Capital of the Netherlands, the city of Amsterdam is considered the Venice of the North thanks to its many canals. Not very congested by car traffic but very popular with cyclists, it is one of the most ecological cities in existence, allowing tourists to take a break from pollution.
Its name comes from the construction of a dyke (called “dam” in Dutch) in the 12th century on the river Amstel bordering a small fishing village. The village developed during the Middle Ages and after the discovery of America thanks to its maritime trade, until it became one of the most important ports in the world in the 16th century, the country’s famous “golden century”.
Amsterdam currently has more than 850,000 inhabitants and receives more than 18 million tourists every year, thanks in particular to its many tourist sites, museums and architecture, which are distinguished by its canals built parallel in semi-circles and joined by others perpendicularly. The city stands out for its originality, its extravagance but also its authenticity. It is therefore obvious that you will find, among all its districts, one that suits you!
Amsterdam is also a very international city, where communities mix happily together. Many young foreigners are attracted by the charm of the capital, which contributes to making it a cosmopolitan and multicultural city.
This makes it a great city to visit, whether with friends, family or lovers. You may naturally want to enjoy it quietly as a couple. With Marypop, you can do just that, so don’t hesitate to entrust your children to a reliable bilingual babysitter in Amsterdam who speaks the language of your choice and who can give you sound advice on local life and places to visit. To help you organise your stay, here is a short guide with useful information about Amsterdam.
You are a Dutch family returning from expatriation to Amsterdam
If you are back from expatriation, your children have certainly learned a foreign language during your stay; you probably rightly wish your children to keep this asset and to continue practising that foreign language. Using a bilingual Marypop babysitter in Amsterdam will allow you to have your children practise this foreign language at home, regardless of their age. Integrated into their daily lives, practising this language with a Marypop bilingual babysitter will help them to maintain their bilingualism in Amsterdam, an invaluable asset for them.
You are a family preparing to relocate to Amsterdam
Between the search for a new home, a new school, new activities, the move and the administrative chaos, an expatriation requires a lot of preparation, not to mention the appropriation of a new language for you and your children. With Marypop, you will now be able to introduce your children to a new language, even by video! This will allow them to acquire linguistic basics before and after their departure, helping them to better adapt to their new environment once they are there.
You are an expatriate family in Amsterdam
Are you a family that has moved to Amsterdam, and the Dutch language is already familiar to you and your children? Great! However, you shouldn’t leave their mother tongue out of the equation, especially at home and among themselves. A fantastic bilingual babysitter in Amsterdam can help them stay connected!
Do your children need help with their homework in a new education system? Don’t panic, Marypop also offers homework help services, including video homework help. You see, a trusted bilingual babysitter is always there for you in Amsterdam!
You are a bilingual family living in Amsterdam
Bilingual families have the advantage of immersing the children in a cultural melting pot within the same home, giving them the incredible chance to master several languages from an early age, a not inconsiderable asset.
Do you want to encourage your children to speak the language on their mother’s or father’s side? Calling a bilingual babysitter in Amsterdam, even from a distance, can be a good solution! The use of the video service is particularly recommended for families living in Amsterdam who wish to practise Dutch. With its dozens of languages on offer, Marypop provides you with super babysitters who speak the one of your choice. Whether they are native speakers or studying abroad, they will be able to get on well with your children and inspire you with confidence.
You are in Amsterdam with your children
So, tempted by a trip to Amsterdam with your family? Don’t hesitate, this city has so many secrets to reveal to you! And don’t forget that our super babysitters will be happy to give you some good tips and help you enjoy the city with peace of mind, even if you don’t speak Dutch! With Marypop, you can choose a bilingual babysitter who speaks the language of your choice in Amsterdam, and trust them!
The cool things a bilingual babysitter can do in Amsterdam with your children
As you already know, between its canals, museums, parks and unique neighbourhoods, Amsterdam is full of interesting places to visit. They will help to make your stay memorable and build a strong family spirit, so make the most of it!
