When to come? All year round! The climate there is quite mild due to its proximity to the sea. But the proximity to the sea can also be a disadvantage: in the cold season there is unpleasant, chilly weather with rain and snow. It’s better to plan a trip in warm weather - after all, in addition to museums, you will probably want to see the city itself and its surroundings. Once we were in Amsterdam for the May holidays, I really wanted to see tulips in bloom, and I saw (more on that later) ... But at the same time the Queen’s Birthday was celebrated there. It turns out that this holiday is loved by the Dutch. On this day, it seems like everyone in the country comes to Amsterdam! Parking is allowed everywhere - on lawns, on central streets, and everything is free! Traffic is very strictly regulated, but driving through the city on Queen's Day is a real extreme. It was colorful, people in bright orange wigs and clothes were walking around the streets. BUT! All the hotels were full and the prices were incredibly high (we ended up staying in a hotel near the airport that had some vacancies). It is very crowded, crowds of young people are tipsy - all this somehow does not conduce to a family vacation.

nmatiny from Flickr (under CC)

Where to stay?

There are no hotels for children in Amsterdam (with mini clubs and entertainment program), there are hotels that are suitable for family holidays:
Hotel Pulitzer(Luxury Collection Hotel), 4.5 stars: centrally located next to the canal in a very beautiful location. There are family rooms, and the restaurant offers a children's menu.

Jim G from Flickr (under CC)

Aaron Silvers from Flickr (under CC)

At the entrance, children are given a task that can be solved using fragments of paintings. Well, and of course, the reward is a small prize at the exit. Every year the museum organizes a children's painting competition “Van Gogh Celebrates!” “Maybe your talented children will take part and win next year?

— Art lovers can visit the State Art Museum Rijksmuseum, which opened in April 2013 after a ten-year renovation (admission for children under 18 is free). The museum offers a rich collection of paintings by Dutch artists (Rembrandt, Vermeer, etc.), as well as sculptures, archaeological artifacts, etc.

Carmen Alonso Suarez from Flickr (under CC)

— Fans of Rembrandt can visit house museum, where the great artist lived and worked.

vgm8383 from Flickr (under CC)

— In bad weather, you can go to an indoor playground, or rather, an entertainment center, TunFun Speelpark(for children from 1-12 years old) in the center of Amsterdam near Waterlooplein.
For very young children (1-4 years old) there is a play area with small safe slides.
For other kids: a standard set of entertainment - ride down a slide, climb ropes, jump on trampolines, etc. The kids will enjoy spending time there! There is also a football field and you can ride skateboards.
For adults there is free WIFI and a cafe where you can sit while the kids have fun.

— Older children can go to Tussauds wax museum, and the brave ones - in Amsterdam Dungeon(Amsterdam dungeons) to get back to the times of the Inquisition and witch hunts.

Szilveszter Farkas from Flickr (under CC)

— Children of all ages will be interested in the tropical museum Tropenmuseum. This museum displays artifacts from the former colonies. They offer various children's programs, for example, to play shadow theater, do construction, etc. In the cafe at the museum you can taste exotic colonial dishes.

Dutch Simba from Flickr (under CC)

— Children can also be taken to tram museum, or rather the tram line museum (Electrische Museumtramlijn in Amsterdam, Harlemmermeerstation, Amstelveenseweg 264, 1075 XV Amsterdam). It sounds boring, but it can actually be interesting. You can look at trams of different generations and from different cities Europe (even from Vienna and Graz!), go inside, and also take a ride on a vintage tram around the city.

In general, there are many museums in Amsterdam: the Beer Museum, the Diamond Museum, etc. But most likely, these museums will be of more interest to parents than to adults.

Practical advice:
If you are planning an intensive cultural program with visiting museums, it makes sense to purchase the following cards for tourists:
Amsterdam City Card: valid for travel in public transport for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Also gives free access to 38 museums and a discount on Rijksmuseum, as well as a free canal walk. You can buy this card at tourist information center at the airport or near the central train station in Amsterdam
or
Holland Pass: There are different types of cards, including the children's Holland Pass. It grants the right to travel to public transport, and also gives you free entry or significant discounts to museums (not only in Amsterdam, but also in other cities in Holland). It will also help you save your precious time - you will not stand in lines to get into museums, you will be allowed in without waiting!

In the vicinity of Amsterdam you can visit:
A museum, or rather a traditional Dutch village, Zaanse Schans, where you can watch how cheese is made, go to the windmill museum, go to a workshop for the production of wooden shoes, and take a boat ride along the river. You can get there by train (about 20 minutes from the Central Station).

Victor from Flickr (under CC)

Ancient, literally toy towns Edam and Volendam , they are located approximately 25 km north of Amsterdam. You can get there by bus from Central Station or book a tour at any tourist information office. Edam is famous for its cheese market, and Volendam for its old town and the famous Volendam herring throughout Holland - you should definitely try it while sitting in a small cafe or just walking along the sea.

