Amsterdam

Holidays by Destination Europe Netherlands Amsterdam 

Paris has been Europe's top city break destination since city breaks were invented. However, Amsterdam has traditionally run it a reasonably close second and, according to some tour operators, could soon overtake Paris in the popularity stakes.

There are plenty of reasons for the city's popularity, ranging from its history to its ease of use - most sights are within walking distance - plus a laid-back lifestyle which still values its past. And from the point of view of families, the northern trait of taking children's needs seriously means that they are well catered for, from high chairs in most restaurants to a children's corner in most museums.

The city's red light district does pose something of a quandary for parents ? gleaming sex toys on the end of a spring may attract a child's attention for example, as may ladies without many clothes, getting bored in window displays. You may be able to fudge the answers to questions about these, or provide slightly sanitised variants. You may even find that your offspring don't find any of it peculiar or worthy of attention. Alternatively, you could simply avoid the area, particularly at night. There is after all plenty to see elsewhere.