The first thing you will want to do once you reach Amsterdam is to get yourself oriented with the city's layout.

The city is comprised of five different canals. Once you become familiar with Amsterdam's various areas, you should find a walk within the charming city easy to negotiate.

Step Two:

The Grachtengordel is where Amsterdam's five primary canals crisscross together at the center of the city. This area dates back to the 1600s. It was originally part of an expansion project requisitioned by the city.

This is where the city's proprietors constructed elaborate mansions. The architecture of these grand residences features interesting and varied gables.

The city was quite deliberate as to this particular expansion effort even insisting as to the precise length and width of each lot.

The residential construction in the area is, thus, antique in nature and quite uniform. You will see the reflection of each canal house shown within the cool green water adjacent to it.

Additionally, you will walk down cobbled streets, stride over bumpy bridges and admire mature trees that line up nicely amidst the storybook setting. It may be easily remarked, Amsterdam, the city, is terminally lovely!

The Grachtengordel has no apparent walking route. The three most significant canals out of the five that converge here are known as the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. Additionally, the street numbers get higher as you travel north to south.

Step Two:

The second area to visit is Brouwersgracht. This is a very scenic waterway. Directionally, it runs from east to west. Brouwersgracht, historically, during the 1600s was a place where merchant ships made deliveries. The goods were placed in many of the area's warehouses. Nowadays this former warehouse district has been converted to residential living. The latter day storage and distribution buildings have been renovated into pricey apartment homes.

As you walk through the area, you will notice the antiquity as well as the noticeable architectural effects such as the buildings' unique gables. The charm of the seventeenth century historic neighborhood is further enhanced by quaint swinging bridges; houseboats stationed at the adjacent harbor and shuttered windows, on the residences of the former warehouses.

Step Three:

Your next course of action, on your site-seeing excursion is to start walking south from your last point. In so doing, you will be walking forward from the Brouwersgracht and along the peaceful Prinsengracht canal.

Suffice it to say, your stroll will take you past a well-manicured group of dwellings that are set alongside the contrast of rustic appearing houseboats moored on the waterway. It will only be a matter of a few minutes and you will reach the charming Hofje Van Brienen. Your simple stroll will be well-compensated once you reach Prinsengracht 85-133. This is the location of one of Amsterdam's most beautiful alms houses. The pretty house was constructed during the earliest portion of the nineteenth century. The Dutch word for alms house is hofje.

Step Four:

Now continue walking onward and you will eventually reach a cross-street: Herrenstraat. This pleasant little street contains cafes, floral shops, organic grocers, and second-time around clothing shops. (Once again, you just need to continue on walking along Prinsengracht to find this delightful little cross-street.) And for orientation purposes, the cross-street of Herrenstraat is also the connecting point of the city's primary canals.

Step Five:

Once you reach the eastern end of Herrenstraat, make a right onto Herrengracht. (Once again, remember you will be at the eastern end of the quaint little street of Herrenstraat when you turn right onto Herrengracht.) Then simply stroll to the next canal, as it is not much of a distance to reach the Leliegracht.

Step Six:

The Leliegracht, for your information, is one of several smaller canals that cross the Grachtengordel. The Leliegracht branches out in design (or is radial in nature.) It is just one of several small canals that tend to branch out from center. In this locale, you will discover several bookshops and bars located adjacent to the water. Take note, that Amsterdam has very few examples of either Art Nouveau or Art Deco styling. However, you will be able to find one example of it on the impressive building positioned at the point of Leliegracht and Kreizergracht. The tall and exceptional structure was the design work of Gerrit van Arkel. He designed the imposing building during the earliest portion of the twentieth century.

Step Seven:

Another location you may wish to include on your site-seeing agenda is: The Westerkerk (which is open April through September; Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with free admission and May through September, Monday through Saturday with a small admission fee.)

The Westerkerk possesses an enormously high tower: some eighty five meters in height. It is “topped off by the crown of Maximilian. The church was expressly constructed for use by Protestants and is the second place of worship built within the parameters of the city.

The area that is close by is known as Westermarkt. The designer of the well-known city church is Hendrik de Keyser. The original construction was completed during the early seventeenth century. Although the outside of the church is most elaborate, the inside is quite austere. (This is in keeping with Calvinist thinking and doctrine.)

