Laurie

Our family (a group of history nuts) is taking a trip to the Baltics this summer. Connections require 4 days in the Amsterdam area. As it is a family trip, we are not seeking the "sites" Amsterdam is most noted for...red lights and "coffee" shops...but do want to see the Frank house, Van Gogh museum, etc.

Is Amsterdam a good choice for a family base for four days or is the Hague, Delft or another suggestion more appropriate?

frank

Amsterdam is difficult for accom. in the summer, but very easy to get to by train, eg for a daytrip, so you might be better staying elsewhere.

Sjoerd

I will bring up another post for you. Should be just above this one soon.

Bill

For history nuts (as I am also!) Amsterdam is perfect! So much of what you see all around you was built in the 1600s and 1700s! Maybe even the hotel you'll be staying in. Great museums, large and small. Fantastic little towns just outside the city absolutely oozing historic charm.
One of the most fun things we did was take a bike tour of about 6 hours or so. It was a one-man operation when we were there in early May 1999 (called "Let's Go Tours", I think). Met the guide and a couple other riders in front of the A'dam train station at around 8:30 a.m., and went in and got tickets to a suburban stop. When we got off, we walked less than a block to a bike shop and picked up bikes from a big selection (rental included in the tour price). Since the countryside is flat as an American pancake, you only need good old-time one-speed bikes. We rode past windmills, old forts, house boats parked in canals with only cows for neighbors. Stopped for lunch at a very scenic little walled town built mostly in the 1500s. Stopped for an extended tour of an incredible 12th century castle. Great way to spend a day!
And of course, just walking around the city, along any of the canals, is like stepping back in time. A remarkably well-preserved old city that also manages to be very modern and fun.

Jerry Yares

Consider basing in nearby Haarlem. Quiet, safe, easy access via train or bus to Amsterdam, Hague, Delft, etc. For hotel, try the Joops organization (they have a website) for clean, affordable rooms. Don't worry about the Red Light District--it is a fairly small area and you don't have to go there. Don't worry about the coffee shops--you walk right past them just like any other kind of storefront business. Although as is the case with any big city, you should be ever vigilant and careful, but Amsterdam is a basically safe and agreeable place. The Dutch are friendly and tolerant folks, most of whom speak excellent American English. The Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the canal boat ride are not to be missed. Go for it!