If these tourist places are mythical and well worth a visit, they can however attract a lot of people, so it is a wise choice to have tickets in advance. In particular, you can take tourist passes. With the I Amsterdam Card, which is priced according to duration, you can enjoy many benefits, such as public transport, free visits to museums and canals, and much more. The Amsterdam City Card, on the other hand, seems more suitable for a short stay, it entitles you to a visit to the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh (your choice) as well as a canal trip. The advantage of the Amsterdam City Card is that it gives you access to transport, especially to and from the airport, unlike the first pass. You can also opt for the Holland Pass, which is not limited to Amsterdam, which is handy if you’re not planning to stay in the capital. It lasts one month and the price varies according to the options, depending on the number of ‘gold’ and ‘silver’ visits you choose.
Also, as the weather can be capricious, it’s best to bring rain gear and find a plan B in case of bad weather.
In addition to bike and/or boat trips to discover the Dutch capital, here are some activities for you to do as a family or with a trusted bilingual babysitter in Amsterdam.
The Van Gogh Museum
Dedicated to the famous painter, this museum exhibits his works (more than 200!) by period, the most famous of which reside on the first floor. You will thus discover the singular but turned upside down life of the artist which may interest your children. Audio guides are also available in English and Dutch. However, it is essential to book online and to choose your own visiting hours.
Website: www.vangoghmuseum.nl
The Rijksmuseum
This museum is one of the largest in Europe, but it is impossible to cover all of it at once, especially with small children! It stands out in particular for its large collection, whether it be works by Rembrandt or Vermeer (including his famous dairy), or a replica of a boat or doll’s houses dating from the 17th century. Children’s tours are also organised.
Anne Franck’s house
Witness to a dark period in Europe, now a place of remembrance and remembrance, this house is in our minds as a prime site to visit when visiting Amsterdam. This is where the girl lived for two years before her deportation. A visit to this site is, however, more suitable for older children, with some preliminary historical reminders. It is certain that you will come away very upset, but that you will learn a lot from it.
Vondelpark
Situated around the Rijksmuseum, the capital’s best-known park, with its 45 hectares, will give you a real green getaway! It has family playgrounds and picnic areas, bars, restaurants, theatres and even workshops for the general public!
The bell tower of WesterToren
The 17th-century Protestant church in WesterKerk has an 85-metre-high bell tower. If you are brave enough to climb it, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the town. Otherwise, you can listen to the hourly carillon, which is described by Anne Franck in her diary. A statue of the carillon can be seen to the south of the church.
The Navy Museum
Dedicated to the marine history of the Netherlands, this museum has something to impress your children! It has several sections and attractions, in addition to a large library and a giant replica of an 18th century ship belonging to the Dutch East India Company.
The Nemo Museum
Built in the shape of an ocean liner, the Nemo Museum is dedicated to science and technology. Your children will surely be very involved in the visit of this “tactile” museum which allows young and old to go into a laboratory to carry out experiments and to interact with technological tools. You will also be able to enjoy a superb view of the city from its rooftop.
Join Zaanse Schans
If you have visited Amsterdam or are spending several days there, the small traditional village of Zaanse Schans, despite its influx of tourists, is well worth a trip outside the capital! About 40 minutes by bus or a quarter of an hour by train from the capital, it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There you will find windmills, hoof factories representing the Netherlands, and you will have the opportunity to taste the country’s cheeses. You can also take advantage of the countryside for a bicycle or boat trip on its canals.
Things to do in Amsterdam as a couple or with friends
With Marypop, you will be able to entrust your children to trusted bilingual babysitter in Amsterdam to visit the city in complete tranquillity and do what you like, without being slowed down. If you enjoy the entertainment, take a trip to the Leidseplein district, with its many bars, restaurants and concert halls, the atmosphere is guaranteed! You might even want to venture out and visit the Red Light district (known locally as De Wallen), which is also very lively, but is in a way the city’s trouble spot. However, this district is popular with tourists because of its authenticity, its historical value as the oldest part of the capital, its eccentricity and its freedom from social conventions, paradoxically alongside beautiful churches. However, it is best not to venture there at late hours. We also advise you to visit the arty and bohemian Pijp district, which is less touristy, especially due to its location far from the city centre. Here you will find the Cuypmarkt, the largest market in the country, as well as a wide variety of cafés and restaurants where you can sample Dutch cuisine. The Van Gogh museum mentioned above, or the Heinekein Experience museum if you are a beer lover, can be found here.