It is also believed that Rembrandt, the master artist, was laid to rest here. The location, of his place of burial is, however, not known. Since this is the case, you will discover a small area of commemoration to the artist set upon the northern side of the church. This commemorative area is in close proximity to Titus-the son of the artist.

Step Eight:

Just so you are aware, the area, as mentioned previously, near by Westerkerk is known as Westermarkt. (And, yes, there is no “e” present in markt as this is the Dutch spelling.) Westermarkt is an open square possessing two interesting statues. If you stroll to the back of Westerkerk (the Protestant Church) you will notice three triangles made of lovely pink granite. Each triangle is a representation of past, present and future. It is a memorial first as it is the first monument dedicated to persecuted individuals engaged in alternative modes of living. The site's designer is an artist known by the name of: Karin Daan. (You will find examples of this type of open-minded thinking scattered throughout the city, amidst its provincial and antiquated façade.)

Step Nine:

Next take a brief stroll away and walk to the theater museum located at Herengracht 168. (It is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is a small charge for admission.

Within the museum, you will be pleased to find various theatrical props from by-gone days. It is the perfect place for individuals who are buffs of theatrical history.

For your enjoyment there are also “cool” stage sets, along with an area dedicated to puppetry.

Step Ten:

The above is easily a days worth of site-seeing excursions when visiting the beautiful city of Amsterdam. You will also want to take time to browse the second-hand shops, and many of the quaint little book stores along your route. Also stop by one of the charming little cafes or bars along the course to get a bite to eat.

Tomorrow you will begin where you left off during Day One, exploring the area from Raadhuisstraat to Leidsegracht and a tad bit beyond. For now, retire to your accommodations or dine out at one of many of the city's fine establishments.

Once you travel south of this point, you are going to find quite a few very pleasant cross streets.

The streets historically were named after animals associated with the city's by-gone tanning industry. Examples of names in Dutch along with their respective English translations include: Berenstraat (Bear Street); and Reestraat (Deer Street) to name but two.

The cross-streets where you will find an abundance of shopping are known as the “Nine Streets.” On these particular streets goods such as: handmade candies; gorgeous rugs and carpets; and unique gift items among many, many other types of interesting products are sold.

Step Two: The south-most boundary of which I have just described within the preceding content is known as Leidsegracht. This area is residential in nature and is yet another canal with very fashionable townhouses set alongside of it. You will find the predominant architectural elements of eye-pleasing gables are a nice associative feature in relation to the townhomes chic exteriors.

Step Three: Next, walk to the Woonbootmuseum located at Prinsengracht 296. (Its hours of operation are: March through October - Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and, November through February - Friday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is a small charge for admission.

The Woonbootmuseum is a houseboat of Dutch distinction and dates back to the very beginnings of the twentieth century - 1914 to be precise. It is now an attraction for tourists. Plaques provide explanation as to life on the water.

In very close proximity, the Bijbels Museum is found at Herengracht 366. This is precisely north of Leidsegracht. (Its hours of operation consist of Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is a moderate charge for admission. The museum is located within two of four identical mansions. The mansions are marvelous to gaze upon as they are adorned with scrollwork and lavished with delightful tendrils. Other types of adornment include engraved fruit and the smallest of windows along with elaborate gables.

The mansions were constructed in the mid-portion of the seventeenth century. They were originally designed and built for the Cromhouts - a very prosperous family.

The inside ceilings are painted depicting gods and goddesses of classical literature. The artist who is responsible for the elaborately beautiful work is: Jacob de Wit.

The museum provides an interesting display of antique bibles. This includes the very first Bible in the Dutch language and dates back to the year 1477!

Other exhibits include artifacts from the areas of Egypt and Palestine. These archeological treasures were brought to Holland during the 1800s.

Step Four: Not to be exempted, Leidseplein is found on the very edge of the Grachtengordel. Here is where one goes to experience the city's nightlife.

Historically, the square was the ending point of the road from Leiden. At a certain juncture horses and horse-drawn carts were prohibited from the city center. The area then became a place where the Dutch would park their carts and horses.

Nowadays things are quite different. There is on-going traffic including bicyclists, automobiles, trams and individuals on foot. The area is therefore quite active. The encircling side streets to the square contain an abundance of bars, eateries, and night clubs. Neon signs project out from all directions. If activities are not too overly frenetic, this can be a fun place for a carefree party-goer.