Of the cities that are definitely worth more attention Leiden And Haarlem . In Haarlem, you can see the permanent drawbridge, walk along the large shopping street and taste delicious waffles with hot cherries or chocolate, while admiring the splendor of the cathedral in the central square of the city. Leiden is a student town, crisscrossed with canals like Venice. A boat ride along the canals there is perhaps even more picturesque than in Amsterdam.

And if you went to Holland in April/May, then not far from Leiden I advise you to visit a fabulous flower park Keukenhof, he made an indelible impression on me... I really love flowers and, especially, tulips. Before visiting the park, I had no idea that tulips came in such colors and shapes. Besides tulips, there are other flowers there. Stunningly beautiful!

HereIsTom from Flickr (under CC)

If you are not tired yet and want more entertainment, then plan a trip to Efteling amusement park. The most convenient way is by car (about 100 km from Amsterdam). There is a 4 star hotel next to the park.

This is an amusement park with numerous slides and attractions. It is interesting because some of the attractions are made in the old style. But this park deserves a separate review.

dirkjankraan.com from Flickr (under CC)

For kids (from 2 to 8 years old) you can visit a fairyland Sprookjeswonderland V town of Enkhuizen (about 65 km from Amsterdam). You can have a great time there: the kids will remember the fairy tales about Snow White and the Three Little Pigs, ride on a train, enjoy pancakes, and play on the playground.

Mirthe from Flickr (under CC)

You can visit the dolphinarium in Harderwijk (about 80 km from Amsterdam). You can come here for the whole day: watch various shows with sea animals, get up close and personal with dolphins - you can reserve an individual meeting, and also look into the dolphins' intelligent eyes. Underground there is an area with glass, behind which dolphins and fur seals swim, they can be seen up close. There are also children's playgrounds and a cafe.

Crazy Creatures from Flickr (under CC)

Continuing the maritime theme, you can go to aquarium in Bergen aan Zee(about 60 km from Amsterdam). It is divided into zones: cold sea zone, Mediterranean zone, tropical zone and Amazonian zone. There are a lot of exotic fish there, not only sea, but also river, and also - large collection sea ​​shells. The aquarium is located by the sea, so you can combine this trip with a walk on the beach.

Visit the park near The Hague Madurodam — Holland in miniature. This is a great opportunity to see the whole of Holland with its architectural monuments, ports, and mills in one park in a few hours. The kids will be delighted! Everything moves there, ships dock at the docks, planes prepare to take off, you can press different buttons, blow on windmills or work as a lighting technician in a miniature theater.

I won’t write much about food in Holland, because... There are no national dishes there. French fries are sold on every corner.

colddayforpontooning from Flickr (under CC)

There are many restaurants and cafes - you will surely find something to suit your taste and budget. If you love fish, be sure to look for kiosks near the canals (or ask at the hotel) where they sell lightly salted herring. Amazingly delicious! With onions, bread, outside - be sure to try it!

WordRidden from Flickr (under CC)

And of course, Holland has delicious dairy products and cheeses.

JUSU from Flickr (under CC)

As a souvenir from Holland, we always bring Dutch house slippers for our daughter - traditional ones, but not wooden ones, but soft ones. My daughter loves them very much.

Despite its controversial image, Amsterdam is interesting city! I think the child will also remember this trip.

In conclusion, I would like to note once again that Amsterdam is not all of Holland. If you want to see the real Holland, the best thing to do is rent a car and drive around the many small and large charming Dutch towns on excellent roads. At least they fascinated us, but more on that in separate publications.


Shared


Amsterdam - unusual city, combining different aspects. This is also a museum open air with ancient buildings dating back several hundred years, and a city of artists and numerous museums dedicated to them, a city of idyllic canals and a city of flowers, especially tulips. In a word, Amsterdam is amazingly diverse, so tourists who come here have a lot to do and a lot to see.

Amsterdam is the capital and The largest city The Netherlands, as well as one of the most important ports on the European continent. Amsterdam is located in the north-west of the country at the mouth of the Amstel River on the coast of the artificial lake IJsselmeer, separated from North Sea dam. It is to her that the city owes its existence, because Amsterdam is located as much as 2 meters below sea level.

Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands

The population of the city itself is just over 800 thousand people, but together with the suburbs it increases to 2.3 million people, and together with neighboring cities it forms the Randstad agglomeration (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht), which is 6th in population. th in Europe. Amsterdam is a highly urbanized city, with a territory of 219 km 2, the population density reaches 4,768 people per km 2.

Amsterdam is a relatively young city for Europe. It was founded in 1300 and originates from a small fishing village founded near a dam built in the 13th century. It was Amsterdam’s favorable location that allowed it to gradually take a leading position in port transportation, first in the North Sea and then in the Baltic Sea. Even greater success came to the city at the end of the 16th century, when the United Provinces of the Netherlands won independence from Spain. Amsterdam's main competitor, Antwerp, remained under Spanish rule, and was also devastated by Spanish troops during the uprising.

