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Things to do in Amsterdam

With world-renowned museums, idyllic canals, a lassez faire attitude towards sex and drugs, Amsterdam has it all. Basically Amsterdam appeals to anyone who as a pulse and a thurst for adventure.

The city seems to thrive on its mix and, despite the hordes of tourists that come year after year, Amsterdam still manages to feel quintessentially Dutch. The aged houses, the narrow cobbled streets, the beautiful canals and the green parks all contribute to the unique atmosphere.

Van Gogh Museum

[Paulus Potterstraat 7, Amsterdam, Tel: 020-570-5200] A musuem dedicated to one of history's most well-known yet tortured figures. The Van Gogh Museum has compiled an impressive collection of Van Gogh's works throughout his life. The permanent collection groups pieces according to where Van Gogh lived and the periods of his life; it also arranges them chronologically for effect.

Rijksmuseum

[Stadhouderskade 42, Amsterdam, Tel: 020-674-7047] This is one of the world's finest museums and boasts some of history's most amazing artworks. More than 7 million objects comprise its collections, which include prints, paintings, sculpture, Asian art, and works detailing the history of the Dutch nation. Collections of Vermeer, Goya, Van Dyck, Rubens, and van Ruisdael are on display here as well as 'The Night Watch,' perhaps Rembrandt's most famous creation.

Torture Museum

[Singel 449, Amsterdam, Tel: 020-320-6642] An easy reminder that we live in nicer times. The Torture Museum has numerous torure contraptions on display. Straps, spikes, weights, and blades provide visitors an uneasy pause.

Bloemenmarkt [Floating Flower Market]

[Singel Canal, Amsterdam] For those with green thumbs or just those admirers of flowers. Most this market occupies houseboats moored on the water. Cut flowers, bulbs, potted plants, and the like are all available to buy or take photos of. Located between the Koningsplein and the Muntplein.

Anne Frank's House

[Prinsengracht 263, Amsterdam, Tel: 020-556-7100] A deeply moving and emotional story of a girl's family and how they struggled against the Nazis. Thanks to the diaryof Anne Frank, her story of how she hid from the Nazis is a well-known historical event. Visitors to the actual building where she, her family, and friends hid during the German Occupation will find themselves thrown into instant contemplation in the face of this tangible reminder. You'll find hidden rooms that still contain memorabilia of the events. It's a very humbling experience.

Vondelpark

[south of Leidseplein] One of the best plavces to hang out during the summer. This large park just south of Leidesplein was created to give Amsterdam's residents a chance to commune with nature. Here you can mix with the locals, play frisby, rollerblade, sunbathe and relax. Named after Dutch poet Joost van den Vondel, whose statue watches over the goings-on. Do not forget that if you want Amsterdam accommodation in central locations then

Red Light District

From brothels to sex shops to museums, the Red Light District leaves nothing to the imagination. It's easy to be intimidated by the reputation and rumours of Amsterdam's Red Light District. However, not only is the area rich in history is in fact one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of the city with its long winding narrow, cobbled streets and 14th century architecture. It's also an excellent place to walk around and see for yourself what it's all about. This is where window shopping takes on a whole different meaning.

The best time to come is at night when the district really comes to life. Most of the action takes place around 11pm , when the district is swarming with crowds and the red neon lights illuminate the inky canals. The atmosphere pretty much thrives until around 2 or 3am when the crowds die down and businesses shut up shop.