Step Five: If you want to visit the square for some additional site-seeing opportunities, there are a few architecturally beautiful buildings of which you will want to view. One is the Stadsschouwburg. The building is a neo-Renaissance design and dates back to the latter portion of the nineteenth century. During the period, the grandiosity of the building had the city council so “up in arms” that the city, itself, withheld monies apportioned for the ornamentation of the building's outside façade. The building was originally the home of National Ballet and Opera, that is, until the Muziektheater was completed, now located on Waterlooplein. They moved to their new location in 1986.

Nowadays the most imposing structure is used for performances relative to the theater arts; and plays host to various visiting English-language theatrical groups.

Step Six: Located nearly next door to the Stadsschouwburg is one of Amsterdam's oldest buildings known as the American Hotel. The hotel is Art Nouveau, by design, and possesses associated architectural details like turrets, dormer-style windows and interesting brick work.

The present American Hotel was constructed at the very beginning of the twentieth century. The original American Hotel was demolished. The original structure had been adorned with various depictions of North America including statuary, murals, and paintings - thus, the derivative of the name: American Hotel.

The current American Hotel is the location for the Café American. Historically, the café was once the meeting grounds of the city's most significant literary personages. It is now a very popular spot for coffee or lunch. It is well worth visiting this Art Nouveau edifice. You will find detailing such as arches, stained glass and brick work laid out in a geometric design.

Step Seven: Next, you will want to head in a northeasterly direction from Leidseplein to a very high traffic shopping area: It is a street known as Leidsestraat. The street is a narrow route housing shoe and fashion shops and leading you across the city's three primary canals and forward to the Singel River.

On the way, the Mertz and Company department store is located at the corner section of Keizersgracht. From an historical standpoint, the department store was the city's highest commercial building at the time of its construction: A rooftop showroom was added in 1933. The former showroom is currently a café and provides visitors with outstanding city center (centre) views.

Step Eight: Stop by and have a bite to eat at the café, if you wish or do some shopping at Mertz and Company or a little of both. However, next, you will want to travel one block east from Mertz and Company and along Keizersgracht to Nieuwespiegelstraat. This area, without question is most inviting with its many bookshops and delightful cafes. The area continues in a southerly direction and runs into Spiegelgracht which in turn is the formation of the Spiegelkwartier: This is the area where you will find most of Amsterdam's most expensive antiques.

Step Nine: Spiegelkwartier is an area you cannot help but enjoy: It is simply a lovely district and fun to browse. While you are in the area, do not neglect to visit the active and vibrant art center (centre) of De Appel known for its contemporary art. The location of the art center (centre) is: Nieuwespiegelstraat 10. (Hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a small admission fee. Their website is: www.deappel.nl.

Step Ten: Next, and lastly, for the day, walk in a southeasterly direction from Leidsegracht. As you are walking, you will discover the main canal known as Herengracht eventually comes to a point referred to as De Gouden Bocht, and translated into the English is “Golden Bend.” This is where you will discover some of Amsterdam's most elegant mansions! Additionally, most of the residences date from the 1700s. The majority have double stairways leading to the front door. There is a small door underneath that was the entrance of the servant's quarters.

The architectural details of these magnificent dwellings are quite classical and include columns, pilasters and pediments. The classical details do not only apply to form as I have just described, but also to ornamentation. Examples include: scrolls and patterns that are geometric and inspired by Ancient Greek architecture.

Look to the north side of the canal at Number 475. This particular structure was completely constructed toward the end of the seventeenth century. Architectural effects include a French balustrade of the narrowest proportions. The identical caryatids add a really “cool” touch.

If you look at the comparable structure, at 493, it wasn't finished until the first part of the eighteenth century.

Next, you will want to visit the more moderately designed mansion located at Number 497 and known as: Kattenkabinet. (Hours of operation are: Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) There is a proportionately-speaking, “middle-of-the-road” admission charge. You may visit their website by clicking on: www.kattenkabinet.nl.

The museum provides the visitor with a vast assortment of art and artifacts relating to cats. The museum was the inspiration of a Dutch financier.

Step Eleven: There are a few more architectural sites you will need to view and then its back to your accommodations or off to dinner as we are “wrapping up” your second day.

The first is just a few steps away from the Kattenkabinet. The location is at the corner-section of Vijzelstraat and the Number is 507.

