Edinburgh or Amsterdam for October HT

[MinnieMountain]

I’d like to take DS, who will be very nearly 12, somewhere for a long weekend in October HT. He’s got an inset day, so we’ll do Friday to Monday.

We both like history. DS loves science and engineering too.

I’ve narrowed it down to Edinburgh or Amsterdam as both are easy by train. Or possibly flying to Berlin if I can get the Tuesday off.

Which would be better?

Amsterdam would be much better for that age and those interests. There’s the obvious Anne Frank’s house, but my DS also enjoyed the resistance museum. The Nemo science museum is good, but for that age, Body Worlds is better.
Other things my dc enjoyed at that age were the pancake boat canal cruise, Fly Over Amsterdam, the STRAAT museum of street art and graffiti, and the A’Dam lookout. Moco museum has some very cool modern art including Banksy and an immersive Lichtenstein room.

I was leaning towards Amsterdam @Forgottenmyphone . We’re on the main line to Edinburgh but only an hour to London for the Eurostar too.

We went to Amsterdam for 2 days last summer. I would really recommend the STRAAT museum. My teens were very impressed.

Amsterdam for sure

Edinburgh has Dynamic Earth, National museum of Scotland, the zoo, Edinburgh Castle, lots of other art galleries etc

Dynamic Earth is excellent. The modern art gallery is great too and you can walk there along the river. We did a Harry potter tour at that age too. Loads of variety for places to eat out. Edin is a great city for that age.

I've only been to Edinburgh out of your two choices, so can't comment on Amsterdam but Edinburgh is one of my favourite cities! So much to do - castle, museums, the zoo, camera obscura, guided history walks. I'm sure Amsterdam is also a brilliant option too. Definitely do Edinburgh at some point though would be my vote!

That’s a point- DS loves Harry Potter.

you can also do Glasgow (50min by train) as a day trip from Edinburgh for the Riverside museum and Science centre.

I'm just back from Amsterdam which we love but if you choose there be aware you need to buy tickets for the museums & Anne Frank's house a good couple of months in advance

I live in Edinburgh and have a 11yo ds and 13yo ds. I'd say Amsterdam.
Edinburgh does have things to do for a couple of days but I say Amsterdam would be more interesting.