Chances are, you've heard one or two things about Amsterdam already: seventeenth century buildings and readily available hash, the Van Gogh gallery and erotic museums, a laid back atmosphere and a liberal tolerance, eccentrics and slick business types; Amsterdam blends history and urban flair unlike any other city in Europe. It doesn't matter if you've been around the world twice, you're a first-time traveler, or you're somewhere in-between, Amsterdam offers something new at every gabled corner, and to suit all tastes.
The capital of the Netherlands is a lively juxtaposition of cobbled streets and pretty canals, with an easily accessible underbelly of fascinating quirks. Whether you're here for a weekend break or as part of a longer Europe trip, there are many superlatives to describe Amsterdam, and boring is never one of them. Explore concentric horseshoes of canals by bike – navigating the compact warren of heritage buildings studded with offbeat shops and bars. Stop cycling to traverse the city's waterways, flanked by boats and barges, the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon and to understand Amsterdam's seamless diversity. Museum-hop by foot; echoing the Dutch Eco-spirit whilst choosing a handful from hundreds of cultural centers and galleries to expand your knowledge.