Amsterdam is a relatively young city for Europe

The “Golden Age” of Amsterdam and the entire Netherlands began in the 17th century. The seizure of colonies, the development of capitalism and trade, as well as the increasingly increasing status of the main port of Europe made Amsterdam one of the richest and most developed cities on the continent. The same century also saw the rise of Dutch culture, which is reflected in numerous museums these days. However, despite these achievements, Amsterdam was not the capital of the country, although it remained its largest city.

The following centuries somewhat reduced the role of Amsterdam in international trade, but in the Netherlands itself its role remained unshakable. Finally, at the very end of the 18th century, during the era of the Napoleonic Wars, Amsterdam became the capital of the country, which it remains to this day.

How to get to Amsterdam

The easiest way to get to Amsterdam from Russia is by plane. The city is connected by regular flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg. Several daily flights depart from the capital of Russia to Amsterdam, travel time is 3 hours 35 minutes, ticket price starts from 13.9 thousand rubles. From Northern capital The flight to Amsterdam lasts less (2 hours 55 minutes), but the ticket price is higher - at least 18.4 thousand rubles. If you wish, you can try to save money and purchase tickets on low-cost airlines with connections in Riga, Berlin or Budapest.

Flights from Russia are accepted by the city airport Schiphol, located 15 km from the center of Amsterdam. The city itself can be reached by train (from 4 euros), bus (4–5 euros) or taxi (50 euros).

The easiest way to get to Amsterdam from Russia is by plane

Until recently, Russians had the opportunity to get to Amsterdam by direct Russian Railways carriage, but this route has now been cancelled. So for travelers who prefer railway transport, you will have to change trains in one of the European cities, for example, Berlin.

Those wishing to travel to Amsterdam by bus can do so from Moscow or St. Petersburg. From the capital of Russia, the trip will take almost 48 hours, tickets cost from 7.5 thousand rubles. From St. Petersburg, travel duration and ticket prices are similar.

Well, the last way to get to the capital of the Netherlands is to use a personal car. You will have to spend at least 25–26 hours behind the wheel, so it will not be possible to cover a distance of almost 2.5 thousand kilometers in one sitting. The path to Holland lies through Belarus, Poland and Germany. Residents of St. Petersburg can take advantage of an alternative route through Finland and a ferry to Bremen, Germany.

The city's attractions

The sights of Amsterdam are a unique combination of canals, ancient mass buildings with individual outstanding buildings and numerous museums. Most of them are dedicated artistic arts, in which the Dutch and neighboring Flemings have historically excelled.

Amsterdam canals

The canals of Amsterdam are the most memorable feature of the city, which immediately catches the eye of visitors. In total, Amsterdam has several hundred canals and 1.5 thousand bridges, so Amsterdam rightfully bears the title of “Venice of the North”. The main channels completely surround Old city Amsterdam in four half rings. Amsterdam's canal system is listed world heritage UNESCO.

The canals of Amsterdam are the most memorable feature of the city that immediately catches the eye of visitors

The main canals of the Old Town were built several centuries ago - during the Middle Ages or the “golden age” of the Netherlands.

  1. The Singel Canal is the oldest in Amsterdam, its construction was completed in 1428. Initially, it was a city moat and protected Amsterdam from the outside world. However, due to the rapid growth of Amsterdam, he found himself inside the city walls. Among its attractions are the narrowest house in the world (1 meter wide), several ancient churches and classic buildings for the Netherlands from the 17th-18th centuries.
  2. Herengracht is the second oldest canal in the city, built in the first half XVII century. The banks of the canal are built up with small two- and three-story mansions of the 17th century. The most fashionable part of the coast is called the “Golden Bend”.
  3. The Keizersgracht canal is the city's widest canal. The development of its banks continued for several centuries, so here you can find buildings of various architectural styles, and not just classic Dutch houses.
  4. The Prinsengracht is the longest canal in the city, named after Prince William of Orange.

All Amsterdam canals located in the Old Town were massively built up in past centuries. So an ordinary walk along their shores, or, even more so, a trip on the water on a boat or motorboat can bring great aesthetic pleasure.

Dam Square and Royal Palace

Dam Square is the main square in the whole city, so it often becomes the venue for various events. The square owes its status to several outstanding architectural monuments located on it, including the Royal Palace.

Translated from Dutch, "Dam" simply means "dam". It was this building, built in the 13th century, that gave birth to the city itself. Its strengthening made it possible to arrange on the land reclaimed from the water enough large area. Its dimensions are small - 100 by 200 meters, but in the old city with its narrow streets it is the largest in area.

The main construction of the square took place in the 17th century. Unfortunately, several outstanding buildings have not survived to this day - the Chamber of Weights and Measures was demolished by order of Napoleon at the very end of the 18th century, and already in the 20th century the building of the Old Exchange was demolished. But what now remains of the ancient buildings will not disappoint. The ensemble of the square is formed by the Nieuwekerk Church (XIV-XV centuries), the building of the Madame Tussauds Museum and the National Monument dedicated to the victims of the Second World War. But the main building of the square is the Royal Palace.

