2 is a tough age for this kind of thing. Wherever you go don’t try to pack too much in.

I'd pick Paris first, but not Amsterdam at all - it's a tough city to eat in if you are vegetarian. I know you said you plan to cook, but you don't want lunch to be hard every day. Paris is more kid friendly, and you feel like you are seeing something cool even if you are just walking by some of the main sites.

Do you prefer warm beer, wine, or weed?

Anonymous wrote:Agree with 12:52. London, then Paris, then Amsterdam. I’d actually say no to Amsterdam at those ages and for that duration. If your DH has a preference and you don’t, then do Paris. It’s a wonderful city.

+1

Though for me, Paris would be way down the list after London. I adore London.

Anonymous wrote:I would not pair cities with kids that age- I would stay in one.

+1 don’t push your kids into a schedule they can’t handle physically or emotionally. They will be jet lagged and completely off schedule. Just go to London.

Your kids are so little they won’t remember much, if anything. You should pick the place that interests you the most. Take turns sightseeing while the other person babysits during nap time.

Agree with 12:52. London, then Paris, then Amsterdam. I’d actually say no to Amsterdam at those ages and for that duration. If your DH has a preference and you don’t, then do Paris. It’s a wonderful city.

Paris or London. No to Amsterdam. It was pain to navigate the narrow cobble streets with stroller. I have been to Paris and Amsterdam twice.
Paris has a lot of space. I expect London to be similar.

I think London is nice with small kids bcs there are a ton of parks/playgrounds spread throughout the city and also a fair number of things of interest to them (Museum of science, brass rubbing, tower of london, horse guards off the top of my head).

Paris also has a fair amount of green space and playgrounds though. Don't know Amsterdam as well but I wonder if ot had as much for 5/6 days.

I would not pair cities with kids that age- I would stay in one.

Anonymous wrote:Meant to say DH is most interested in Paris. Is 5 to 6 days too long for Amsterdam? We want to restrict this to a one city trip to not complicated logistics any further.

yes

think 2-3 days for Amsterdam

Paris and Amsterdam pair favorably.

I think Amsterdam with your short stay, the age of your kids and the city focused travel you want to do. In that short of time you will be just skimming any city you go to. Amsterdam still feels very European (Paris and London on surface are both just large cities), it is kid friendly, and even if you didn't step in a single museum, or cultural site - it is such a pretty city and 'feels' like a different place. We are lucky that our friends live right in the middle of the museums, on a lovely canal, in an amazing home so I know I am biased but I love all three cities and spend time in each. If kids were older, you had a bit more time, were super interested in museums, shopping, history - any would be a good choice but for a short stay - Amsterdam!

If your husband wants to go to Paris, then why not go to Paris? Maybe take a day trip or do an overnight outside the city?

Personally, I love London and the Cotswolds (think: charming country villages).

Meant to say DH is most interested in Paris. Is 5 to 6 days too long for Amsterdam? We want to restrict this to a one city trip to not complicated logistics any further.

We plan to stop in Europe early June for 5 -6 days on our way to India where we will be spending summer with the grandparents. The kids will be 5 and 2. We have not been to Europe before as a family and are very excited about this. We are wondering if we should stop in the bigger cities like London/Paris or pick something smaller like Amsterdam. My 2 year old still naps and we will be predominantly cooking in an Airbnb with us being vegetarian s and kids being picky eaters. Given this our days are going to be slow doing one or 2 things a day. I'm wondering if I should keep the bigger cities for a couple of years later when we might be able to pack in more and do something more low key like Amsterdam. DH is