Amsterdam, named after the river Amstel, is a very green city, with many parks and gardens to appreciate throughout the year. Even on cold winter days visitors to Amsterdam can find quiet streets and interesting walks, with only the passing cyclists to be aware of. At night, the pretty arches of the canal bridges are lit up and this can be one of the best times to wander round the city’s streets, as many of the locals, known as Amsterdammers, are at home having their evening meal so the streets are relatively quiet.

Amsterdam is actually the capital of the Netherlands, not The Hague as many believe, and there are very few capital cities where traditionalists live harmoniously alongside liberal individualists. Amsterdammers have perfected the art of peaceful cohabitation, and as a result, it is a relaxing place to live or visit.

A natural starting point for any visitor to the city is Dam Square. This main square is bordered by a number of the city’s most historic buildings; the Koninklijk Paleis, Amsterdam’s beautiful 17th-century town hall, the Nieuwe Kerk, built in the 14th century as the city’s second parish church, and the impressive National Monument. From Dam Square, Amsterdam’s main thoroughfares branch outwards, with the Damrak leading north to Centraal Station and the docks, and Kalverstraat stretching south into the thriving shopping district.

In Amsterdam there are many museums devoted to almost everything. Some of the most specialized include the following: Torture Museum, Tram Museum, Sex Museum, Hash Marijuana Museum, Cat Museum and Pianola Museum.

A truly international selection of cuisines is available in Amsterdam’s numerous restaurants. Concentrations of eateries, bars and clubs can be found around Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein. A range of theatre, opera, dance and film tastes are also catered for in the city’s 50 theatres.

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