What changes when you travel with children
For a family, a well-placed home is judged less by its view than by these points:
- A park or playground nearby, to burn off energy between visits.
- A tram stop close by, simpler than a long walk with a pushchair.
- A lift or a ground-floor room: canal houses have very steep stairs, sometimes impossible with a pushchair or big suitcases.
- Space: ask for family rooms or apartments, as standard rooms are often small.
Our guide Amsterdam with children covers activities; this one helps you choose where to drop your bags.
Oud-Zuid and the Vondelpark
Around the Vondelpark, the streets are quiet, residential and safe, and the park serves as a huge playground. The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are close, like the whole Museum Quarter.
Pros: quiet evenings, a park on the doorstep, good tram links to the centre.
Cons: high prices near the Museumplein, few cheap restaurants.
Plantage and Oost
In the Plantage, Artis zoo and the botanical garden are neighbours, and the NEMO museum, very popular with children, is not far. Further east, Oost is built around the Oosterpark, with its markets and cafés.
Pros: calm, greenery, often better value than in the canal belt.
Cons: the old town is a 20 to 30 minute walk from Oost. Tram 14 serves the Plantage (Artis stop), and metro lines 51, 53 and 54 stop at Waterlooplein and Weesperplein.
Westerpark and the west
The Westerpark and its neighbourhood, west of Central Station, offer green spaces, cafés and playgrounds, with the centre a few tram stops away. It is a more local option, often cheaper than the centre.
Where to avoid staying with young children
- The streets around the Red Light District: noisy and unsuitable for children. See our Red Light District rules.
- A hotel without a lift on the third floor: this is usually stated in the property description; if in doubt, ask before booking.
- Houseboats: charming, but the water is very close; think twice with a child who runs.
Hotel, apartment or hostel
- Family hotels: rooms for three or four people or connecting rooms. Ask for the exact capacity before booking.
- Apartments: a kitchen makes meals and children's schedules easier. The city of Amsterdam strictly regulates short-term tourist rentals: check on the city's website that the accommodation is registered and legal before booking.
- Hostels: some offer private rooms for families; check each property's age policy.
Getting around with a pushchair and bikes
Trams and metros are accessible, but expect crowds at rush hour. Cycle lanes are numerous and fast: teach children to look before crossing. For tickets and routes, see our guide to transport in Amsterdam; the free GVB ferry to Noord is also a small attraction for children.
Booking: pointers
Amsterdam's tourist tax is 12.5% of the room price, excluding VAT, and is added to VAT on accommodation; check the total price before paying. Book early for school holidays, the tulip season and King's Day.
Going further
For a first visit without children, see where to stay in Amsterdam for a first visit; to save money, where to stay on a budget. On rainy days, see what to do in Amsterdam when it rains.
