A canal trip is an absolute must and an excellent way to get your bearings. Take one of the many glass-roofed boat excursions and cruise along in comfort for an hour or so. Visit the Rijksmuseum the national museum with Dutch paintings dating from the 16-19th century. There are over 60 galleries, 50 museums and 20 theatres in Amsterdam. Visit Anne Frank's house at Prinsengracht 263 for a very memorable and historically haunting experience. Other interesting places in Amsterdam include: The lavishly furnished Royal Palace with its regal facade, the open-air flea market at Waterlooplein and the Vincent Van Gogh Museum.

Also worth a visit is Singel's floating flower market or just relax at one of the many delightful cafes around Dam Square.

Excursions: The Heineken Experience, this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam. The brewery is housed in the original building, visitors will learn about the history of the famous Heineken Company and its special unique brewing process.

Central Amsterdam is relatively small and most attractions are within an easy walk. The local's choice of travel is by bicycle, renting a bike is easy and fun and they are readily available for hire. The public transport system in Amsterdam is good with numerous options including taxis, trams, and trains.

Take an evening candlelit canal cruise to get you in the mood for the nightclubs and bars of Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein including the eye opening and renowned Red Light district on the east side of Damrak. There is a weekly magazine called 'Amsterdam This Week' which will advise of the weeks events and the clubs worth visiting. The array of tiny bars, smoky 'brown cafes' and exotic nightlife makes Amsterdam a pageant of enjoyment and ideal for a short city break. Dining Out: Seafood specialties seem to dominate the menu with pickled herring and smoked eel being two entree favorites. Good dining locations include "The Old Side and the Dam", "The New Side", or "The Plantage and the Oost".

Further attractions in Amsterdam include: Eftrling amusement park. Kuekenhof bulb garden. Zomerhof flower exhibition. Hoge Veluwe national park near Arnhem.

Amsterdam Schiphol airport lies nine miles (15km) southwest of Amsterdam.

Airport Transport:
From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city center. The best and easiest way to travel into the city is by train. The train station is directly below the airport and tickets can be purchased from ticket machines and offices near the platforms at Schiphol Plaza.

Passengers travelling to hotels in Amsterdam can use the airport hotel shuttle service called Connexxion, it leaves the airport from the front of Arrivals Hall 2 every 20-30 minutes (in normal operational conditions) and serves over 50+ hotels in and around Amsterdam. The airport is also well served by local bus services.

Car Hire: All major car rental companies are represented, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt. If you are just travelling to Amsterdam car hire is not normally recommended as parking in Amsterdam central can be difficult.