Dam Square is the main square in the whole city, so it often becomes the venue for various events.

After gaining independence from Spain, the Netherlands remained a republic for a long time. When in early XIX century, the Netherlands were nevertheless transformed into a monarchy, and the Orange dynasty came to power; the kings were given one of the best buildings in the city, previously occupied by the town hall. It was erected in 1665 according to the design of the architect J. Van Kampen. The classical architecture of Rome was chosen as a model. So the style of this building is Dutch neoclassicism, quite rare for Amsterdam.

Now the building has been purchased by the state, so it is open to everyone, however, the royal family is not offended either - royal receptions are held here. Luxurious appearance Royal Palace fully matches its interiors. Three floors of exquisite and lush halls, the walls of which are decorated with paintings by Dutch masters of painting, decorations and decorations dedicated to the Age of the Great geographical discoveries, marble, gold and stucco - a walk inside the palace will not disappoint anyone.

The Royal Palace is located at Dam Square, the nearest metro station bears the same name. Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (Tuesday - Sunday). On Mondays and days of official receptions, the palace is closed to the public. Ticket price: 10 euros (adult ticket), 9 euros (students), children under 18 years old - free.

Keukenhof Park

If Amsterdam is the “Venice of the North”, then Holland is often called the “Land of Tulips”. And the embodiment of this name can be the Keukenhof National Park, located in the suburbs of Amsterdam. It is also called the Royal Park, the “Tulip Park” and the “Garden of Europe”.

Keukenhof is located in small town Lisse, which is halfway between Amsterdam and The Hague. Historically, it was the land of the Countess of Gennegau - greens and grass were grown here for the count's kitchen, which is why the land was named Keukenhof, which literally means “Kitchen Yard”. In the 19th century, a classic landscape park was founded here, but Keukenhof took on its modern look already in 1949, when flower growers decided to organize an amusement flower park here.

Keukenhof is located in the small town of Lisse, halfway between Amsterdam and The Hague.

Now Keukenhof is a real “kingdom” of flowers. On an area of ​​32 hectares, about 7 million flowers are grown, of which 4.5 million are occupied by the national flowers of Holland, tulips of more than 100 varieties. Hyacinths, crocuses, daffodils and other flowers also grow here. The fantastic picture of fields dotted with flowers leaves an indelible impression on park guests.

Unfortunately, you can only get to Keukenhof for 2 months - from about the 20th of March to the 20th of May. It is then that the flowering fields turn Keukenhof into a real Garden of Eden. Park address: Lisse, Stationsweg 166A. You can get to the park by train, getting off at Leiden station, and then take a bus to Lisse. Opening hours: 08:00 - 19:30. Ticket price: 18 euros.

Zaanse Schans

Another symbol of Holland is the windmill. In many ways, the peasants of Holland owed their prosperity to this structure, fortunately there was never a shortage of wind in the Netherlands. You can admire windmills along with other examples of wooden architecture at the Zaanse Schans open-air museum in the suburbs of Amsterdam.

Another symbol of Holland is the windmill

In addition to windmills, tourists who come to Zaanse Schans can get acquainted with classic farms where Dutch cheese is made, traditional Dutch peasant houses, as well as folk crafts, for example, the making of wooden clogs.

You can get to Zaanse Schans by bus (No. 391) or train (direction to Alkmaar, exit at Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station). Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00 Ticket price: 10 euros (adults), 6 euros (children).

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the main museum of Amsterdam and the whole of the Netherlands, included in the Top 20 most popular art museums planets. It was founded by Louis Bonaparte (Napoleon's brother) in 1800, that is, when the Netherlands was conquered by revolutionary France.

The Rijksmuseum is the main museum of Amsterdam and the whole of the Netherlands, one of the Top 20 most popular art museums on the planet

The basis of the exhibitions of this museum are the works of the great Dutch masters of the 16th-17th centuries: Rembrandt, Vermeer, de Hooch, van Ruisdael, van Leyden and many other artists. There was a place here for the so-called “Little Dutch” and representatives of the national school of painting of subsequent centuries, for example. Trost. But the main asset of the museum is considered to be Rembrandt’s great painting “The Night Watch,” which belongs directly to the city authorities.

And although the Rijksmuseum is primarily dedicated to the national painting of the Netherlands, there was a place in this museum for other national schools: Flemings (van Dyck, Rubens), Italians (Tintoretto, Veronese, di Cosimo) and Spaniards (El Greco, Goya). So a trip to this museum will not disappoint either those who are primarily interested in big names, or those who are interested in the works of little-known artists outside the Netherlands.

Museum address: st. Museumstraat, 1. Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00. Tickets cost 17.5 euros, free for people under 19 years old.

