Amsterdam family itinerary with the I amsterdam City Card
The kids – the big ones too – will love this itinerary with stops at magical castles complete with moats and museums full of wonder. Along the way, sample some amazing culinary treats and explore places that exude charm.
Day 1
9:00-10:00: Breakfast at Cafe Restaurant De Plantage (at ARTIS)
Plantage Kerklaan 36, 1018 CZ Amsterdam
Start the day with a delicious breakfast in the historic heart of Amsterdam's 19th-century gardens. Choose from granola with Greek yoghurt, fresh croissants or brioche with ham and eggs. Yum! Take a seat on the terrace under the magical sycamore trees as you listen to the waking sounds of the animals nearby.
10:00-14:00: Visit ARTIS Zoo and Micropia
Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam
(regular price €39.5 - free with the City Card)
ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo was the first zoo in the Netherlands. It’s here that nature and cultural heritage come together and where amazing species live side by side. Feel the fluttering of countless wings in the Butterfly Pavilion and discover the tiniest organisms at ARTIS-Micropia. Don’t forget the ARTIS-Planetarium, where a trip through space awaits.
14:30-15:30: Lunch at In de Waag
Nieuwmarkt 4, 1012 CR Amsterdam
Dating from 1488, the former St Anthony’s Gate is now home to In De Waag, a character-filled restaurant serving Dutch-influenced Mediterranean cuisine lit by about 300 candles. It’s another captivating experience in the heart of the city. Located on the lively Nieuwmarkt, In De Waag's interior appeared in Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp.
Or, if you want an authentic Dutch eating experience, drop into FEBO. This Dutch fast food chain has 20 plus locations in Amsterdam alone and is known for its automatic serving system where traditional Dutch snacks, many deep-fried, are yours for a simple cash deposit. Pay to open the cute little door for your tasty morsel.
16:00-17:00: Take a canal cruise
(regular price €19 - free with the City Card)
It’s the perfect time to recharge, so settle in and enjoy the sights of the city on an unforgettable hour-long boat ride through its intricate canal networks. With the City Card, you can choose among several tour operators and departure points, allowing you to adjust plans at a moment’s notice as no advance booking is needed.
18:00-20:00: Dinner at Wagamama Rembrandtplein
Amstelstraat 8, 1017 DA Amsterdam
End the day with a delicious meal at Wagamama on Rembrandtplein. It’s all about fresh Asian flavours inspired by traditional Japanese ramen bars. In addition to all the savoury rice and noodle dishes, there’s a menu for just for kids featuring mini versions of Wagamama’s tasty classics.
Day 2
10:00-12:00: Visit The National Maritime Museum
Kattenburgerplein 1, 1018 KK Amsterdam
(regular price €17.50 - free with the City Card)
Explore the full-size replica of the VOC ship East Indiaman Amsterdam and find the treasure hidden on board. Once you’ve had your fill of playing the explorer, wander among the model ships, naval artefacts, paintings and stunning figureheads to your heart’s content.
12:30-14:00: Lunch at the NEMO terrace
Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam
Enjoy beautiful views of Amsterdam that open up from the top of this beautiful terrace that rests at the top of the NEMO Science Musuem. Entrance is free and plenty of activities keep the children entertained, such as interactive water features and interactive Energetica sculptures that introduce wind and sustainable energy in a fun and engaging way. There’s a cafe at the top offering a perfect marriage of kids entertainment, views and tasty food.
14:30-17:00: NEMO Science Museum
Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam
(regular price €17.50 - free with the City Card)
Descend to the first floor to enter the magical world of science. It’s all about discovery and interactivity at NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam. The kids will love the playful exhibitions where they can experience the wonders of science and technology to their heart’s content. Nothing is off limits here, and trial and error are encouraged and celebrated.
18:00-20:00: Dinner at Pasta e Basta
Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 8, 1017 DE Amsterdam
Combine fine dining with entertainment at Paste e Basta. In this Italian restaurant, passionate wait staff serenade you as they serve you. They’ll perform opera and pop classics while you dine on delicious dishes in this straight-out-of-Italy cantina.
Day 3
9:00-10:00: Breakfast at PANCAKES Amsterdam Centraal
Prins Hendrikkade 48, 1012 AC Amsterdam
Who doesn’t love pancakes for breakfast? Directly across from Amsterdam Centraal, you’ll find some of Amsterdam’s finest at PANCAKES. Choose from an array of toppings from sweet to savoury, or get a little adventurous by combining two taste sensations. Opt for American or Dutch pancakes and let the kids try some more poffertjes.
10:15-11:15: Travel to Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot with the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket.
11:30-14:30: Explore Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot
Herengracht 1, 1398 AA Muiden
(regular price €17.50 - free with the City Card)
All the family will love Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot. Located in Muiden to the east of Amsterdam, this well-preserved castle dates back to 1280 and is part of the UNESCO-listed Defence Line of Amsterdam. Wander through gorgeous gardens or go on an extraordinary quest with the kids at this enchanting castle.
15:00-16:00: Lunch at Café Ome Ko
Groote Zeesluis, Herengracht 71, 1398 AD Muiden
This historical brown cafe is as typically Dutch as it gets. For a classical Dutch lunch, go for a warm tosti with ham and cheese or for one of the many sandwiches.
16:00-17:00 Head back to Amsterdam
17:30-20:00: Catch a show at the Amsterdam Marionette Theatre
Nieuwe Jonkerstraat 8, 1011 CM Amsterdam
Introduce the little ones to the wonders of traditional European marionettes. This theatre will enchant young and old alike with a wondrous cast of wooden actors clad in silks and velvet. Enjoy a show set to timeless classical compositions by Mozard, Offenbach, and others.