The design and ornamentation is Neoclassical. Outside there are pilasters and the narrowest of windows. Historically, the house was once lived in by Major Jacob Boreel. Boreel tried to place a burial tax on the people, which in turn, started a riot of significant proportions. As a result, Boreel's residence was turned inside out.

If you then look across the canal from Number 507 (Boreel's former residence) you will be able to easily spot the massive structure formerly the ABN-AMRO Bank Building. The building is a good example of an Expressionist design and was erected in the year 1923.

Rembrandtplein is so named after the artist Rembrandt. The area was once the city's butter market and was renamed toward the latter portion of the nineteenth century.

The area is one of the city's hubs for nightlife; however, many of the restaurants receive a considerable amount of traffic from the tourist trade.

A statue of Rembrandt is firmly planted in the middle of the area.

The best bar in the area, should you like to revisit at night is the one found inside of the Schiller Hotel which is located at Number 26. The establishment has a nice Art Deco interior. Heading off from the northwest corner section of Rembrandtplein is Reguliersbreestraat which isn't all too nice. Its claim to fame though is it is where you can find Amsterdam's best cinema known as Tuschinski and located at Numbers 26 and 28. The inside of the cinema is decorated in Art Deco. Historically, it opened its doors in 1921.

Inside you will discover Expressionist paintings (quite popular at the time); beautiful carpets and rugs originally woven by hand in Marrakesh; and the interior adorned with marble of varying colors.

Step Two: Once you are back strolling alongside the Herengracht (canal) and you reach the River Amstel you will want to visit the Museum Willet-Holthuysen located at Number 605. (Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) There is a modest charge for admission. Their website address is here.

The museum basically amounts to a look at an historic canal house.

The house dates back to the latter part of the 1600s. From an historical perspective, it was once resided in by the Holthuysen family (whose business was within the coal-trading industry). Next, Sandra Willet-Holthuysen gave her home as well as its inside furnishings to Amsterdam in the latter portion of the nineteenth century.

The house since that time has undergone a number of renovations; however, the interior has been returned to its original late 1700s splendor. Inside there is a Rococo decorative style. This is a form of interior decoration, much preferred by the Dutch proprietors. It was considered most fashionable for that particular period of time.

There is a modest display of glasses, silver, ceramics and Italian pottery originally put together by Abraham Willet.

In the rear of the house, are beautiful gardens, formal in design including well-manicured small-sized hedges and infrequently presented displays of statuary.

Step Three: The next point of interest is the Museum Van Loon. (Hours of operation are Monday and Friday through Sunday 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; additionally, March through May, July and August, Wednesday and Thursday - 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) There is a moderate charge for admission.

In order to reach the museum, from your last point of interest, you would travel in a southwesterly direction from Rembrandtplein on Keizersgracht. (Their website address is: www.museumvanloon.nl). The museum is most likely the nicest decorated canal house available for public scrutiny within the city. The canal house was constructed within the latter portion of the seventeenth century. From an historical perspective, the first resident was Ferdinand Bol, an artist. Next, the Van Loons were the house residents from the year 1884 and on up to the year of 1945. The last of the lineage to occupy the historically significant house was Wilhelm van Loon, a banker by profession.

Van Loon's wife, who went by the name of Thora van Loon-Egidius, was (considered) dame du paleis to Queen Wilhelmina.

Thora van Loon-Egidius was most proud of her German heritage and as a result, entertained a good many German officials at the residence. Since Thora entertained high-ranking individuals of the Nazi party during the time of the occupation, the Van Loons were snubbed within other important circles of society.

The interesting house has undergone a recent redo. It has been redone in the period style of the 1700s - very similar, in fact, to what it looked like during its time.

You will delight in the house's interior as there is a great deal of rich wood and stucco-type work.

There is also a gorgeous balustrade, made of copper located naturally along the stairs. The name “Van Hagen-Trip” is set within the fixture. (Van Hagen-Trip was also, at one time owners of the house.) At a later date, the Van-Loons filled up the spaces within the lettering with iron design work. It is said they did so in order to keep their children from slipping in-between the lettering and thus falling through to the floor below.

While you are on the landing of the top floor, be apprised as to the “Roman-themed” paintings. Also, within one of the bedrooms of the beautifully-decorated house, known as “the painted room” there is a most exquisite painting of Italy. This motif was an Amsterdam favorite from the years of 1750 to 1820.

