Easter 2024 in Amsterdam with children

Amsterdam with children

Easter is also a holiday period. As Rembrandt and Van Gogh are always boring to children and young people, here are some tips on what to do with young visitors to the city for a change.

► The Zoo – Also called ARTIS for short – is of course a classic for children. A zoo definitely worth seeing in Amsterdam, Plantation Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam. Tickets are available here.

► Nemo – Nemo Science Museum is a fantastic playground, as you can participate in all the experiments from the world of biology, technology, physics and chemistry. Like a boat, the museum is clearly visible about a 15-minute walk from the central station. Nemo Science Museum Tickets.

► Vondelpark – Amsterdam’s best-known and most popular park Perfect for a break for adults and a bit of relaxation for children. There is also inexpensive accommodation for families. Hostel StayOkay Vondelpark.

► Canals – Canal tours are very popular with young and old. With a travel time of 60 to 75 minutes, even children and young people will not be bored. My tip for children is to take a ride in the pancake boat, Pannenkoekenboot. It is also broadcast at Easter.

► AMAZE – Maybe not for toddlers, but young people will certainly get excited about this audiovisual experience. AMAZE – open until late evening. Located between the central station and the maritime museum.

► Minigolf in the Dark – 3D black light minigolf is an exciting variation on classic minigolf. Lots of fun for the whole family, for example when you don't know what to do in bad weather. Tickets for Powerzone are already available here, De Ruijterkade 153, 1011 AC Amsterdam. Alternatively, play at Glowgolf Amsterdam, Prins Hendrikkade 194 1011 AC Amsterdam – Entrance via Noah’s Arq restaurant. Opposite the Maritime Museum.

Easter in Amsterdam and Keukenhof

Dutch holidaymakers in particular like to use the offer around Easter to celebrate a traditional Passover according to the Dutch model, in the immediate vicinity of the flowers. Even more colorful than the specially organized Easter markets, nature turns out to be even more colorful at the start of spring. Every year, tulip fields in Holland bloom around Easter. However, the variety of flowers is not limited to tulips. Daffodils, imperial crowns and hyacinths perfectly complement the flower fields.

Dutch tulip growers like to present their most beautiful flowers and floral creations in their own pavilions. The best place to admire the whole variety of flowers with your own eyes is the famous Keukenhof near Amsterdam. This year, Easter is the peak of tulip bloom, making it an ideal time for an excursion to the unique Lisse Flower Park.

Easter 2024 in Amsterdam

Easter in Amsterdam: Restaurant opening hours

For lovers of good food, Easter in Amsterdam is the ideal opportunity to discover Dutch Easter cuisine. Breakfast, in particular, is always long and is taken with friends and family. The traditional Easter breakfast in the Netherlands does not include meat of different kinds like in Germany.

Only when the traditional Easter Stollen, consisting of currant bread with almond filling, is served does it truly become a typical Dutch Easter breakfast. Easter Stollen is completed with hard-boiled eggs, whose shells have been broken by the egg tik or which land on the breakfast table after being rummaged.

Due to the general rush of Easter-only tourists, restaurants, cafes and pubs opened during the Easter holidays. Amsterdam is best known for its Indonesian cuisine.

Easter store opening hours in Amsterdam

A completely different tradition, which can be quite strange for Dutch tourists, is visiting the furniture store. Although the annual trip to furniture stores only began in the 1980s, many Dutch people find themselves among upholstered suites, fitted kitchens and bedroom wardrobes around Easter.

The rush for new furniture during the Easter period is sometimes so strong that large furniture stores attract additional customers with their own discount campaigns and deep price reductions. However, due to the rush, the high volume of traffic in commercial areas of large cities can regularly cause traffic jams.

While in France, all public life will be at rest on Good Friday April 2, 2021, in the Netherlands, only authorities and public offices will be closed. Stores are open in most cities. In Amsterdam, for example, you can shop during the Easter weekend. On Good Friday there is even the famous Albert Cuyp market in the De Pijp district, as usual.

