Amsterdam has a reputation as a good city for many things - cycling, tulips and food among them. But could it work for a weekend break with teenagers?
One of the best things about Amsterdam is the ease with which you can get around the city. Amsterdamers cycle two million kilometres every day - even the mayor takes to his bike regularly - and there are more bikes than inhabitants.
Trying to keep tabs on youngsters on bikes doesn't sound like much fun, however, but getting around on foot is equally easy and pleasant - though do watch out for those bikes at pedestrian crossings, it's often unclear who has right of way.
The Museum Quarter is located a bit outside the centre but crammed with interesting activities. A short bus ride from Schiphol airport, you alight close to the Van Gogh Museum, which hosts an immersive look at the artist's vast breadth of work, including some of his lesserknown pieces.
It is home to the largest collection of works by the Dutch master, including Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters, Almond Blossom and The Bedroom, and the interactive nature of the exhibitions is fun. The stunning Rijksmuseum is also nearby, housing The Night Watch by Rembrandt and The Milkmaid by Vermeer, among other masterpieces.
The gardens here are also lush and vibrant, and well worth exploring.
You will often find artists painting their surroundings as you explore, giving a fascinating glimpse into the artistic process.
The educational activities conquered, the area is also home to the Heineken Experience. Even if your teens are below the legal drinking age of 18, it's still an intriguing look at the history of the drink which has contributed so much to the Dutch economy and identity.
The area just outside the brewery is where many of the canal cruises launch from, and you can often tie in the two experiences.
The canals are such an integral part of Amsterdam and the tour guides are incredibly informative and entertaining.
You'll pass the House of the Heads, named after the six ornaments which are on the facade and which is listed on the Top 100 Dutch heritage sites.
It is currently home to the Embassy of the Free Mind, a museum and platform for culture, music, art, science and spirituality.
You'll also see the Nemo Science Museum, shaped almost like a sinking ship, which is the largest science museum in the Netherlands, and is perfect for those with a curious mind. Science and technology combine, and the interactive exhibitions and activities are perfect for all ages.
The canal cruises are great for spotting areas and buildings you'd like to return to and, of course, a great way to get up close - sometimes too close - with all the beautifully decorated bridges criss-crossing the city.
Any child of the 1980s will remember the wild world of the TV show Ripley's Believe It Or Not and Amsterdam is home to a Ripley's Museum, which offers five floors of laughter, disbelief and madcap ideas.
There are photo opportunities galore for teens to upload to their social media. There's an authentic cave bear skeleton, a wax figure of the Padaung longnecked women and genuine tribal artefacts, including Ripley's famed collection of shrunken heads.
If you want to get away from the city for a bit, Efteling World of Wonders is a train and short taxi journey away. The fantasy-themed theme park is based on elements from ancient European myths and legends, fairytales, fables and folklore, and has six rollercoasters and four dark rides. The park has also just opened a hotel on site so you could do an overnight here to prolong the fun.
If you'd rather stay closer to the city, The Hotel Avani Museum Quarter is in a prime position to reach all of these attractions. Right overlooking a canal, it has stunning views across the city, but is surrounded by enough bars, restaurants, cafes, shops and parks that you could while away all your time here.
The rooms are comfortable and sizeable, and the breakfast is the perfect way to set you up for the day. There's also a late-night room service menu for when the teenagers want pizza at ungodly hours.
And after all, once they're happy, everyone is happy.
TRAVEL FACTS
Fly Ryanair or Aer Lingus to Amsterdam from several Irish airports from €25 oneway. Rooms at the Hotel Avani Museum Quarter from €125 per night B&B, see avanihotels.com.
