What makes Amsterdam so popular with visitors from around the world? Is it the city’s atmosphere, or famous canals? Is it its rich history, or theatres and museums? Perhaps it’s the cosy outdoor terraces, and fabulous shops and department stores? Or how about the beautiful parks, where there’s always so much to see and do? Then again – maybe it’s the freedom that Amsterdam offers with its tolerant “live and let live” mentality?

In fact, it’s all these things that make Amsterdam such a one-of-a-kind destination. So, why not explore this compact city like a local? Just put on your walking shoes, or grab a bike, and go!

No other city has so many sights per square kilometre. But Amsterdam is also a thriving urban centre – a pulsing metropolis in a compact cityscape. You’ll find that sights in the city centre are all within walking distance. You can easily discover other districts with plenty of tram, bus and metro connections to choose from. And don’t forget the fleet of ferries ready to take you across the IJ River.

Must-see sights

Which sights shouldn’t you miss? Although Amsterdammers believe that the only thing anyone “should” be doing is “as they please”, there are a few gems that number among the city’s top sights: famous museums include the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House and the Hermitage Amsterdam. There’s the equally celebrated 17th century canal district, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Other highlights include the cosy 17th century Jordaan district, the lively Pijp with its terrace cafés and Albert Cuyp Market, the Plantage district, where nature, culture, history and science go hand in hand, the Eastern Docklands boasting modern architecture and design, and the up-scale museum mecca that is the Oud-Zuid area. Then why not head to Westerpark area and discover Cultuurpark Westergasfabriek or the imaginative architecture of the Amsterdam School (Museum Het Ship). Amsterdam Noord is both fascinating for its daring architecture along the banks of the IJ and the historic dike houses in the Nieuwendammerdijk neighbourhood. The district of Oud-West also has some surprises in store including historic riding academy Hollandse Manege, the seven buildings of United Europe and a giant bookcase that’s part of a housing estate.

And speaking about must-see sights – don’t miss taking a boat tour through the canals, exploring the city by bike, and enjoying sunny terrace breaks in between. But that’s not all! If you’ve been there, done that and got the t-shirt, there’s still plenty more to discover…

The famous terrace of Cafe de Jaren

Organic market and picnic in the park/Parks

Start the day like an Amsterdammer. Go shopping in the cosy “9 Straatjes” or “9 Streets” area in the canal district and stop for lunch at one of the many cafés and eateries. If it happens to be Saturday, head to the organic market on Noordermarkt square in the Jordaan. Looking for some rest and relaxation? Lay your weary head in the green grass of one of the city’s parks. The best known is Vondelpark, with its multitude of joggers, sun worshippers and performers, people lounging on terraces, playing football or rollerblading.  Westerpark is a more hip and happening alternative, sprawling around the impressive industrial complex of Westergasfabriek, built in 1885. On a hot summer’s day, Oosterpark is full of families with well-stocked picnic baskets, and kids splashing around in the public wading pool till far into the evening.

Albert Cuyp Market

Canal District: Canal houses and gardens

Amsterdam is most famous throughout the world for its canals. The reflection of the historic facades, bridges and boats in the water creates a unique atmosphere. But the city’s web of waterways also offers plenty of surprises even city residents are often unaware of. Such as a number of canal houses that are open to visitors, featuring beautiful interiors dating from the 17^th, 18^th or 19^th centuries. Perhaps the gardens hidden behind these houses offer the biggest surprise of all – with only the sound of chirping birds, these gardens offer an oasis of tranquility, shutting out the hustle and bustle of the city around them.

Bloemenmarkt

Experience Amsterdam’s fabulous Queen’s Day festival in April

Although summer offers the greatest concentration of festivals, there’s a festival on that you won’t want to miss this April – the orange-coloured street party that is Queen’s Day. Queen’s on 30 April has always been a special day in Amsterdam and this year, there will be even more to celebrate as the new king and queen of the Netherlands are officially inaugurated.

Earlier this year, Her Majesty the Queen delivered an official address to the nation, announcing her upcoming abdication from the throne. This will take place on Tuesday, 30 April, 2013 at the Royal Palace on Dam Square, followed by the inauguration of His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange and Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima of the Netherlands as the new king and queen at De Nieuwe Kerk.

The majority of the traditional Queen’s Day festivities including the street market will go ahead as planned and in addition, Amsterdam will host a special programme of events based around the ceremonies. This will include a royal boat parade and a celebratory King’s Ball at Museumplein.

Queen’s Day Festival

I amsterdam City Card

A top tip for visitors coming to the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area is the I amsterdam 

City Card. With its slogan “See More, Save More”, this smart card is a cost-effective way of exploring Amsterdam in all its diversity. The card guarantees free admission to over 30 of the city’s top museums, a canal cruise and free transport on all municipal transport (GVB) tram, bus and metro lines. What’s more, the I amsterdam City Card gives 25% off on additional attractions and restaurants. The I amsterdam City Card is available for 24 hours at €39, 48 hours at €49 or 72 hours at €59. Not just convenient, the card offers a savings of over €100. It’s available for purchase at all VVV Tourist Offices and Agencies in the region, the Amsterdam municipal transport company (GVB), Amsterdam hotels and other businesses. More information: www.iamsterdamcard.nl