In general, opening hours are more liberal in the Netherlands than in France. Stores can also open on public holidays. A considerable number of stores will therefore be open, especially in large cities like Amsterdam. This also applies to the popular district of Jordaan.

Public transport at Easter in Amsterdam

The entire public transport network is in operation during the Easter holidays, although Amsterdam is a very easy city to explore on foot. Regular weekend and holiday hours apply. This may mean lower frequencies for the metro, tram, bus and train.

If you are in a hurry, you will always find a taxi, even those that are a little more expensive in the canal city. Tickets for public transport are also available directly here. For holders of the I am Amsterdam discount card, the use of public transport is already included.

Easter in Amsterdam 2024

Save money with discount cards

Easter in Amsterdam can be expensive. When planning your trip, you need to think about everything you want to do and visit and calculate whether it would be wise to buy a suitable discount card. Tiqets’ Amsterdam Pass is a good example. It is perfect for those who do not yet know Amsterdam, as it contains everything necessary for beginners. There is also an article about this discount card.

Easter in Amsterdam: Easter customs in the Netherlands

Although Easter is quite similar in Germany and the Netherlands, some customs differ considerably. A typical custom is beating hard-boiled eggs. However, “Eitje tik” is not only practiced as a family for fun. In the Netherlands, entire competitions revolve around the hard-boiled egg. All participants in the competitions take a hard-boiled egg in their hands and then hit the opponent's egg with the pointed side. The loser of the competition is the competitor whose eggshell breaks first.

However, the egg is not only destroyed in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands. After the sumptuous Easter meal, the Dutch set out on an Easter hunt. The search for small colored eggs is particularly popular with children. Although many hard-boiled eggs are hidden, the Dutch do not look for them very carefully. It can therefore happen that Easter eggs remain hidden until summer without us noticing.

There's a lot going on in Amsterdam at the moment. A city tour is a unique spectacle. The unique canal city is favored by countless tourists during Easter and the rush of visitors is much stronger than usual. This is why there are long queues and endless waiting times outside the city's main sites and attractions.

It is also recommended to visit Amsterdam during Easter week, but getting tickets in advance without queuing is highly recommended. In my article Amsterdam Online Tour Tickets you will find recommendations for purchasing tickets in advance.

If you are traveling by car, it is important to check Amsterdam parking and reserve a parking space in advance. It is recommended to take the train, as the Central Station is located in the center of Amsterdam. Plane tickets can be booked directly here on:

Amsterdam is one of the top destinations for city travelers this Easter. In addition to air or train travel, hotels, hostels, apartments, guesthouses, holiday apartments or other accommodation must be booked well in advance. The demand is huge and the Netherlands' largest city isn't exactly cheap. You can usually find offers on the many relevant Internet portals.

You can find my top 10 hotels in Amsterdam in the accommodation category on this site. If you are traveling by car and perhaps even looking for accommodation with free parking, you will find some suggestions in the same section.

Easter 2024. What will be your next destination? Choose a heavenly one at a low price to recharge your batteries.

Stay in Crete: Smart Club Sunshine Hotel Village 4*

Ôvoyages has selected this sublime 4-star hotel, ideal for families.
It is located 500 m from the beach. It has:
Several swimming pools.
A water park.
A children's club.
The “all inclusive” establishment offers a spa area dedicated to well-being. Perfect for a relaxing vacation.
Enjoy Greek folk evenings. Tastings of local products take place to experience Cretan style. They are offered several times a week. Immersion in the country’s culture is guaranteed.
Take advantage of your Easter holidays to discover the wonders of Crete. The largest island in Greece. Between fields of olive trees as far as the eye can see and thousand-year-old monuments. This legendary destination promises you a change of scenery at every moment.

Getaway to Lanzarote: Hotel R2 Aparthotel Bahia Kontiki 4* by Ôvoyages

Enjoy your own apartment with terrace combined with direct access to the beach with the Bahia Kontiki aparthotel.
It offers large apartments with equipped kitchens. This 4-star establishment has been completely renovated for maximum comfort. Enjoy its swimming pool and solarium to perfect your tan before this summer!
The establishment is located in the heart of the pretty and lively seaside resort of Puerto del Carmen. It has many restaurants and shops.
Explore Lanzarote during your vacation. This Canary Island is full of real wonders. Visit the Timanfaya National Park and its famous Volcano Route. Try diving in the largest marine reserve in Europe.

