I spend one of the best family all-inclusive holidays in Amsterdam every year because Amsterdam is one of the short haul destinations for families and individuals from the UK. The cultural vibrancy, the art museums and the villages (all within a short drive from Amsterdam) makes it an ideal place for families who seek familiarity and uniqueness to explore and have the best family all-inclusive holidays. This post hopes to explore when to visit Amsterdam, what to pack for your holiday to Amsterdam, family-friendly things to do and some of the places to stay for your best family all-inclusive holidays in Amsterdam.
Best Family All-inclusive Holidays Amsterdam
Where is Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is in Europe, in a small country called The Netherlands. Amsterdam is the largest in the Netherlands and is the capital city of the Netherlands. The country where the wooden shoes come from, popularly recognised by the picture of a windmill and Tulips flowers.
The Netherlands shares a border with Germany to the East and Belgium to The South.
To get to Amsterdam by air, flights to the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is what you need.
To explore Amsterdam from Europe, there are several ways and the trains will be your best bet.
You also have the option to drive to Amsterdam through the well-connected road networks from Paris or Brussels or Cologne.
Best way to travel from London to Amsterdam
There are several ways to travel from London to Amsterdam. If you have limited time, the best way to travel for your best all-inclusive holidays to Amsterdam will be through the air. The Major airport called Amsterdam Airport Schiphol serves direct flights from London in 55 minutes. If you want to avoid the airports, the best way to travel to Amsterdam from London will be through the trains. If you love to drive, the best way for you will be through crossing the Euro-channel and if you are a budget traveller, your best way to travel from London to Amsterdam will be through the National Express Coach. For a comprehensive guide on how to travel from London to Amsterdam, I have a post for you detailing all you will need including the cost to drive, to use the train or the coach to travel from London to Amsterdam.
Best Family All-inclusive Holidays Amsterdam
Documents you need to travel to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is in Europe and in order to travel to Amsterdam, you will need:
- A valid passport (issued within the last 10 years) with at least 3 months validity from the date of your arrival.
- A visa ( depending on your nationality, destination and length of stay)
- A Schengan visa – If you are travelling from outside the European Union depending on your nationality, you can obtain a Schengen Visa. This allows you to visit countries in Europe that are members of the European Union for a duration of 90 days.
- Proof of money to sustain yourself around £55 per day.
- A travel insurance that covers medical expenses
- A return or onward ticket
Best Family All-inclusive Holidays Amsterdam
The best time to visit Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a city you can visit at anytime for your best family all-inclusive holidays. Some argue that the best time to see Amsterdam is in October because of Autumn. Others say Amsterdam is best seen in Spring.
The best time to visit Amsterdam will be down to your preference and the temperatures. In my opinion, Amsterdam is best seen in the shoulder months preferably in October. Amsterdam will make a perfect October school holiday getaway.
The coldest months in Amsterdam are January, February, March and December. During the coldest months, expect temperatures to fall as low as 1 degrees Celsius. If you decide to visit Amsterdam during this period, you will need:
- A winter coat
- Scarfs, hats and gloves
- Comfortable winter shoes
The driest months in Amsterdam are March, April, May and June. During the driest months, expect temperatures to be around 15 degrees Celsius . If you plan your best family all-inclusive holidays around this time, you will need:
- A light coat
- A light scarf
- Comfortable shoes
The hottest months to visit Amsterdam is obviously the summer months which spans from June to September with temperatures at around 19 degrees Celsius. If this is a good time for your best family all-inclusive holidays, you will need:
- Summer clothes
- Summer hats and glasses
- Comfortable shoes.
Best Family All-inclusive Holidays Amsterdam
The best area to stay in Amsterdam for families
There are some beautiful areas to stay in Amsterdam for your best family all-inclusive holidays. You get to choose if you want to be in Amsterdam Centraal where you have walking distances to all you want to see or you want to be by the canal front and use the canals to explore Amsterdam. You have a choice where you want to stay, be it posh or practical. A splendid choice will kick-start your best all-inclusive family holidays.
The best areas to stay in Amsterdam with extensive, all- inclusive accommodations are:
- Centrum
- Canal Belt
- De Pijp
If you love a quiet area close to Amsterdam, stay at Aalsmeer.
Centrum
Centrum is a safe place to stay in Amsterdam with proximity to the Royal Palace, Dam Square, the Flower market, restaurants and bars. Centrum is close to Amsterdam Centraal Station where you will get trains to all destinations within and out of the Netherlands. There are trams, buses, canal boats and Ubers, taxis and bicycles to move around.
The best family all-inclusive hotels you should stay at are:
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
The Sofitel Legend is a class hotel located right at the centre of Amsterdam with stunning views of the canals. A brief walk will lead you to the flower market and Madame Tussauds. A quick tram ride will lead you to the Museums of Van Gogh, Bansky and the Rijksmuseum.
The staff at the hotel offers an attentive service. There are spacious suites for the family, free breakfast and the food is plentiful with a great selection on offer.
Don’t miss the Bridge Restaurant famous as the best fish restaurant in town. You can also earn points here for your stay.