The most peculiar items within the house are probably the phony doors located on the bedrooms. The individuals who owned the house during the 1700s were so overtly concerned about the overall balance as to form within the house that they subsequently disguised the original doors and placed fake decorative doors within the appropriate position (instead of the real doors).

Step Four: Next stop is the River Amstel. For your historical enlightenment: The River Amstel was the primary route into the city's interior portion. It was here many goods arrived by way of barge and boat in order that they could be traded for the many products of import stored within the distribution centers of the city.

If you turn left from Herengracht, you will eventually arrive at Blauwborg, translated in the English as “Blue Bridge.” As you travel further, you will reach Magere Brug, with the English translation being: “Skinny Bridge.” Many visitors proclaim this bridge as the most adorable of Amsterdam's many swing-style bridges.

Then, as you are walking, its just a few steps further to the Amstelsluizen, also known as the Amstel Locks. Each night, the city's water department closes “said” locks to go about the business of drawing off water from the canals. In order to perform this process, the water is extracted by means of a sluice. An enormous pumping station, located upon an island east of the city then pumps “new” water into the canals from the Ijsselmeer. Locks, similar to the ones I've just described, and located to the city's west are left open and the surplus water flows into the Ijsselmeer and then out to sea by way of the North Sea Canal.

Although the canal is refreshed on a daily basis, it is still not the proper venue to play or swim - what, with 300 years of trolleys, sea algae and the like, its best to just view the waterway!

Step Five: The next area of interest is known as the Jordaan and the Western Docklands. In order to reach it you will want to travel west of the city center (centre) and the Grachtengordel. The Jordaan is bordered by the Prinsengracht and the Lijinbaansgracht: It is not difficult to determine the boundary lines set forth for the Jordaan.

The Jordaan is a most interesting and amiable area to visit. There are very narrow canals and, as well, slender streets. You will find a nice variety of architectural styles ranging from contemporary to the sixteenth century (canal house).

It is believed the name Jordaan was derived from the French word jardin meaning garden (in the English). This is presumed since the area's earliest residents were Huguenots as well as Protestants who arrived here to avoid persecution. This occurred during the 1500s and 1600s.

Additionally, you will note within the area, there are a great many streets named after flowers and types of plants. The reason for this is because the area developed from the countryside. Many refugees came to this area seeking a new place to “put down roots.” Because of this fact, the city fathers did not consider the area in accord with the city's bourgeois and, as a result, when the expansion was planned in the year 1610, the Jordaan was kept outside of the boundary lines of the city.

This wasn't totally bad news for the Jordaan: As a result of the preceding action, the area was not subject to the same hard-line restrictions as to planning imposed upon the Grachtengordel and its crisscrossing slender streets followed the course of the original ditches for drainage rather than the city's municipal outline. In turn, the Jordaan developed into a characteristic area with an intricate network of canals and streets providing it with a great deal of its current appeal.

Historically, the homes found herein were that of Amsterdam's working class; however, there has been a great deal of the middle-class flocking to the area during the present day, turning the area into a popular residential area.

In earlier days, the area's residents were primarily factory workers and individuals employed at the business of loading and unloading ships. They worked on the docks, within the warehouses, and factories and boatyards.

Although, there are no specific sites per se, this is still a most welcome area to stroll and visit.

The first suggestion on our list is: Arnots. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Obviously, as you may have judged from the hours of operation, this is an ideal spot for lunch or a snack. The address is Singel 441.

The café is located in a basement which in and of itself makes it interesting. You may attain a great cup of java and fresh sandwiches. Patrons are a plenty, crowding out onto the adjacent walkway. The establishment is an ideal summer location.

The next suggestion, located in the Old Centre is DeJaren. The address is: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20. This is most certainly a terrific café establishment. There are three floors with two terrace areas. The café overlooks the Amstel and is found next to the University.

It is recommended you visit on a Sunday when you have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the café's atmosphere. The food prices are quite reasonable and there is a first-rate salad bar.

If you are “hankering” a juicy hamburger then the café to visit is Luxembourg located at Spui 22. It is invariably well-visited and highly trendy. There is a tremendous bar and a nice variety of delicious snacks. Don't miss it!

You will be very disappointed if you do not stop in to visit "t NieuweKafe located at Eggerstraat 8. The bistro is a “hit” with shoppers and the city"s visitors alike. The breakfast and lunch menu is very reasonably priced. Try the pancakes - you will be delighted! Hours of operation are: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and that is daily.

