Amsterdam: Beyond the Red Light

I am aware that, for a lot of people, the first words that come to mind when they think about Amsterdam are drugs and prostitution. Or maybe bicycles!

Even though it is true that the Red Light District with its sex workers dancing or pouting behind windows, standing there like clothes on sale, exists, and that there is a large number of coffee shops where you can purchase and consume cannabis, Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, has a lot more to offer. In fact, I believe that this city actually is a perfect place for a family vacation. Amsterdam is a green, open-minded city with lots of parks, canals, pastries, museums and history. Yes you can visit the Heineken brewery or eat a funny brownie, but there are countless other ways to enjoy the place without engaging in any type of vice (not that I have anything against beer-drinking or pot-smoking!), or “window-shopping”.

Since Amsterdam is a city suited for travelers of all ages, I want to present a small list of everything I did and saw there that is oriented toward a larger audience. Amsterdam is gorgeous during the day, well except for early in the mornings where they usually clean up the mess of the previous night! Also, I should mention that all of the Red Light streets are clearly indicated by street signs, especially streets where the sex workers are. Plus, if I remember correctly, before you engage in any of these streets, you’ll see signs stating that continuing there is prohibited for people under 18 years of age. So don’t worry, you are not going to expose your children (or grandma!) to mature content by accident.

I love everything about Amsterdam. It is a clean and safe city with very few cars. Most people walk or bike to get where they want to go. You can then rent a bicycle if you like and explore the streets in that manner while exercising a little! My favourite spots in the city to unwind or have a picnic were near the Botanical Gardens (Hortus Botanicus), Westerpark, Museumplein, and Vondelpark.

So, what is there to do in Amsterdam? Well, first, there are tons of museums there since the city is artistically rich. I must admit that I have always been a huge Vincent Van Gogh fan, so visiting the Van Gogh Museum was a dream-come-true type of experience for me. There are museums and attractions for all tastes. Depending on how much time you’ll be spending in the Dutch capital, I would recommend visiting one or two of these places so that you have enough time to enjoy the outdoor vibe of the town as well if you are there for just a few days. Some of the most famous and interesting museums to visit include Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Amsterdam Museum, the National Maritime Museum, the Museum of Modern Arts, NEMO Science Museum, and the Rembrandt House Museum. I believe that any or all of those museums are an amazing way to introduce children to classical and contemporary art, to history and to science. On a rainy day, these are all incredible places to get lost for hours and hours.

Okay, but what if it doesn’t rain? What if it’s sunny and you want to spend the day outside? (as you should!) Well if you walk around you’ll probably end up in Dam Square, the city’s main plaza, where you will be able to admire the Dutch architecture and the Royal Palace, have a bite in a cafe or do some shopping. If it fits your budget than you should do a boat tour of the city. Seeing Amsterdam from its canals gives you a whole other perspective. The Jewish Cultural Quarter is also worth the detour for its important history and legacy.

Amsterdam is also a city that can be discovered through food. What are the must-eats? Personally, since I have a sweet tooth, I stuffed myself with Stroopwafels. These Dutch waffles with syrup are quite addictive though, so be careful! Another thing to eat on-the-go is the traditional cone of fries with peanut sauce. If you want to eat something healthier then you should try their Gouda cheese (are you really in Holland if you are not eating cheese?), their sauerkraut, and their fresh fish (especially the raw herring, yummy!). Oh, and if you really like Gouda, then I would suggest that you pay a visit to the Cheese Museum. For a tasty full-course meal, most of the trendy restaurants and cool pubs are located in the Jordann District, which is a very nice place to hang out in, but more expensive. So it’s up to you: economy or style? Or why not both, eh?

Finally, just by walking (or biking) around Amsterdam, you will have the chance to admire beautiful churches, green spaces, feisty streets, flower markets (mainly Bloemenmarkt), canals, and old castles. Don’t hesitate to bring your whole family on your trip to Amsterdam, you will most certainly have fun and discover a unique European capital that has much more to offer than marijuana and paying sex.