How to get to Amsterdam with your children?
Flying to Amsterdam
The plane is probably the easiest way to get to Amsterdam. If you plan in advance, and your dates are flexible enough, you can even buy tickets costing less than 100 euros!
The city is served by Schiphol Airport, which is considered the most important airport in the Netherlands and is recognised as one of the best airports in Europe, thanks in particular to its infrastructure and the comfort offered to its travellers, despite its size. Every day, it connects with the major cities of France through its numerous low-cost companies such as KLM, Transavia or EasyJet.
It is then possible to reach Amsterdam by taxi, train or bus; a transfer service is also available from the airport.
Coming by train to Amsterdam
Travelling to Amsterdam by train would be a good option as it would allow you to arrive directly in the city centre, as opposed to travelling by air. The capital can also be reached by train from many cities in the Netherlands, but also from major European cities (e.g. Paris, Berlin or Brussels).
You can travel on international routes such as the Thalys (which can make a direct journey from Paris to Amsterdam via Brussels in just 3 hours and 20 minutes), or take the TVG in connection with other national routes. Reservations can be made on the SNCF website. It is also advisable to start booking at least 2 and a half months in advance and to be flexible enough on your schedule to get the cheapest tickets possible.
Amsterdam Central Station (or Amsterdam Centraal in Dutch) is a key transfer point for travellers: whether they are coming from Schiphol, have arrived in the city by train or are visiting the surrounding cities (such as The Hague or Utrecht), they will certainly end up at this station, which is also served by a metro station and all the city’s tram lines. If you take a connecting train from Paris, you could also land at Amsterdam South station (Amsterdam Zuid WTC) via Schiphol airport.
Coming by bus to Amsterdam
For the most economical, the bus is clearly the right solution! Not only are the prices relatively low (starting at 18 euros), but departures also take place from several French and European cities, allowing you to start the journey from the nearest town instead of having to go to Paris, even though you will probably have to make a connection in the capital.
However, the road is long (about 8 hours from Paris), and the journey can be difficult for children to bear, despite the Wifi provided by most companies. So remember to bring something to keep them occupied during the trip so as not to disturb other travellers. Also check the maximum luggage load allowed.
Ouibus and Flixbus serve the bus station Amsterdam Centre-Sloterdjik (or Amsterdam Blijmer station or Schiphol airport for Flixbus), while with Eurolines, buses leaving or going to Paris arrive at Duivendrecht station, 15 minutes by train from the Dutch capital.
Driving to Amsterdam
The car does not seem to be a very suitable solution, particularly because of the length of the journey and the difficulties in finding parking spaces, not to mention the exorbitant prices (4 or 5 euros per hour, or 50 euros per day), unless your accommodation offers you a place to park. Transport costs can also be quite high because of petrol and toll charges. However, a car can be more comfortable than a bus trip and would give you the freedom to organise your journey as you wish.
Coming by boat to Amsterdam
If you decide to go to this port city by river, you will have to take a cruise. From May to October, boats leave Strasbourg to cross the Rhine and pass through Rotterdam in 6 days and 5 nights.
Getting around Amsterdam
As the city centre itself is quite small, it is possible to walk through it. However, the city is well served by transport, which could save you time. Some tourist passes give you access to public transport, such as the I Amsterdam Card. You can also choose cards such as the GVB 1-day to 7-day day card, or the OV-chipkaart chip card, which you can top up but which is more suitable for residents than for people passing through the city. The Amsterdam & Travel ticket is also available for 1 to 3 days, with unlimited access to transport, even to the airport.
However, make sure you validate your ticket when getting on and off the transport!