Van Gogh Museum

The traditions of national painting in the Netherlands are not at all limited to classical artists of the “golden age”. To some extent, the old masters were surpassed by an artist whose fame came to him after his death. Van Gogh became one of the greatest artists of the 19th century, so the dedication of a separate museum to him in Amsterdam is not at all surprising.

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam houses the world's largest collection of works by the mad genius, including paintings recognized as masterpieces: “The Potato Eaters”, “Sunflowers”, “Blossoming Almond Branches”, “Wheat Field with Crows”, “Bedroom in Arles” , Self-Portrait (1887), “Irises” (1890). In total, the Amsterdam Museum houses 200 paintings by the great artist, that is, about a quarter of his heritage.

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam houses the world's largest collection of works by the mad genius.

Museum address: st. Museumplein 6. Opening hours: 09:00 - 19:00 (Sunday - Thursday), 09:00 - 21:00 (Friday, Saturday). Ticket price: 18 euros (adult), children under 17 years old - free.

What to see if you come with a child

Amsterdam is a fairly child-friendly city, so even when traveling with the whole family, tourists have somewhere to go. As usual in Amsterdam, the greatest interest here is in museums, but in this case, aimed at children.

Nemo Museum

The Nemo Museum is the largest child-oriented science museum in the Netherlands, so it will delight the inquisitive child. Moreover, it is educational in nature and is designed to arouse interest in science and technology from a very early age. The museum was opened in 1997, and the author of its bright and unusual building in the shape of a ship was the Italian architect R. Piano.

Nemo Museum is the largest science museum aimed at children in Holland

Nemo is an interactive museum, so its exhibits can and should be touched with your hands - after all, they “come to life” only after touching. The museum does not have a single scientific direction; children who come to the museum get acquainted with a wide range of sciences: from mechanics and chemistry to biomedicine and information technology.

Museum address: st. Oosterdok, 2. Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:30, Monday - closed, but on days school holidays The museum is also open on this day. Ticket price: 16.5 euros.

Amsterdam Dungeon Horror Museum

Of course, not every child can be taken to the Museum of Horror, but for teenagers there will be nothing scary here, they will even be more likely to be delighted with such a museum, because who at that age does not love horror films.

The elevator brings visitors to the lowest floor, after which the group, passing by the rooms, must go upstairs

Amsterdam Dungeon is 5 underground floors, each of which gives you tremors. The elevator brings visitors to the lowest floor, after which the group, passing by the rooms, must go upstairs. Along the way, visitors will see frightening and exciting sights: from a torture room from the times of the Inquisition and the hold of a pirate ship to a street extinct from the plague and a tavern with a crazy owner. Well, right at the exit from the museum, in a small shop you can buy souvenirs whose themes are directly related to the focus of the museum.

Object address: st. Rokin 78. Opening hours: 11:00 - 18:00 (Sunday - Thursday), 11:00 - 19:00 (Friday, Saturday). Ticket price: 19 euros (online) or 23 euros (at the museum box office).

Amsterdam climate

Due to the influence of the sea, the climate of Amsterdam is characterized by mild winters and cool summers, rather strong sea winds that bring frequent rains. Therefore, when traveling to Amsterdam, it is absolutely necessary to warm yourself and arm yourself with an umbrella. In the winter season, it is better to stock up on a warm, windproof jacket and waterproof shoes, since even at above-zero temperatures, but in a strong wind it will be noticeably cold. In many ways, the same applies to spring and autumn. Summer in Amsterdam is quite cool and rainy, so a light jacket and umbrella will also come in handy. An alternative to them is a raincoat, which the Dutch themselves often wear.

How long does it take to look around the city?

Amsterdam is not a city of one or two striking attractions that overshadow everything else. Perhaps monuments and interesting places The cities cannot be called true masterpieces, but here their density is surprisingly high. Well, perhaps, the main thing why tourists come here is to feel the unique atmosphere of this city, incomparable to any other on the planet.

Perhaps the city’s monuments and interesting places cannot be called true masterpieces, but here their density is surprisingly high

Another important factor is the huge number of museums that are really interesting to visit. So it’s better to leave plenty of time for your trip to Amsterdam - in three days you can only walk around the city of canals and bridges. But there won't be much time left for a trip to the magnificent Keukenhof or the impressive Zaanse Schans. If fate spoils you with a trip to Amsterdam for a whole week, then you can go to any of the cities in the Randstad agglomeration, for example. The Hague or Utrecht. These cities are also very interesting and if they are inferior to the capital of the Netherlands in any way, it is only in size. In addition, getting here is very easy - the distances are short, and public transport runs on a convenient schedule.

The Netherlands is an expensive country even by European standards. The minimum amount per day here is about 50 euros per person, and during the summer peak tourist season she's even taller. This money is not enough for a bed in a hostel (25 euros per night), travel on public transport and food (fast food or an inexpensive cafe). However, this amount does not include tickets to museums in Amsterdam, which are quite expensive (15–20 euros). And, for example, Double Room will cost at least 70–80 euros per night, so if you wish, you can easily spend 100, 200 euros per day or even more in Amsterdam. If we proceed from the minimum comfort and, accordingly, prices, then on a trip to Amsterdam you will have to spend:

  • for 3 days - from 11 thousand rubles per person;
  • for 5 days - from 18 thousand rubles;
  • for a week - from 25 thousand rubles.

