A kids’ guide to Amsterdam

This article, A kids’ guide to Amsterdam, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn new vocabulary, and discover fun facts about the capital of the Netherlands. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, a writer and EFL teacher since 2017.

An introduction to Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands, a small country in north-western Europe. The city is famous for its canals, bikes, and colourful houses. Around 900,000 people live there, but millions of tourists visit every year.

Facts about Amsterdam

• Currency: Euro (€)
  
• Language: Dutch
  
• Flag: Three horizontal stripes of red, black, and red, with three white Xs in the middle
  
• National animal: The lion is the national animal of the Netherlands

What’s Amsterdam famous for?

Amsterdam is known as the “bike capital of the world” because it is said there are more bicycles than people! It’s also famous for its canals, which is why the city is sometimes called the “Venice of the North.” The city has a rich history of trade, art, and science. Dutch painters like Rembrandt and Van Gogh are celebrated around the world.

Cool places to visit in Amsterdam

• The Anne Frank House: A museum where children can learn about Anne Frank, a girl who wrote a diary during World War II.
  
• Van Gogh Museum: A gallery full of bright and beautiful paintings by the famous Dutch artist.
  
• Rijksmuseum: A museum that shows Dutch history and masterpieces like “The Night Watch.” by the Dutch painter Rembrandt.
  
• NEMO Science Museum: A hands-on science centre shaped like a giant green ship, perfect for curious kids.
  
• Canal tours: Boats take visitors along the city’s waterways, giving a different view of Amsterdam.

What’s on the menu?

Dutch food is tasty and sometimes surprising. Popular snacks include stroopwafels, thin waffles with caramel syrup inside, and poffertjes, small fluffy pancakes covered in sugar.

What do people wear?

Most people in Amsterdam wear modern clothing, just like in other European cities. However, traditional Dutch clothing is still worn at festivals or in old fishing villages. You might see wooden shoes called clogs, colourful dresses, and lace bonnets.

Fun facts about Amsterdam

• Amsterdam has more than 1,200 bridges – even more than Venice!
  
• The city sits below sea level, so dikes and canals protect it from flooding.
  
• Bicycles are everywhere in Amsterdam. During rush hour, the streets can look like a river of bikes flowing through the city.
  
• Amsterdam started as a fishing village in the 12th century.
  
• The world’s first stock exchange was built there in 1602.
  
• Tulips are a symbol of the Netherlands, but they actually came from Turkey.

Article vocabulary list

• Canal – a man-made waterway for boats
  
• Diary – a book where someone writes their daily thoughts and experiences
  
• Masterpiece – a very important and excellent work of art
  
• Syrup – a thick, sweet liquid often used in cooking or on desserts
  
• Savoury – a food that is salty or spicy, not sweet
  
• Festival – a special celebration with traditions, food, or music
  
• Dike – a wall built to keep water out and protect the land
  
• Stock exchange – a place where people buy and sell shares in companies
  
• Tulip – a colourful spring flower popular in the Netherlands

Comprehension questions

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