Our family (including 2 teenagers) are planning to be in Amsterdam for 2 days in early September. This is our first time in the city. We've done some research to come up with our itinery but definitely need help from experienced travelers. So far we decided to go to Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank House and Heineken factory. How's the cruise boat? Is it better to take during the day or night? Are there any other places that we should definitely go? Please help!!!

I was in Amsterdam for the 1st time last summer for 5 days. I REALLY liked the neighborhoods of Leidseplein and Vondelpark. No special activities to recommend, but walking in these areas was the best!!

If you go to the Rijksmuseum you can see a limited but fabulous collection of paintings, due to its partial closure. We also loved the Mauritshuis in an easy day trip to Den Haag. At the Mauritshuis you can see some Vermeers and some fabulous Rembrandts but the real treat is the user-friendly commentary.

Echo, two days in Amsterdam will be filled very fast! You're on the right path. The canal boat is a must do. I like the day tours because you can see things better. It only takes about an hour and is very inexpensive. I recommend you do it first thing, to get a basic perspective of the city and some lowdown on what you're looking at. Later, as you're walking around, you'll be able to draw from what you hear.

The tram system in Amsterdam is easy to use. Other things you might consider doing are a bicycle tour, (It's an incredibly bike friendly place and you'll see everything on the bike tour), the Reijksmuseum (is it open now? The building alone is fantastic!), visit the flower market and Leidspleine, and Vondlepark.

Take your family to eat Indonesian rice table (Sarang Mas on Damstract, about 2 blocks up from Centraal Station is good). You'll get a huge array of tastes and delights. Something for everyone.

Have a great time!

The Anne Frankhuis is a good choice. Get there early tho - the lines can be eternal.
Teens will probably love the carnival midway atmosphere of Leidesplein, a sector of central Amsterdam (near Vondelpark) full of restaurants, cafes, shops and fastfood places.
The canal boat rides (plentiful and cheap) are a good way to get a handle on the city, tho walking around A'dam can be confusing - even with a map.
Enjoy. It's a great city with the coolest friendly vibe in the world.

Thanks all for great suggestions. We will be doing a cannal boat on the first day (we will be arriving in noon) and go to Anne Frank house on the next day morning as suggested. Is there anything we can do at night with teenagers (16 and 14)? Please advise.

There are generally a lot of people out and about, wandering around in the evening. Also, you will most likely eat later than you do in the US so by the time dinner is over and the wandering has happened it will be 11 pm. The Liedesplien area is good for general evening activity.

Echo, where are you staying?

Grasshopper, we have reservations at both Marriott and Crown Plaza City center. We haven't made up our mind yet as to which hotel we are going to stay. Could you guys please tell me which would be better (more convenient)? Thanks.

I happened to catch some amazing street performers at the main square in Leidseplein one evening (fire eaters/dancers)... extremely cool.

I've seen Boom Chicago (comedy show, Leidseplein area) recommended often but have no idea if this is something teenagers would like or not.

For transport from the check into Connexxion airport shuttle 10 Euro per person one way (or maybe being a family of 4 a taxi works out cheaper ? I think now that I'm writing this).

The Anne Frank house would be the last place I would visit during a 2-day stay in Amsterdam. There are a multitude of things to do and see to be bothered with Holocaustomania. Be positive!

If I'm thinking about the Crown Plaza right, it's closer to Centraal Station than I would want to be. Hotel American is a Crown Plaza as well, and like the Marriott, right in the middle of the Liedesplein.. great area (although I have heard that the other Crown Plaza is nice). Check out www.hotel-booker.com to see if you can get a decent rate.

With respect to Ann Frank house, don't miss it. I saw it as more a testimony to survival and human strenght than depressing. Yes, it's sad, but it's incredibly moving.

I enjoyed both day and night cruises. But if I had to pick just one, I think I'd go at night. It's so enchanting with the bridges lit up. I also agree to do it on the first day. Glad to hear you're including the wonderful Van Gogh Museum.