To this amount you need to add the cost of travel in both directions, the cost of insurance (1 euro per day) and visa (35 euros).

Public transport in Amsterdam is quite expensive, so many travelers arriving in the city through Schiphol Airport prefer to buy an Amsterdam Travel Ticket. It allows you to travel to and from the airport free of charge on the NS train, as well as freely move around the city using public transport operated by GVB (trams, buses, metro and river ferries). The ticket is not valid for buses of other carriers. A one-day Amsterdam Travel Ticket costs 15 euros, a two-day ticket costs 20 euros, and a 72-hour ticket costs 25 euros.

Amsterdam is a city of fairly free morals

Another way to save money, including on public transport, is to purchase the I amsterdam city card, which not only allows you to travel for free on the same GVB transport, but also gives discounts to numerous museums in the city. The cost of such a card is slightly higher: for 24 hours - 59 euros, for 48 - 74 euros, for 72 hours - 87 euros, for 96 hours - 98 euros.

An alternative to the Amsterdam Travel Ticket may well be a bicycle, because Amsterdam is considered the “Mecca” of this two-wheeled transport. Renting will cost only 10 euros per day - the cost of 2-3 trips by public transport.

Amsterdam is a city of fairly free morals, which is manifested in coffee shops known far beyond the country's borders and, of course, the Red Light District. However, if you avoid establishments selling soft drugs and a tiny quarter, then Amsterdam will seem quite decent and even a somewhat puritanical city. So you shouldn’t expect debauchery and debauchery from Amsterdam and be afraid to come here or bring children.

A trip to Amsterdam is suitable for almost any tourist: lovers of architecture and painting, admirers of idyllic rural landscapes and those who prefer narrow stone streets, those who adhere to free morals and guardians of strict morality. Every traveler who comes here can find in this city something of his own, something that is closest to him.

“Are you going to Amsterdam with your children? And what will they do there: smoke weed?” - even on passport control and on the plane, people sometimes react with great surprise to the idea of ​​a children's trip to Amsterdam. However, this city is great for a family trip: there are many parks, museums, playgrounds and very friendly residents.

Interactive museum for children of all ages. The first floor is dedicated to physical phenomena. On the second floor there is a sensory zone and a huge model of a robotic ball factory, where you can practice working in a warehouse or loading goods into trucks. They also show a very cool film about the origin of the Universe, in which molecules travel through time from the Big Bang to the present.

On the top floor there is a cafe with a huge veranda and views of the city. Master classes are held in different parts of the museum, and children can make something for themselves as a keepsake. And if not, there is a large science-themed gift and toy store downstairs.

You can spend half a day at the museum. And it’s better to come early on weekdays, as there are always a lot of people on weekends.

www.amsterdam.info

Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam Tue-Sun from 10.00 to 17.30. During school holidays, the museum operates according to a different schedule, which can be found at the link. children under 4 years old are free, visitors over 4 years old - € 16.50 Read more

Artis Zoo

The Royal Zoo, where animals are kept as freely as possible: there are almost no cages or fences, but a lot of greenery and flowers. At the entrance you can find materials for the quest: throughout the zoo there are stations where you need to mark completed tasks with stamps.

You can't miss the butterfly house and the aquarium with fish from different ecosystems. However, it’s nice to look at all the animals: they are well-groomed, well-fed and look healthy and happy.

There is also a botanical garden next to the zoo. There is a pleasant cafe with an open veranda where you can relax from the noise of the city.

Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam Mon-Sun 10.00 - 18.00 children under 2 years free, 3-9 years € 19.50, over 9 years € 23.00. When purchasing tickets online, the cost is 2 euros cheaper.

More details

Netherlands Maritime Museum

Kattenburgerplein 1, 1018 KK Amsterdam Mon-Sun 9.00 to 17.00 children under 3 years free, from 4 to 17 years € 8.00, adults - € 16.00 Read more

Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum

These two museums are must-have rooms for children and adult program. The Rijksmuseum presents Dutch painting from the Early Middle Ages to the mid-19th century. Paintings by Vermeer, Terborch, Rembrandt and other famous artists are kept here. Separately, the painting “Night Watch” hangs in the Gallery of Fame. Children will be interested in looking at the collection of doll porcelain and doll houses. These houses came into fashion in the 17th century and served as birthday gifts for young ladies. The houses are an exact copy of real mansions: with vases, chandeliers and fireplaces. Children love looking at them.

The Van Gogh Museum exhibits 200 paintings and many drawings by the great artist.

Museums are not always easy with children, so preparation is important. Before your trip, you can look at reproductions of paintings, read about artists, and draw while looking at the works. Children are much more interested in meeting or finding something familiar in a museum.

