The Ultimate Family Guide to Amsterdam
Amsterdam was the perfect place to kick off my Travel with an Artist series! This was also our first family trip to Europe, and spending two weeks exploring this vibrant, art-filled city was an incredible experience. From iconic museums to biking along the canals, every corner of Amsterdam felt like a painting coming to life.
One of my favorite parts? We didn’t rent a car—no need for bulky car seats! Instead, we fully embraced the city’s amazing public transportation and bike culture, giving us a deeper, more immersive experience.
Whether you’re traveling with kids or exploring solo, this guide will help you navigate Amsterdam with ease—while also highlighting the artistic beauty that makes this city so special.
Planning Ahead - Essential Tips
A well-planned trip makes all the difference, especially in a city as rich in history and culture as Amsterdam. Here are a few things I learned along the way:
✅ Download Google Maps – I used this daily to navigate the city.
✅ Get Google Translate – While most locals speak English, this helped with reading menus, grocery items, and transit signs.
✅ Book museum tickets early – The Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum sell out quickly! Arriving early also helps with crowds—I visited the Van Gogh Museum at 9:30 AM, and by the time I left at 1:00 PM, it was packed.
✅ I found this book to be helpful with planning out activities.
🎨 Pro Tip: If you’re an art lover, consider the Museumkaart for unlimited entry to many of Amsterdam’s top museums!
Getting Around Amsterdam
Public Transport: Tram, Bus & Train
I was initially nervous about navigating public transportation with kids, but Amsterdam has it down to a science. Everything was clean, efficient, and easy to use.
🚆 Must-Have Apps & Tips:
• OVPay App – Easily track tickets and payments (don’t forget to check out when exiting!)
• Separate payment for each person – We used two cards on our phones and two physical cards for the kids.
• Kids’ Day Pass – Just €2.50 for unlimited train rides!
Biking: The Best Way to See Amsterdam
Riding bikes through Amsterdam was hands-down one of my favorite parts of the trip. It felt like stepping into a real-life painting—each street lined with historic buildings, bridges, and the soft glow of canal reflections.
🚴♂️ Things to Know Before You Ride:
✔️ Amsterdam has designated red bike lanes, and cyclists have the right of way.
✔️ The city’s speed limit for cars is only 18 mph, making it very bike-friendly.
✔️ You can cross the entire city in 30 minutes by bike—it’s that compact!
✔️ Best Bike Rental: Website
🎨 Artist’s Perspective: I loved how biking let me experience Amsterdam’s colors and movement in real time. The way the morning light hits the canal houses, the constant energy of cyclists moving in sync—it all felt like abstract art in motion.
Where to Stay
If you’re traveling with a family (or just want more space), I highly recommend booking an Airbnb instead of a hotel. We stayed in a 2-bedroom Airbnb in Amsterdam-West, which had toys for the kids, a washer/dryer, and a quieter, more local feel compared to the busy Centrum area.
Why I loved staying outside the city center:
✔️ Fewer crowds, more authentic local cafes and restaurants.
✔️ Easy access to public transportation and bike rentals.
✔️ More space for the same price as a tiny hotel room!
Where to Eat in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s food scene is a mix of traditional Dutch flavors and incredible international cuisine. Here are some must-try spots:
🍽️ Pancake Bakery (Near Anne Frank House) – Try the Dutch Pancake with stroopwafel chunks, cinnamon ice cream, and chocolate flakes! Menu
🍕 nNea Pizza – Ranked 6th best pizza in Europe! Their Margherita and Oro di Bufala pizzas were perfection. Website
🥖 Fort Negen Bakery – We picked up chocolate croissants every morning and fresh sourdough bread. I miss it already!
🍟 Fabel Friet – Amsterdam’s famous fries! Go early—this spot is popular. Website
🧀 Caseus Cheese Shop – The most beautiful cheese shop I’ve ever seen! We made a simple dinner with sourdough, cheese, and jam, and it was unforgettable. Website
🥗 SLA – If you’re craving fresh, healthy food, this is the place. Menu
What to Do with Kids (and Kids at Heart!)
🧪 Nemo Science Museum – Hands-on science fun for all ages.
🎨 Van Gogh Museum – Get the audio tour to bring his art to life!
📜 Anne Frank House – Book the introductory program before your visit.
🚤 Blue Boat Canal Tour – Includes an activity packet for kids!
🌳 Vondelpark – A gorgeous place to let the kids run free.
🚆 Day Trip to Haarlem – Just 20 minutes away by train! Check out the outdoor market and grab a homemade stroopwafel.
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam was everything I hoped for—family-friendly, artistically inspiring, and full of life. We felt safe, welcomed, and completely immersed in the beauty of this city.
✨ Next time, I want to:
✔️ Dine at De Kas, a farm-to-table restaurant.
✔️Visit the Rijksmuseum (somehow I missed it!).
✔️ See the tulip fields in full bloom.
Have you been to Amsterdam? What are your favorite spots? Drop your recommendations in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
And if you’re following along on my Travel with an Artist series, stay tuned—next stop coming soon! 🎨✈️
(Please note: If you choose to shop using links on this page, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!)