Amsterdam

Welcome to Europe’s laid-back centre

In a nutshell

The heart of uninhibited Europe, Amsterdam is most famous for its canals, its red light district, and its coffee-and-cannabis houses. Its laid-back attitude means it is a youthful capital and a long-time favourite stag venue for those wanting to indulge in a big way. There are plenty of clubs and bars, and plenty of history too: your debauched and indulgent behaviour will take place against an elegant backdrop of 17th-century buildings that line the web of canals radiating out from the old centre.

Magnetic attractions

Van Gogh Museum This is Amsterdam's most popular attraction and contains some of the artist’s best-known works, including The Potato Eaters.
Sex Museum Not so much a museum as a place for a little titillation with your mates. Erotic pictures, examples of early pornographic films, and eye-opening statues.
Red light district This area is filled with curious tourists, pimps, and bored-looking prostitutes behind glass windows.
Anne Frank House The two-roomed hidden annexe, occupied by the Frank family from 1942 to 1944, is just as it was when Ann Frank wrote her diary here.

Romantic rendezvous

Canal trip Take a slow-moving ride in a glass-topped boat for a lazy look at the city and its fine canal houses.
Flower markets Wander through the Bloemenmarkt in the sunshine for tulip bulbs in every shade. Don't forget to buy a posy for your partner.

Love bites and love potions

Amsterdam is better-known for its drinking establishments than its restaurants, but there is plenty of good and filling fast food to line the stomach or soak up beer. Chips are plentiful and usually served with salt and a huge dollop of mayonnaise. Sweet and savoury Dutch pancakes are on sale at stands around the city, as well as waffles doused in maple syrup. Dutch coffee is good and strong and perfect for the morning after. Beer is dirt cheap and usually Amstel, Grolsch or Heineken.

Propose here

If you haven't got the energy to cycle through fields of tulips outside the city, pop the question on a canal trip in a picturesque part of the old town.