Relaxation in Lisbon: Hotel Vila Gale Estoril 4* – Adults Friendly

Take advantage of the Easter holidays to discover Lisbon and its surroundings. Ôvoyages offers a superb 4-star hotel.
The establishment offers a large swimming pool with direct access to the beach. About 20 km from the Portuguese capital. This dream location allows you to appreciate the authenticity of the pretty village of Cascais. Set off to explore Lisbon.
The little extra of this hotel is its wellness area 100% reserved for adults. Ideal for resting.
Fado concerts.
Visit to the Belém Tower.
Tastings of the famous Pastéis de Nata.
Cruise on the Tagus.
Portugal is waiting for you!

Stay in Monastir: 5* Royal Thalassa Hotel

Ôvoyages has its biggest surprise in store for you at the end with this 5-star Tunisian hotel!
Have peace of mind with the all-inclusive package. Enjoy access to:
Two restaurants on the establishment.
Two swimming pools and their deck chairs.
All this, with direct access to the white sand beach.
The real plus of this hotel undeniably lies in its Thalasso & Spa wellness center.
Sauna.
Hammam.
Massages.
Whirlpool baths.
Let yourself be pampered at the Royal Thalassa hotelLocated in the north of Tunisia, Monastir is a dream holiday village with a wide range of excursions.Quad rides between the palm trees.Catamaran trips.Riding center.You are spoiled for choice to spend unforgettable moments as a couple, with family or with friends.

Crete, Canary Islands, Portugal, Tunisia, all these affordable destinations are waiting for you for your Easter holidays in 2024. Visit the Ôvoyages website to take advantage of these low-cost promotional offers. Don’t wait to book. Benefit from the best rate for an unforgettable stay!

Greater Miami an exciting shopping destination: independent boutiques, gift shops and sparkling malls

If you've come to Greater Miami to shop, you've come to the right place. From luxury flagships and lavish open-air malls to elegant boutiques, budget-friendly stores and Florida's largest mall, this destination has everything you want when it comes to shopping.

Outdoor shopping

With warm, sunny weather year-round and blue skies adorned with swaying palm trees, it's no wonder there are so many outdoor malls and shopping districts in Greater Miami. Bal Harbor Shops, whi
ch opened in 1965, is Miami's first indoor/outdoor luxury shopping destination. Anchored near Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, it's home to boutiques from beloved designers like Chanel, Prada, and Tiffany & Co.

In South Beach, Lincoln Road is a classic destination for shopping, people-watching, and lunch at a beer garden. In downtown Miami, Bayside Marketplace overlooks Biscayne Bay. It's a great place to shop for souvenirs and fun activities, including boat tours and the Skyviews Miami observation wheel.

In chic Coral Gables, the Miracle Mile shopping district is home to a range of boutiques, galleries, and fine restaurants. Further south in Pinecrest, The Falls is an open-air shopping center with lush tropical foliage and a million-gallon waterscape running through it.

Trendy shopping places

The Miami Design District has taken shape over the past decade with high-end boutiques ranging from Hermès to Cartier, all surrounded by a pastiche of cutting-edge architecture and interactive public art that turns your shopping trip into a overall artistic experience.

Brickell City Center is an upscale outdoor shopping center located in the heart of the financial district, where a high-tech "climate ribbon" naturally cools catwalks that lead to a mix of upscale and accessible boutiques, from Giuseppe Zanotti to Zara and Sephora.

Iconic shopping centers

Greater Miami is also home to a host of classic shopping malls, such as Dadeland Mall, Midway Passages, Dolphin Mall, and open-air CityPlace Doral. For a true shopping extravaganza, check out Aventura Mall, Florida's largest mall, home to more than 300 retailers, a sculptural 93-foot-tall slide tower, and dining options that rival the trendiest food halls await enthusiastic buyers.

