Every year Amsterdam entices tourists from all over the globe, who come to soak up the all-pervasive and enlivening culture and to indulge all of their senses. Amsterdam can be as refined or as vulgar as you like; it’s been one of Europe’s grand dames for centuries and during that time has seen its fair share of both bad times and good. The sheer profusion of cyclists, coffee shops and canals can get confusing, so here’s a guide to making the most out of your Amsterdam holidays.

The old centre

The Old Centre of Amsterdam really is old, some of it dating from the 13th century. It is here you will find many of the Dam’s museums, venerable old churches and, next to all this culture, the Red Light District. A good way of covering the Old Centre of Amsterdam in one day is to split your time between the two, spending the morning and early afternoon visiting museums such as Rembrandt’s house and the Amsterdams Historisch Museum (and less salubrious but just as entertaining locales such as the Sex Museum and the Hash, Marijuana and Hemp Museum), then in the evening exploring the bars and clubs in the riotous Nieuwmarkt region.

The canal ring

Past the Old Centre but still very much an integral part of Amsterdam is the Canal Ring, a set of five canals that radiate outwards from the city centre. The Canal Ring is home to picturesque sites such as the old, narrow houses leaning over the water and locals chugging by on barges, but also to some of the city’s best nightlife and restaurants. This is the perfect spot to sample a shot or two of jenever, a juniper-berry flavoured tipple, or a traditional and filling Dutch pancake. The various and sometimes surprising interiors and ambiences of Canal Ring bars make Netherlands holidays the perfect opportunity to relax and chat over a pint of Amstel, Amsterdam’s locally brewed beer.

Parks and green spaces

With no less than 28 parks, Amsterdam is one of the greenest cities in Europe. Enjoying a stroll in one of the city’s well-kept and lively parks is a must on your trip to Amsterdam, and a welcome addition to a day spent marvelling at museums and art-galleries. Visiting Amsterdam’s parks can be combined with another ubiquitous pastime of the city, going around by bike. This is a city ruled by cyclists, who throng the streets and squares like flocks of birds in summertime. Renting a bicycle is easy as pie, and there are guided bike tours for a more structured cycling experience.

Although this guide can give you ideas for your Amsterdam holiday, the real beauty of the city comes when you least expect it, i.e when you don’t have your head in a guidebook. It is in the little things, such as wandering through China Town and finding yourself looking at the largest Buddhist temple in Europe; taking a bite of raw herring straight off the ship; getting caught up in one of the many street parties that seem to happen almost every day in summer. Amsterdam is waiting, so go ahead and make it your own.

Thanks to Joao Maximo for the photo from Flickr!