AT A GLANCE Amsterdam is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe.

It is visited by millions of tourists every year in search of fine art, unique evening entertainment and pretty tulips. The numerous canals - 165 in total - that run through the city make it a romantic and picturesque place to visit, while there are also a wide range of attractions and museums to keep culture-vultures happy. WHEN TO GO Amsterdam is a fantastic place to visit at any time of year, but the cheapest hotel deals can be found between late October and early March (with the exception of Christmas). If you want to explore Amsterdam whilst the weather is still pleasant, visit between April and September for longer days and higher temperatures, although expect the city to be busier with tourists. Weather Spring: Days start to become longer and although its still quite cool, its a beautiful time of year to get outside and explore the colourful flowers and trees around the city. Summer: As the busiest time of year, summer in Amsterdam offers an average of 16 hours of sunshine between sunrise and sunset. Autumn: Although temperatures begin to drop at the beginning of September, its still a wonderful time to visit. Be aware of the unpredictable weather though. Winter: Amsterdam is at its coldest, darkest and wettest between December and February; however there are plenty of places to stay indoors and enjoy the cosy surroundings.

Image: Sunshine in Amsterdam by Tambako the Jaguar on Flickr

THINGS TO DO There really is something for everyone in Amsterdam, from culture and romantic strolls to cycling and partying. Nightlife in Amsterdam is a vibrant mix of bars and clubs, while there are also plenty of day trips available for anyone who wants to venture outside of the city.

Attractions Canals: Wherever you look in Amsterdam, you wont be far away from one of the many of canals that run through the city Rijksmuseum: Featuring the works of famous artists such as Rembrandt and Vermeer, this is the National Art Museum of the Netherlands

Anne Frank House: This museum allows visitors to take a look at the secret annex where Anne Frank hid during World War II and composed her famous diary Floating Flower Market: An array of fresh flowers including Amsterdams famous tulips can be found floating on the Singel Canal Van Gogh Museum: This museum is home to the worlds largest collection of works by Van Gogh, shown in chronological order Red Light District: As well as adult entertainment and plenty of live shows, this area also offers many historic houses Madame Tussauds: Home to a number of famous faces from the world of music, sport, film and much more, all made out of wax Dam Square: The citys town square with many events taking place there that makes it one of the most important places in the city Nightlife Whether youre looking for a few quiet drinks or to party the night away, Amsterdam has a diverse mix of night time entertainment. The city is just as popular with couples as it is for stag and hen parties, with its wide selection of bars, clubs, cafs and restaurants, while there is always the Red Light District if youre looking for something a little different. Leidseplein: One of the major nightlife areas in the city with an array of bars and clubs Rembrandtplein: A vibrant area that attracts a young crowd with its clubs, bars and cafes Red Light District: A unique night time experience with live adult-themed shows Spuistraat: Home to a variety of live music venues and alternative bars such as Bitterzoet Jordaan: A trendy area with many cosy cafs and stylish bars

Day Trips From Amsterdam: The majority of people visit Amsterdam on a weekend break or for two or three days during the week. There is always something to see and do in the city but anyone with a little extra time on their hands will be able to leave the city behind for a day to discover a whole lot more from churches including the tallest in the Netherlands - to museums that take a look at everything from nautical artefacts to modern art.

Delft: Visitors will be able to explore a mini Amsterdam in Delft, which is famous for its blue and white pottery, as well as the various churches there such as the Oude Kerk and the Nieuwe Kerk. Travel Time: 1 hour

Utrecht: Like Amsterdam, this university town is home to various canals that have a lower level on the water, while the iconic Dom Church (standing at 399 feet tall) is well-worth checking out. Travel Time: 30 minutes

Rotterdam: Home to one of Europes largest ports and the iconic Erasmus Bridge, Rotterdam also has a wide range of shopping facilities in the city centre that are full of designer brands. Travel Time: 1 hour

Den Haag: The unusual skyline of the city makes this a more unusual day trip, while the Peace Palace that holds the International Court of Justice and various museums are some of its most popular attractions. Travel Time: 1 hour
Images: Amsterdam Canal by Eoghan OLionnain / Rijksmuseum by Ted Drake / Van Gogh Museum by Ewen Roberts / Delft by Salim Virji / Dom Church in Utrecht by tothalvadi on Flickr / Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam by Daneila Nedelkova / Den Haag by Roel Wijnants

SHOPPING From trendy boutiques to second hand bargains, Amsterdam offers an eclectic mix of shopping facilities to suit all. The city is without doubt, the shopping capital of the Netherlands making it a shoppers dream with its many shops selling everything imaginable, as well as a wide selection of open-air markets that are the perfect place to grab a bargain or two.

