Among the greatest of small cities

Visit the fragrant floating Flower Market for a handful of colourful tulips first thing in the morning. Take a look at the majestic Royal Palace in Dam Square, the heart of Amsterdam. Rest and relax for a while on a sunny day in the city’s largest park, Vondelpark. Buy authentic Dutch clogs, world-famous cheeses or flowering tulips at one of the city’s many markets. And by no means miss a boat ride on the countless canals to see the city from a frog’s perspective.

Amsterdam has been famed for diamonds for centuries. Take a look at how these precious stones are cut in one of the many traditional factories and perhaps even buy one. End the day with a dinner in the lively Leidseplein Square and, after dusk, take a gander through the famous Red Quarter and raise a toast with local beer in one of the many pubs.

Amsterdam is one of the most cyclist-friendly cities and its wide cycle paths carry almost half a million colourful bicycles every day.

Amsterdam is a paradise for art lovers. Stop by in the Museum Quarter and feast your eyes on the works by the greatest Dutch masters. Visit the Van Gogh Museum for a close-up view of the works of this master of post-impressionism. Just a few streets away, the famous Rijksmuseum showcases Vermeer and Rembrandt’s masterpieces. Modern art? Drop by the impressive and art-rich Stedelijk Museum. For a more sombre reminder of World War II, go to the Anne Frank House and relieve the sad memories of a Jewish girl who wrote her famous diary while hiding with her family.