Our two boys were thrilled about the overnight train experience, even if it left us adults feeling a little wobbly for a day or two. We laughed about it for days, joking that Amsterdam still swayed beneath our feet.
Exploring the city was definitely exciting. Amsterdam is a fast-paced place, full of energy. We walked everywhere, hopping on trams and ferries, and even took a boat ride along the famous canals. We didn't quite have the courage to bike (Amsterdam's cyclists are legendary), but the city's charm captured us at every turn with its architecture and lively atmosphere.
Vondelpark
Vondelpark felt like the heart of the city. It's a sprawling green space full of life - wide paths for walking, cycling, and rollerblading, playgrounds, ponds, and even a shallow pool where kids splashed around. Locals were out in full force, enjoying picnics, playing frisbee, or simply lounging in the grass. With the sun shining, it seemed as though the entire city had gathered in the park, and we soaked in the peaceful vibe.
Canal Boat Ride
Cruising the canals was a special experience. Amsterdam from the water has a different magic - narrow dancing houses with oversized windows, flower boxes dangling from balconies, and bridges connecting ancient streets. The boys picked out houses they'd live in spinning funny stories about video-game-like adventures, leaping from boat to boat, cycling through the city, and hopping back on board. We learned that in the winter, the canals sometimes freeze over, and people skate on the ice!
Nemo Museum
When the weather turned rainy, we headed to the Nemo Museum, a science center packed with interactive exhibits. Housed in a futuristic building shaped like a ship's bow, the museum was a hit with the kids. They experimented with water, light, and sound while we enjoyed watching them immerse themselves in learning. It was the perfect blend of fun and education for the whole family.
A Ferry Ride to NDSM
One of our favorite adventures was taking the ferry to NDSM, a former shipyard that's now a creative hotspot. The place was alive with street art, graffiti and murals everywhere. The boys peppered us with questions about the artists and their stories, captivated by the raw, edgy energy of the area.
What We Ate
At one point, we met a local on the Skinny Bridge who kindly offered to take a family photo for us. He shared some restaurant tips, cautioning us to avoid places with pictures on the menu. I had to laugh, as our youngest is a picky eater, and picture menus are often our go-to! Still, we did try some local bites: meatball sandwiches, cheesy snacks, and of course, stroopwafels. We also hit up the markets for fresh, tasty treats that satisfied everyone.
Ted Lasso Tour
The boys love Ted Lasso, so we spent a day tracking down spots featured in the show. We found ourselves strolling through the infamous Red Light District, which, surprisingly, was charming, vibrant, historical, and modern all at once. We even leaned over Rebecca's Bridge and searched for those handsome Dutchmen living on boats instead of in apartments! We capped off the evening with a jazz concert at Café Alto, where the boys sipped on Coke with ice while we enjoyed a little music. Even though the band played experimental jazz, which isn't exactly their style, they hung in there for about an hour before our youngest started to nod off.
Amsterdam captured our hearts. Its beauty, friendly people, and laid-back energy swept us away. We walked 20 km or more each day, powered by the city's summer light, which stretched even longer than back home.
I'll be uploading photos from our trip soon! For more highlights, keep an eye on our Instagram profile, where we'll be saving all our favorite Amsterdam moments. The boys are already asking when we can return and, honestly, we can't wait to go back!
Bojana
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