For older children, you can prepare a quest of 10-15 questions and tasks (for example, count the sunflowers in a Van Gogh painting, find the largest painting in the museum (Rembrandt “Night Watch”). The quest takes about an hour, because that’s how long a child can walk with concentration through the halls “like an adult.” The Reichsmuseum sells a family guide to help make your visit more interesting.

Van Gogh Museum Museumplein 6, Amsterdam Mon-Thu, Sun 10.00 - 19.00, Fri-Sat 10.00-21.00 children under 18 free, adults € 18 Read more

Rijksmuseum Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam Mon-Sun 10.00 to 17.00 visitors under 18 years old free, adults - € 17.50 Read more

Keukenhof Park

At the end of April - beginning of May, you should definitely visit the Keukenhof flower park. This royal park is famous throughout the world for its tulips. Blooming spaces invariably impress children and become almost the main memory of the trip. In 2018, the park was open from March 22 to May 13. In 2019, Keukenhof will be open from March 21 to May 19. The park's theme for 2019 is Flower Power.

Stationsweg 166A,2161 AM Lisse 21 March 19 May 2019 Mon-all 08:00 - 19:30, ticket office closes at 18:00 children under 3 years free, 4-11 years € 8, over 11 years and adults € 18. Tickets available purchase in the online store in autumn 2018 or buy at the ticket office at the entrance to Keukenhof during park opening hours

More details

Bicycles

There are bicycle rental points at every turn and almost everywhere they offer child seats. A bicycle costs about 14 euros per day (you can bargain). Before leaving “for the big arena,” it would be good to practice a little on quiet streets. The main rule of movement is to be in the flow, not to make sudden movements and to indicate all maneuvers with your hands. Bicycles must be fastened, even if you leave for 5 minutes; they will tell you this many times at the rental office and show you how to use the locks.

Where there is?

The key to successful trips with children is to feed them on time and give them rest. In Amsterdam, the best option is Albert Heijn supermarkets. There is a huge selection of ready-made food: salads, chopped fruits and vegetables, sandwiches, smoothies, cheese. French fries and hot dogs with herring are sold everywhere (many children really like them).

In Amsterdam, the weather is very changeable: 5 minutes after the sun and heat it can rain, a strong wind can start, and then the sun will come out again. Therefore, it is better for children to take rubber boots and raincoats/windproof jackets with a hood or light down vests that can be worn under the jacket and then removed if it is hot. Very useful for evening bike rides.

In order not to miss anything useful and interesting about children's entertainment, development and psychology, subscribe to our channel on Telegram. Just 1-2 posts a day.

AND A LITTLE MORE INTERESTING

What to do with children in Berlin in summer. Tips from a local mom

How to plan a family trip to Japan without going broke: a story from a mother of two children

Amsterdam is usually associated with entertainment for adults, so planning a children's program can be confusing for parents at first. But if you look around, you will realize that Amsterdam has a lot of interesting things to do for kids and teenagers.

Riverboat ride along the canals

– one of the most favorite entertainments for children and adults. The adventurous spirit of a boat trip and the opportunity to admire the most Beautiful places and the city's buildings will provide a lot of fun for the whole family. In addition, a walk along the canals is an exciting and tireless pastime. On average, this takes about one hour.

Science CenterNEMO

Children's insatiable curiosity will be more than satisfied during excursions, presentations and experiments at the scientific center NEMO (Oosterdok 2). Here children will be able to literally “feel” the structure of the world and expand their knowledge base with scientific facts and terms. The opportunity to join the scientific mysteries will cost 15 euros per person. By the way, it will be fun here not only for children, but also for adults.

Your children will be delighted to meet the pets of the Amsterdam(Plantage Kerklaan 38-40). In addition to meeting the animals, you can also delve into the secrets of Amsterdam's canals, visit the Butterfly Pavilion and zip along the Universe in the Planetarium. Ticket price is 19.5 euros; reduced rates apply for children.

Museums

They are famous not only for their interesting exhibitions, but also for their modern multimedia equipment and a well-thought-out program of additional activities for the whole family. For example, in ( Paulus Potterstraat 7) special master classes in drawing and treasure hunts with small prizes are held for children. Ticket price is 15 euros, and entry for children is free. A separate program for children is also provided in ( Prinsengracht 263). A ticket to the museum costs 12.5 euros; there are special rates for children.

Shopping


Introduce the children to the famous bunny girl Miffy, who is very beloved in Holland. She even has her own store de Winkel van Nijntje (Scheldestraat 61), where you can buy Miffy herself in a variety of versions, as well as school supplies, clothes and souvenirs with her image. In the shop Goochem (1 e Constantijn Huygensstraat 80) you will find a large selection of Dutch wooden toys and a wide range of children's accessories.

