'canalbike' ones are particularly fun). Cycling (or rollerblading) through the Vondelpark is a popular activity too (there is a hire place at the Amstelveenseweg end of the park).

You may want to stay away from the more sex 'n' drugs orientated areas of the city (around Oudezijds Achterburgwal, Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein), and look for a hotel or B&B in the Museum Quarter , Vondelpark or Jordaan areas. The site http://www.weekendhotel.nl/ has a nice range of stylish hotels in these areas, and I've used http://www.apartments-for-rent.com/amsterdam/ several times - great if you want a bit more space with the kids. In the Museum Quarter, the NH Museum Quarter and Bilderberg Jan Luyken hotels are very good for chain hotels, but on the pricey end (Amsterdam isn't that cheap...)

If the weather is nice, you might also consider going out to the beach - the 'classic' beach near the city is at Zandvoort, but a new housing development at IJburg has resulted in the creation of an artificial 'urban' beach, complete with beach bar and activities, just a short tram (26) ride from Centraal Station.

Answer 3

first of all the age would help. If they were over 21 i would say just about anywhere is fine. I would still never go to the red light district. EVen though it can be fun and what not, its very scandalist and can be a real eye opener for young people. It might even change their perspective of things, and sometime you want to keep those in check. Not for keeping their believe minimal, but some things aren't menat to be seen. For example , extreme prostitution. Lots of drugs and more. I would take them through the scenic route of amsterdam. Find a nice little hotel and plan to go on tours and whatnot. That way your always around someone who actually knows of the city and where to stay clear of. I'm not sure wich hotel would be the best, but choose a big name one( like hilton etc. You can count on those for security. Good luck there and have a nice trip.
Ps. Amsterdam is below sea level. You hear of a tsunami(unlikely) comeing you better leave quick.

Answer 4

I would saty outside of the city or on the outskirts. Amsterdam isnt really a kiddie kind of city.

It is a well planned out city with excellent transport and very safe. The red light district can be intimidating and tourists are generally advised to keep away during the day believe it or not. Theres a lot of drug dealers hanging around there in the day selling Coke, Crack etc if you get that a polite no thank you should suffice but to be honest I doubt anybody would be stupid enought to approach a family with kids.


There are various theme parks outside, and very cool museums etc that are the other end of town from the red light district. Check out Vondel Park, Museumplein and Leidesplein. May have spelt wrong I struggle with Dutch.

You have to realise they are very liberated in terms of sexuality and vices like drugs but they are not all hippies hanging around in the road stoned having sex. I have found them to be quite sensible and conservative in many regards.

Answer 5

There is an area of Amsterdam called the Joordaan and it's quiet and away from the city weirdos and the drug scene

Answer 6

I've never heard of Amsterdam being a hotspot for vacationing kids. Try googling " amterdam kids attractions".

Answer 7

One of my grandkids went back last week (on the 3rd). This is the last day of Christmas Break for the others. Back to school tomorrow, the 9th.

Answer 8

what are they into Rembrant? /methinks you just want to go and get stoned and are using them as an ex cuse//in saying that visiting Anne Franks house is a humbling experience.

dont know any hotels though /go to a travel agent they will help you re hotels then book on line yourself

Answer 9

Red Light District for sure!!!! The kids' face will light up when they get stoned and banged!!My twelve year old had a blast!

Answer 10

umm not the red light district?