Chicago (Illinois): Chicago Northwest metropolitan area - very dynamic urban place (II)

(follow-up of a previous post)

The exceptional boutiques of Woodfield Mall

Woodfield Mall is the largest shopping center in Illinois. Located in Schaumburg, a city northwest of Chicago served by the Milwaukee West Line of the Metra commuter train network, it has no fewer than 300 stores spread over approximately 5 square kilometers. However, it remains very airy and elegant, with natural vertical lighting, green spaces and diagonal paths between the different levels. You will find big brands like J. Crew, H&M, Microsoft, Apple, Coach and many others. You can even end your evening at Woodfield: there you will find a comedy improvisation circle which offers hilarious shows.

If you have any energy left, the Streets of Woodfield area directly across from the mall is full of restaurants and stores for even more shopping and delicious food. There you will also find an entertainment complex. Not far away, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center is the ideal attraction for young and old, with rides, a 4D cinema and numerous LEGO activities. On-site dining options include Mexican specialties at Chipotle, Italian fare at Maggiano’s Little Italy, and seafood at Shaw’s Crab Shack. Finally, stop by Whole Foods to buy tasty healthy products, not forgetting Starbucks and its famous coffees.

The largest IKEA store in the United States

Chicago Northwest is also home to the largest IKEA store in the country, very close to Woodfield Mall. If this is your first visit to IKEA, allow several hours to take the time to discover their world. IKEA stores are huge and shopping there at peak times can be overwhelming. If you want to take a break, stop by the store's café to order Swedish meatballs, the menu's most popular item, which pays homage to the brand's Scandinavian origins.

Chicago (Illinois): Chicago Northwest metropolitan area - very dynamic urban place (I)

 Easily accessible via the Metra, Illinois' commuter rail system, and recognizable by its brick-faced buildings, Chicago Northwest offers the perfect setting for bargain shopping, delicious meals and plenty of entertainment .

Quality steakhouses

Chicago is known for its gastronomy, and particularly for its top-notch steakhouses. It is therefore no surprise that Chicago Northwest is full of good restaurants like Chicago Prime Steakhouse, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Wildfire and Weber Grill with its gigantic barbecue at the entrance to the establishment... Impossible to name them all!

The interior of Chicago Prime Steakhouse is tastefully decorated, and you can enjoy tender and melting steaks. The restaurant was awarded the prize of excellence by the famous Wine Spectator magazine: you will not be disappointed by the wine list. To meet the increasingly varied demands of their customers, the restaurant has also created a gluten-free menu.

The charm of Arlington Heights

To discover another way to shop and have fun, head to the chic neighborhoods of Airlington Heights. Located just before the Arlington International stop on the Union Pacific Northwest line, Arlington Heights offers a downtown area bustling with small shops, restaurants and performance halls. Stroll through the pedestrianized city center with a latte in hand, and admire the city's unique architecture, atmosphere and shops.

One of the major venues in Arlington Heights is the Arlington International Racecourse. This prestigious racetrack, which hosts the Arlington Million, is absolutely magnificent with its six-story white grandstand. You will be able to admire thoroughbreds while observing the spectators and their latest outfits... For a day, you will have the impression of being a millionaire.

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The best places to shop in London (III)

(this is a continuation of a previous post)

Camden

Fan of vintage clothes, stylish shoes and objects of all kinds? So head to the punk district of Camden in north London. Take the tube to Camden Town, then stroll along Camden High Street, past shops with strikingly decorated facades, selling Dr. Martens, punk and goth clothing, and offering piercings and tattoos. Allow a few hours to explore the many markets, including the vibrant Camden Market and the eco-friendly Buck Street Market, and don't miss the futuristic styles at the quirky Cyberdog store.

Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf is home to many large companies, but not only that! There is also a large shopping center there. Chic and modern, Canada Square has over 200 stores, including major chains such as Oasis and Zara, as well as a large selection of designer stores.