Next consideration is Pannekoekhuis found upstairs and located at Grimburgwal 2. The eatery is located in a run-down house and is really quite small in dimension. I just include it because to me it is interesting.

It's situated in the Old Centre and opposite the buildings of the University. Don't let the establishment's extreme rustic nature dissuade you. For the budget conscious, they serve delectable pancakes at a price that wont' begin to put a “dent” in your pocketbook. They are open Wednesday from Noon to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, Noon to 6:00 p.m.

Café Bern located at Nieumarkt 9and within the Old Centre is a nice casual café whose patrons are comprised of more of an “artsy” crowd. They are not going to empty your wallet and they offer a very popular cheese fondue comprised of alcohol. Hours of operation are 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and that's daily.

If you are interested in an afternoon tea, you will find a great establishment for this manner of dining located within the Grachtengordel. Greenwood's is located at Singel 103. This is a very quaint, English-style tea house found in the basement area of a canal house. You may order sandwiches and pies and of course pots of tea. Many patrons recommend Greenwood's for breakfast. Hours of operation are: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day of the week.

I believe I've found another “fun spot” for you, this time located within the Jordaan. Festina Lente is situated at Looiersgracht 406. This is an extremely casual mezzanine café-bar style eatery.. It has a bit of an eclectic vibe with furnishings that deliberately don't quite match and comfortable “cushy” chairs. The outside tables overlook the canal and the inside provides a cozy atmosphere. There are board games available for those who would like to partake in this activity. You go there because of the wonderful atmosphere. And, the food, comprised of the expected café-bar fare is okay too. Hours of operation are Monday 2:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.; and, Tuesday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to somewhere between 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. and Sunday it is noon to 1:00 a.m..

Journeying back to Amsterdam's Old Town Centre, you'll find another interesting establishment: Green Planet is located at Spuistraat 122. If you are vegetarian by design (or even if you are not) they have a ton of good tofu dishes and an amazing internationally-based menu. Don't neglect to pay them a visit. Oh, by the way, they are “cash only.” They are open 5:30 p.m. to Midnight, nightly.

If you are seeking hearty Dutch fare then the suggestion here is to head to the Old Centre and “pop” into Keuken van 1870 located at Spuistraat 2.

This eatery has been in business for years serving wonderful Dutch fare to patrons who like to watch their budgets. The restaurant provides a delicious three course meal and is without hesitation one of the city's best food deals.

Herein, these are just a few of the outstanding dining opportunities found within the city. Try to visit at least a few when site-seeing throughout Amsterdam. Additionally, as you go about your daily excursions, I am sure you will find even more eating establishments that will pique your interest and of which you will want to visit.

Tip: Something of which you will want to be apprised, if you visit a coffee shop in Amsterdam, it's basically a place to smoke and not cigarettes. I'm not saying you won't be able to attain a cup of coffee or pastry, it's just the main activity at such places is not drinking coffee. So if you are not into this type of activity and prefer to truly go somewhere simply to enjoy a cup of Java, review some of my suggestions above and stay out of coffee shops.

Flying to Amsterdam is by far the quickest and easiest way to get there, with all the major airlines offering great deals all year round. With the arrival of the low cost no frills budget airlines, fairs have been known to drop to as little as 99p plus taxes (one way) on a first come first served basis, not surprising it's a popular destination with flight times just over 1 hour from all major UK airports.

Getting into the city centre from Schiphol airport is very straightforward with regular trains running round the clock and takes 20 minutes to arrive, just walk out of the arrivals door and down the escalators onto the train station (don't forget to purchase your tickets from the kiosk before boarding the very slick double deck trains) you will need to catch a train to the city centre (Centrum), on arrival into central station you walk out of the main doors into the city centre, only to be greeted by the local form of transport (bicycle) they are everywhere due to the narrow streets cars struggle to fit down them, so bicycles are the better option.

Amsterdam is one of the few places in the world where the use of soft drugs is legal or rather decriminalised is probably the correct term, it is legal to smoke marijuana in coffee shops only, and is not advisable to walk round the streets puffing away, most pubs/bars don't allow anyone to smoke marijuana at all on the premises, but as of the 1st July 2008 smoking in any public place in Holland (and including Amsterdam) is not permitted. How this will effect the tourist industry is yet to be seen.