Shopping Areas: The Nine Streets (De Negan Straatjes): A diverse mix of stores in scenic surroundings Museum Quarter: Home to many luxurious brands from Gucci to Chanel De Jordaan: A maze of tiny streets full of hidden treasures and second hand stores Kalverstraat: A pedestrian-only street, home to a variety of big name clothing stores Shopping Centres: Bijenkorf: Amsterdams biggest shopping centre with an upmarket clientele Magna Plaza: A smaller shopping centre, home to major fashion brands on three floors

Kalvertoren: An all-round shopping experience with everything from watches to cosmetics Bonneterie: Various designer brands feature in this old fashioned luxury store

Markets: Waterlooplein Flea Market: The largest flea market in Amsterdam with a wide variety of goods Albert Cuyp Market: An open-air street market with a fun and vibrant atmosphere Noordermarkt Flea Market: Stalls feature everything from fabrics to antique goods
Image: Waterlooplein Flea Market by Incase on Flickr

FOOD & DRINK There are a huge number of restaurants in Amsterdam that combine a myriad of cultures from the people living in the city. Visitors will be able to walk along the same road and choose to eat a range of different cuisine from around the world. For some authentic fare, sample some Dutch cheese including Gouda and Edam; most cafs having cheese and bread on the menu. Alternatively, youll be able to try other foods such as stroopwafels - a Dutch cookie for those with a sweet tooth, Dutch pancakes known as pannekoeken, and if youre ordering chips, theyre likely to come with a huge dollop of mayonnaise on top. Popular Amsterdam Hotspots: Centraal Station: The most popular area for tourists in this busy street known as the Damrak Nieuwmarkt: Home to a huge variety of restaurants, as well as the hustle and bustle of Chinatown Leidseplein: One of the best eating areas in Europe teeming with hundreds of restaurants Rembrandtplein: Mainly bars and clubs but also has a range of stylish restaurants
Image: Amsterdam Cheese by acroll on Flickr

CULTURE & ETIQUETTE Amsterdam truly is one of the most unique cities in Europe with its laidback and cosmopolitan lifestyle. The Dutch are famous for being quite open about things such as sex and drugs; however they still like to keep their personal lives private. Although the majority of Amsterdammers speak excellent English, its always a good idea to learn a bit of the lingo before visiting, while there are also a few things to remember in order to get the most out of your time here. Useful Phrases Do you speak English? - Spreekt u Engels? Thank you - Dank u / Dank je Where is the Red Light District? - Waar is de wallen?

Dos and Donts DO greet bartenders and shop owners with a smile and a friendly hello DONT walk in the cycle lanes DONT smoke tobacco inside, as like in the UK its illegal

DONT take photographs in the Red Light District as this is very much frowned upon DO hire a bicycle for the day to get around the city DONT drink alcohol on the streets as this is illegal DO learn the difference between a coffee house and a coffee shop

Tipping A service charge of around 10-15% is usually added in restaurants; however it is normal to tip an extra 5% on top of this. Of course if youre dining with a local, dont be afraid to split the bill and go Dutch.
Image: Coffee Shop in Amsterdam by Terrazzo

TRANSPORT Many of the major attractions in Amsterdam can be found in the city centre so you can easily walk from one place to another in the same day. If youre looking to explore even more of the city at a faster pace though, cycling is a great way to get around, while there is also an excellent public transport system with trams, buses and the metro system. Getting Around Buses: A variety of bus routes are available that are primarily used to reach the outskirts of the city Metro: Useful if you want to travel outside of the city Cycling: The most popular way to get around Amsterdam is by bicycle and there are in fact more bicycles than residents here Trams: A great way to get around the city, running regularly until 12:15am every day Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: The countrys main international airport and is just 20 minutes southwest of the city

Fare Information GVB is Amsterdams public transport system and includes the metro, buses and trams If you plan to travel on public transport a lot in one day, a GVB day card entitles you to unlimited travel and costs 7.50 A number of cycle hire companies offer deals from as little as 8 a day
Image: Amsterdam Cycles by Redjar on Flickr

HEALTH & SAFETY British Embassy in the Netherlands - UK in the Netherlands Emergency number: 112