Vondelpark

IN good weather it's so nice to take a walk in the fresh air, especially in the beautiful park Amsterdam. A definite plus for walking with children is the presence of a playground. In addition, there is a cafe in the Vondelpark Kinderkookcafe (Vondelpark 6 b ), where cooking classes for children are held. While little chefs learn how to make pizza or sandwiches, parents can relax with a cup of coffee.

Skating

If your trip to Amsterdam is during the winter months, why not try the Dutch's favorite sport? On Museum Square Museumplein In winter there is a spacious skating rink where you can take figure skating lessons. Entrance – 3 euros. However, you can go ice skating in Amsterdam not only in winter: the largest skating rink in the city Jaap Eden (Radioweg 64) is open from October to March. Entrance – 6.6 euros. You can also ride for free along the canals.

Tasting local sweets

Even adults can't resist Dutch pancakes Pannenkoeken , and what can we say about children! You will be treated to this delicacy in many cafes and pastry shops, for example, in Pancake Bakery (Prinsengracht) 191), where for 6-10 euros you can order pancakes with a variety of fillings. Another popular product of Dutch confectioners is crispy waffles with syrup. Stroopwafels . Freshly baked Stroopwafels can be found on street stalls, and in stores you will find already packaged waffles that you can bring home as a souvenir.

Biking

Amsterdam is a city of cyclists, which is sure to appeal to many children. for the whole family and enjoy the opportunity to move quickly and freely through the streets of Amsterdam. IN Mac Bike You can rent a variety of bicycle seats, as well as children's bicycle seats and helmets. There are several rental points in the city Mac Bike , including near the Central Station and Leidesplein.

Game centerTunFun

What do children like to do? Run, jump, roll, spin, play and, finally, grab something tasty to restore strength. Game center TunFun (Mr Visserplein 7) offers all kinds of leisure activities for children of different ages: construction sets, outdoor games, attractions, and for dessert after all this - fresh pancakes. The entrance ticket costs 8.5 euros.

Have a nice holiday!

What attractions and places should be included in your itinerary if you are coming to Holland with children? We have already written on the blog about what to do with children in Amsterdam itself. Now let’s supplement these tips with a list of places interesting for children in other cities in Holland.

1. Efteling- an amusement park somewhat similar to Disneyland, with a huge number of attractions, shows and entertainment. Efteling is located in the village of Kaatsheuvel near Tilburg, two hours from Amsterdam by public transport. You can book a trip to the park with transfer from Amsterdam. The park is open 365 days a year.

2. Fairytale park Sprookjeswonderland, similar to Efteling, only smaller and for younger children (2 to 8 years old). The park is located in the city of Enkhuizen (by the way, you can also visit there). You can get there from Amsterdam by train in an hour. A beautiful tram will take you from the station to the entrance to the park. In 2019, the park is open from April 13 to October 27.

3. Walibi Park- also one of the amusement parks in Holland, with a cool roller coaster and 30 other attractions. The park is located in the village of Biddinghuizen, 70 km from the capital. The journey from Amsterdam by public transport takes 2 hours. In 2019, the park is open from April 6 to October 27.

4. Playground Linnaeushof. They say it is the largest site in Europe. To get here by public transport, you need to take the train to Haarlem, and then change to bus number 50 (get off at the Linnaeushof West stop). The total travel time is about 45 minutes. In 2019 it works from March 27 to September 30, as well as during autumn holidays(from October 22 to 27).

5. Madurodam- a miniature park in the city of Scheveningen, near The Hague. Here you can see the main attractions of Holland on a scale of 1:25. And feel like Gulliver! To get there from Amsterdam, you need to take a train to The Hague, and then change to a tram in the direction of Scheveningen Noorderstrand. Go to the Madurodam stop. The total travel time is a little over an hour. Tickets online are 2 euros cheaper than at the door. The park is open all year round.

6. Corpus Museum of the Human Body near Leiden. The museum features a human figure 35 meters high. You can get inside, examine and feel all the internal parts of his body. In the museum you can take an audio guide, incl. and in Russian. Children over 6 years old are allowed into the museum. When you get from Amsterdam to Leiden, you need to change from the train to bus number 31 (direction Katwijk) and go to the Corpus stop. The total travel time is just under an hour.

7. Railway Museum Spoorwegmuseum in Utrecht. Almost everything here is real! The museum is located in the building of a former railway station. Once an hour between (station Maliebaan station) and central station A modern train runs from Utrecht. And on the territory of the museum there are many rare trains - from the royal carriage (you can go into it and see the interiors) to the Orient Express - and ancient waiting rooms. At the museum you can see theatrical performances, go on rides, and also visit a mini-laboratory on train design. You could easily spend the whole day here!

8. Burger's Zoo in Arnhem. Of course, there is one in Amsterdam that is also worth visiting with children. But the Royal Arnhem Zoo, one of the most visited in Europe, is sure to impress both you and the little ones. This is a new type of zoo, where animals are housed not in cages, but in natural landscape. The journey from Amsterdam by public transport will take about 1.5 hours. The zoo is open all year round.

Have a nice trip to Holland with children!