One of the largest tourist attractions by far is the Red Light District, with the Dutch having a very liberal approach on sex, the licensed prostitutes pay their taxes, and must have regular medical checks, which allow them to work legally in designated areas in the city, and with over 5000 prostitutes majority being female of all nationalities plying there trade in windows where soft neon lights gently illuminate the narrow streets and canals, (a word of warning prostitutes don't take to kindly to having there photo being taken) regular police patrols make sure the prostitutes stay safe, and they will not tolerate anyone abusing them, BE WARNED.

If you're the sort who plans ahead, you'll have booked a hotel room or hostel for the first night at least. If you're more adventurous, you'll just rock up with a bag and your savings. If you're the trusting kind, you'll have left the reservations to a mate. Your mate will mess up and you'll be stuck looking for a room anyway; whatever happens, be prepared to wander the streets of Amsterdam with little or no idea where you're going to sleep that night. Do not worry, this is normal; there are plenty of hotels and unless you are really unlucky or totally skint, you will eventually find somewhere. The streets of Amsterdam are generally safe, even at night, provided you remember two rules; Never buy weed offered to you on the street and never take photos or brandish cameras in the Red Light District. There are no legitimate dealers on the streets of Amsterdam; if you came for green shopping, use only licensed bars and cafes. Anyone offering a deal on the street is a mugger; decline and walk on by. Photography in the RLD is a serious faux pas that will see offenders thrown in the nearest canal; avoid upsetting the locals and restrain your holiday snaps to the tourist district, neighboring the RLD.

Amsterdam is a very friendly place; so long as you have money, there will always be someone willing to talk to you. If you're out alone, there are lots of other tourists about and its easy to join a wandering party. If you're with friends, be aware that your group is likely if not certain to get separated during your stay; make sure that everyone knows their way to certain major landmarks; Dam Square and Central. Central is where you came into town, assuming you arrived by train. Most of the cash points in the tourist area are at Central, so you'll be returning here at least once a day until you return home. The main street from Dam Square is Damrak; this main strip runs all the way to Dam Square. From Central, the tourist area of Amsterdam is on the right of Damrak; the RLD is to your left. Walk up and down Damrak until you get this basic geography; knowing this, you are then free to wander Amsterdam at will. If you get lost, head for Damrak, which will bring you back to Central.

To make navigation easier, you can get a room on Damrak; Hotel Neutral is a two-star joint above bureaux de change. There's not a lot to choose between two-star hotels in Amsterdam; expect tall, meandering stairs and generally revolting European toilets. Most hotel rooms have TVs and most hotels serve breakfast and tea in the mornings. The cheapest option is always a hostel, but these tend to be pre-booked long in advance; the upside of hotels is more privacy and a secure place to leave your bags.

The best bar in Amsterdam, by far, is The Other Place. Overlooking the canals in the heart of the RLD, formerly a Chinese Takeaway and hosting a tattoo parlor in the basement, The Other Place is themed on 70's cult-comic Fat Freddie's Cat. The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers stare from the walls. Walk up to the bar, buy a beer (there is only one beer in Amsterdam), and ask to see the menu. Watch as the surly barman open a secret compartment in the bar and produces a folder. Inside the folder are sample baggies. Read the menu and laugh. When you're done, bring a mate up to the bar and ask for him to see the menu; watch as he bursts out laughing too. The Other Place fills up, so arrive early and settle in a corner. The regulars lurk at the back of the bar; right at the front, the windows look out on the aforementioned view.

The best restaurant has to be La Cana, a place well documented in other tourist sources. It's the biggest restaurant in the city, comprising several floors each with a different vibe. The top floor is the bar and pool room. Downstairs, coffee shops, gift shops, a cafe and the main restaurant are an excellent one-stop fix for any tourist. The food is reasonably priced, hot, and considerably better than most Dutch Cuisine. Breakfast in Amsterdam is coffee and crisp bread with chocolate spread. Be warned that Tea can be an expensive vice in Amsterdam; tea is served in coffee cups, and any serious tea drinker will find they can spend more money on tea than on beer.

Amsterdam is a city that barely sleeps; if you should find yourself stuck for a hotel or hostel, just keep on going until dawn. The RLD shuts down around 0300 hours, but even then there are kebab shops open until 0500 and even a few all-night bars and cafes. At worst, you'll be twiddling your thumbs for a couple of hours in Dam Square, waiting for the city to wake up around dawn.