| Over recent years, Amsterdam has proved one of | | | | the ever-popular Van Gogh Museum. |
| Europe's most popular short break destinations, and | | | | As relaxing as a stress-free Amsterdam-style bike |
| the perfect place to go for a relaxing escape from | | | | ride may be, a boat ride around Amsterdam's famous |
| the tension and stress of city life. And yet, | | | | canal system (which gives Amsterdam the deserved |
| Amsterdam itself is a major city - so what makes it | | | | nickname of Venice of the North) is another great |
| different from other European metropolises? Quite | | | | way to experience the beauty of the city - in |
| simply, it's the relaxed approach to life that separates | | | | particular the stunning 17th century architecture that |
| Amsterdam from other European capitals, and what | | | | lines the canal in the centre of the city. A boat ride |
| makes Amsterdam the perfect place to go to get | | | | also offers the chance to see some of the more |
| away. | | | | modern examples of the Amsterdam school of |
| This way of life is perhaps symbolised best in | | | | architecture, in particular buildings such as Renzo |
| Amsterdam's preferred form of travel: the bicycle. | | | | Piano's NEMO building, while Amsterdam's centre of |
| There are apparently more than a million bikes in | | | | science, which is in the shape of a ship's bow is an |
| Amsterdam, and when you consider that the | | | | allusion to the Dutch Golden Age when Amsterdam's |
| population of the city is estimated at around about | | | | was one of the most important ports in the world. |
| the same number, you begin to realise that the | | | | As well as being a great city to tour by bike or boat, |
| natives of the city are serious about being seriously | | | | Amsterdam is a great place to just walk around and |
| easy-going! And yes, it may require more energy and | | | | soak in the culture, whether it's wondering the |
| take more time than driving or taking the tube - but | | | | famously friendly Red Light District or relaxing in one |
| when you've got all the time in the world, you can | | | | of the cities many relaxed, chilled-out coffee shops. |
| afford to take it! | | | | Also, as is fitting for a capital city, Amsterdam is also |
| As well as symbolising the relaxed attitude to city life, | | | | home to fantastic museums, art galleries and venues |
| bikes also provide one of the best ways to enjoy | | | | that promote the history and culture of one of |
| this beautiful and artistic city. There are a number of | | | | Europe's most popular and friendly cities. There are |
| stunning, bike-friendly parks and squares dotted | | | | also a wide array of fantastic restaurants and hotels |
| through the city, including the famous Dam Square, | | | | in Amsterdam to suit every taste and budget. |
| the tranquil home of the Dutch Royal Palace, and the | | | | So if you're in need of a break, there's no better |
| Vondelpark, which is perfectly situated near three | | | | place to visit than Amsterdam, where life's as easy |
| major museums; the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk, and | | | | as riding a bike - and just as unforgettable! |