Banks Mansions
A clean, unique looking building that has been standing since the 1900s. Here you will get a 4 star hotel with family rooms, complimentary beverages, free breakfast and top speed internet. It offers beautiful views around the city. The customer service is exceptional and the staff speak a variety of languages so you will feel right at home. There are bicycles for rent if you want to see the city on bikes.
Canal Belt
The Amsterdam Canal Belt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is not a surprise because they built it around the 17th century and it has an amazing gabled architecture row of houses. If you wish to get a unique view of Amsterdam, stay on the houseboat right on the canal. The houseboats are fully equipped for self-catering but if you are looking for an all-inclusive hotel, try the Dylan Hotel.
Dylan Hotel
The Dylan hotel is a member of the small luxury hotels of the world with proximity to Anne Frank House and Museum Square.
The Dylan hotel is away from the noise and bustling of Centrum and offers a charming but distinctive style.
It is in the famous nine street (Negen Straatjes). Within a 10 minutes walk from this hotel, you will arrive at the Royal Palace, you can explore the museum district or go shopping at Jordaan quarters.
The Interior decoration here is beautiful and although it is a family-friendly hotel, it does not offer babysitting services but the helpful staff always try to accommodate requests.
Book this hotel with your Amex Platinum bank card for some fantastic rewards.
Pulitzer Amsterdam
The Pulitzer Amsterdam is a luxury hotel with famous history. It spells luxury in every sense and it is a place to find the Dutch Aristocrats. It is the best family luxury hotel in Amsterdam and as a result, the rooms are book up quickly.
Aalsmeer
For the best family all-inclusive holidays in Amsterdam, stay at Renaissance Amsterdam Schiphol Hotel.
Renaissance Amsterdam Schiphol Hotel
Renaissance Amsterdam is a Marriott group hotel, and that means that you can use points to buy your stay here. It is a newly designers hotel, completed in 2018. The hotel has a nature theme; it looks modern and tastefully designed.
The Renaissance Amsterdam Schiphol hotel was clean, modern with a beautiful nature theme. It is family-friendly and pet-friendly. You can dine in or out. The complimentary 24-hour shuttle service is fantastic. I like that the hotel is not at the airport. Opt to stay at the top floor for the stunning views of Amsterdam Boes. Check out my full hotel review of Renaissance Amsterdam Schiphol Hotel here.
Best Family All-inclusive Holidays in Amsterdam –
What are the best kids-friendly things to do in Amsterdam
Exploring Amsterdam with kids is easy. Amsterdam does get busy with tourists but if you are visiting Amsterdam in the October Half-term holiday, you will find navigating places with kids quickly.
If you want to explore the city centre, it is best to have a card – Iamsterdam which costs —
The option for getting around Amsterdam includes walking, cycling, hop on and hop off buses, canal boats and public transportation.
Walking around Amsterdam
Amsterdam is buggy-friendly, if your kids are at the age of using a buggy, it is best to put them in the buggy. If your child is able to walk, then walking around with convenient shoes are the best options.
Cycling
You can rent bicycles with buggy spaces for your children to sit on.
Hop on and Hop off Buses
I enjoy using the hop on and hop off buses. They are fantastic for exploring cities and serve as a way to travel far comfortably.
Public Transportation
The buses, trains and trams are easy to navigate and you need the Iamsterdam card which allows you to explore Amsterdam at a discount rate.
Kids-friendly things to do in Amsterdam and around.
For your best all-inclusive holidays in Amsterdam, take the kids out of the hotels and enjoy the culture and art that Amsterdam has to offer.
1. Have a day trip to Zaanse Schans Windmills
The Windmall village of Zaanse Schans is a Dutch countryside. The quaint village is home to historic windmills, artisan workshops, interactive museums and distinctive green wooden houses. Zaanse Schans brings history to life with functional windmills and educational tutorials.
2. Visit the Museums
Start with Van Gogh Museum and let your kids ignite their creative side.
Visit Rijksmuseum – holds the best art collections in an incredible space. It has kids tours and proved to be very educational for my girls.
Visit Stedelijk-Stedelijk is the art museum for modern art and expression. It offers an amazing collection of modern art and colours.
3. Explore the canals
Use the hop on and hop off ticket for the boat too.
4. Visit the Ajax Museum
If you have a keen footballer in your family, take them to the Ajax stadium and let them relive the great football experiences that Ajax has enjoyed in the past.
5. Have a picnic at Vondelpark
Vondelpark is similar to London’s Hyde Park and hosts free theatre shows, family events and various attractions. It is set on a 47 acre park and it is great for picnics.
6. Explore Amsterdam Bos
Amsterdam Bos is the city’s amazing forest for camping, hiking, walking, cycling and it has a swimming lake.
7. Anne Frank Huis, Centrum
Most suited for children aged 9 and above. Anne Frank’s house is organised in time slots and gives the kids the opportunity to learn the story of this young girl who wrote a diary about her experiences of the War.
Best Family All-inclusive Holidays Amsterdam – Final Thoughts
Amsterdam is a great place for a short haul family holiday. If you want to slowly gain your travel confidence, explore Europe with your family.
Have you been to Amsterdam? Let me know in the comments.