King's Road

King's Road is home to an eclectic mix of trendy boutiques and designer stores, and offers a wide choice of bars and restaurants. There are also other brands like Peter Jones and Habitat. Don't forget to visit World's End, the boutique of stylist Vivienne Westwood, where punk fashion was born in the 70s, without forgetting the Antiques Market in Chelsea.

Westfield London

Westfield London is the ideal place for shopping, dining and spending time with friends. Under an impressive glass roof, you will find the main ready-to-wear brands, Debenhams, Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser, but also luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Jimmy Choo, as well as a wide choice of restaurants.

Westfield Stratford City

Located close to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Westfield Stratford City is home to shops for all budgets: from luxury brands like Mulberry and Prada to more affordable ready-to-wear stores like Topshop and Primark.

The best places to shop in London (II)

(this is a continuation of a previous post)

Covent Garden

Looking for trendy fashion items or unusual souvenirs? Covent Garden is the ideal location. Explore Neal Street to find the latest fashion items and browse Covent Garden Market for artisan goods. Make sure you don't miss Floral Street, Monmouth Street, St Martin's Courtyard and Seven Dials, the ultimate chic shopping spots. Make a stop at Neal's Yard, an ultra-colorful street in the capital, where you can take sublime selfies.

Greenwich

If you are more into markets and crafts, then explore Greenwich Market. You will be able to make real finds of craft objects (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends) and antiques and collectibles (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays). Need some shopping therapy? Head to ICON Outlet at The O2, on the Greenwich Peninsula, to benefit from special offers on products from major chains like Adidas and Calvin Klein.

Knightsbridge

Tourists flock to Knightsbridge and Brompton Road to shop in the boutiques and department stores. The area is known for its Harrods and Harvey Nichols stores, but you will also find designer boutiques along Sloane Street, or ready-to-wear stores like H&M, Topshop, Tommy Hilfiger and Ted Baker.

Notting Hill

Famous around the world thanks to its eponymous film, Notting Hill is full of small shops selling vintage clothing, antiques, original gifts, books and organic products. Don't miss the Portobello Road Market, open every day of the year, to enjoy more than a kilometer and a half of colorful stalls. Not far away, Westbourne Grove is full of more upscale boutiques such as Goop and Sézane.

Savile Row

Savile Row is known around the world for its very British bespoke suits. Henry Poole & Co, to whom we owe the invention of the tuxedo, still takes action at No. 15. There are other big names there, such as Gieves & Hawkes, H Huntsman & Sons and Ozwald Boateng, not forgetting the Abercrombie & Fitch flagship store.

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The best places to shop in London (I)

Plan your visit with this guide to the best places and shopping areas in London. Shopping, here we come!

Are you more into luxury items, vintage clothes or large shopping centers? Follow the guide through Mayfair, Notting Hill and Oxford Street for a day of shopping – London has enough entertainment for easily an hour, an afternoon or a whole day!

Bond Street and Mayfair

Whether to stretch your credit card or just for the pleasure of the eyes, Bond Street and Mayfair are ideal shopping addresses for splurging. Popular with celebrities, this shopping area is the most chic in London. There are major luxury brands like Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co and very pretty shopping malls like Burlington Arcade. Fortnum & Mason, a London department store, is also worth a detour!

Carnaby

Cradle of fashion and culture in the 1960s, Carnaby Street and the surrounding 13 streets offer more than 150 brands and more than 50 independent restaurants and bars. Pass under the iconic arch where you'll find a wide choice of independent retailers, both well-established brands and new designers. And don't miss Kingly Court, with its trendy restaurants and bars.

Oxford Street

As well as the legendary Selfridges, Oxford Street is home to other well-known department stores, such as John Lewis and Debenhams, as well as many well-known chain stores. Sneak into a side street away from the crowds and let your taste buds guide you as you stroll through St Christopher's Place.

Regent Street

Regent Street is an incredibly chic street that is home to a great selection of affordable fashion boutiques and some of the city's most famous boutiques, including Hamleys, Liberty and the Apple Store. Nearby, historic Jermyn Street is particularly renowned for its high-end menswear boutiques.

(to be continued)