Amsterdam, Netherlands
Bikes, Bridges & Beauty
We’re very excited to share our love of Amsterdam with you! We lived in this beautiful capital city of the Netherlands for four years. It inspired the creation of KeeKee’s Big Adventures and is the 4th book in the KeeKee’s Big Adventures picture book series.
The Netherlands is made up of 12 provinces; two of them are North and South Holland. That’s why you often hear people refer to the area as Holland. These two provinces are the country’s main cities, including Amsterdam.
Amsterdam actually feels more like a town or village yet has so much to do including the fabulous things the area is known for from cheese and clogs to windmills and tulips. Adventure awaits!
Family Insider Tips
KeeKee Corner
What to See & Do
Canals
Amsterdam was founded on the banks of the Amstel River as a fishing village. It was dammed in 1222 thus leading to the city’s name, Amstelledamme, turning the city’s industry to trade.
Coming off the Amstel River and throughout Amsterdam, you’ll find the city’s beautiful canals. There are over 165 canals, more than Venice, Italy, or any other city in the world!
The Grachtengordel, or Canal Ring, are the famous canals forming a semicircle around the city.
Houseboats
As the houseboats line the canals, you’ll see them everywhere you walk or bike.
There are over 2,500 houseboats that are homes in Amsterdam. It became popular after WWII when there was a housing shortage.
Fietsen (Bicycles)
As the houseboats line the canals, you’ll see them everywhere you walk or bike.
There are over 2,500 houseboats that are homes in Amsterdam. It became popular after WWII when there was a housing shortage.
Albert Cuyp Market
The Albert Cuypmarkt is the largest and most popular outdoor market in the Netherlands with 260 stalls open six days a week (note a ton of things, not main attractions, are closed on Sundays).
Dam Square
This square is the heart of Amsterdam as it’s the site of the original 13th-century dam on the Amstel River that gave the city its name.
Surrounded by Koninklijk Paleis and Nieuwe Kerk it’s a huge busy open square with lots of cafes, tourist shops, and Amsterdam’s best department store, De Bijenkorf.
Kalverstraat, one of the main shopping streets, is also just off Dam Square.
Rembrandtplein
Rembrandt Square
Named after the famous Dutch painter who owned a house nearby, this bustling square used to be the Botermarkt (Butter Market), a butter and diary market.
The square is now full of cafes and it’s presided over by a giant statue of Rembrandt and The Night Watch.
Bloemenmarkt
Flower Market
The world’s only floating flower market, located on the Singel canal between Muntplein and Koningsplein. Established in 1862, it offers a vibrant display of flowers, bulbs, and souvenirs.
Cheese
Amsterdam is a dream destination for dairy and cheese lovers, and Gouda (pronounced HOW-duh) steals the show. From creamy soft (jong/young) to aged (oud/old) varieties you can crunch into, there’s a Gouda for every taste. Visit one of the many colorful cheese shops where you can sample slices and buy some for eating. (Wait to buy cheese as a souvenir at the airport, they have it packaged up and easy for transport).
As you explore Amsterdam with your family, you’ll discover a city that perfectly balances adventure and relaxation. The gentle pace of canal life, the joy of cycling across charming bridges, and the wonder in your children’s eyes as they engage with hands-on exhibits will create lasting connections. From the moment your little ones taste their first warm stroopwafel to their excitement boarding a boat tour, Amsterdam’s unique blend of culture and playfulness creates the perfect backdrop for family memories.
When you return home, don’t be surprised if your children keep talking about their Amsterdam adventures – from the pancake breakfasts to the towering windmills. This pocket-sized city with its enormous heart might just become your family’s new favorite destination!