Cycling
Amsterdam, the city where cyclists are kings! What could be better than a good bike ride to have a good time with your family and soak up the culture this city has to offer? After all, almost everyone in Amsterdam has a bicycle. With its kilometres of cycle paths, you’ll probably have no trouble finding a shop offering bikes for hire. Prices are around 7€ per day with a deposit of 50€.
Some practical advice :
- However, it is still recommended to book the bikes on the internet, which are obviously very much in demand, especially in the summer months or at weekends.
- Pay particular attention to local traffic laws, prohibiting children on luggage racks or in pedestrian-only areas.
- For greater safety, choose classic bikes over traditional Dutch bikes, which do not have a brake but a more complex back-pedalling system.
Boat
It would be a pity not to take advantage of the waters of the Venice of the North, as this city is partly built on water! Don’t worry, many companies offer tours on bateau-mouches, costing around 15€ for an adult for a crossing of 1h or 1h30. However, it’s best to go in the late afternoon or evening as these are the times when it’s least crowded, or opt for a dinner cruise, a more romantic option, where a bilingual babysitter from Marypop in Amsterdam will be there to take care of your children.
Please note that with the I Amsterdam City Card you are entitled to a free boat cruise with some companies.
Metro, tram and bus
Operating from 6am to midnight, Amsterdam’s metro network, comprising 5 lines (no. 50 to 54), seems more suitable for reaching the outlying areas than the city centre itself.
From 6:00 to 12:30, the 17 tram lines, most of which end at the central station, allow residents to move around the city centre, including line 5, which is used by many tourists and passes by some of the city’s symbolic places. However, it is best to plan your travel in advance.
Buses mainly run outside the centre of Amsterdam. While it is more advisable to take the tram during the day, night buses are the only means of public transport available from 12.30am to 6am.
Taxi
Practical if you are in a hurry, despite the priority given to bicycle traffic and the cost (€2.17 maximum per km), taxis are recognisable by their blue number plates and another one on the roof. The TCA (Taxi Central Amsterdam) remains the most recommended company. It is also possible to use bicycle taxis, such as the FietsTaxi, which are more pleasant and cheaper than the first category.
Where to stay in Amsterdam with children?
It is necessary to book 2 or 3 months before departure and to take into account that hotel accommodation, as in other European capitals if not more, is relatively expensive (from 70€ if you start early). If you pay before departure, you may be able to take advantage of a price reduction of up to 30% in some hotels. Instead, opt for accommodation in the city centre to ensure that you are close to places to visit and means of travel.
In Amsterdam you will find equally interesting districts with their own special character. If you appreciate peace and quiet, we particularly recommend areas such as Waterlooplein and Le Plantage: the former is rich in history and close to museums, while the latter includes gardens (including the Amsterdam Botanic Garden) and the country’s oldest zoo, the Artis. If you are interested in culture, the Museumkwatier (museum district), with its beautiful Vondelpark, or Binnenstad, located in old Amsterdam and close to the central station, will certainly appeal to you. If you prefer the authenticity of the Dutch city, the Canal Loop or the Bohemian Jordaan district, with its terraces, coffee shops and brown cafés, but with poor transport links, could be just the thing for you.
Here is a small selection of hotels for you to stay in with your family:
For an unusual experience, you can stay on a floating house, such as the Pantheos Top Houseboat at Prinsengracht 225-T in Jordaan, or the Successful Houseboat at Borneokade 66, Zeeburg, 1019 AW. To stay in family-friendly hotels you can choose the Lloyd Hotel at Oostelijke Handelskade 34, Zeeburg, 1019 BN, the Aalders Hotel, in the museum district, Jan Luykenstraat 13-15, Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, 1071 CJ, or the Hotel Meininger Amsterdam at Orlyplein 1-67, Westpoort, 1043 DR Amsterdam.
We hope you find this guide useful, whether you are just passing through or your home has taken root in Amsterdam. Of course, family trips are great ways to spend some quality time together. But our Marypop babysitters are also there to take over and give you a break, if only for a moment. So don’t hesitate to trust them! If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to help you. And if you are looking for a reliable bilingual babysitter in Amsterdam who speaks the language of your choice, then go to https://www.marypop.com