As the capital city of the Netherlands - Amsterdam is one of the coolest cities in Europe. The city is an excellent blend of old and new and combines big-city atmosphere with small-town friendliness.

No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without visiting at least one of their many museums. The 'Rijksmuseum' is, without a doubt, the country's best art museum and houses works by the old masters including Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hals and Steen. The Van Gogh museum is nearby, as is the Stedelijk museum, which focuses on a more contemporary collection. Anne Frank Huis is also a hugely popular attraction which is steeped in nostalgia.

The canals of Amsterdam are another famous landmark and there is nothing quite like seeing this Dutch city by boat. In winter, when the canals freeze over, skating through the canals is a popular past time and is a fun way to see the city!

Anytime is a good time to visit Amsterdam. The summer months are great for being outdoors and soaking in the warm atmosphere but this is peak tourist season when prices are high and queues are long. From mid-October to mid-March, the climate is not as nice but there are fewer tourists and more locals, bringing out the best of the culture.