Amsterdam is one of a remarkable few destinations that successfully combine the cosmopolitan dynamic of a large city, while retaining its small village atmosphere. The city seems to thrive on this mix where, despite hordes of tourists, it still manages to feel quintessentially Dutch. The old cobbled streets, old crooked houses, tree-lined canals and parks all contribute to the ambience.

Located in the north west of The Netherlands, Amsterdam is a strikingly beautiful city with a fascinating history, stunning 17th century architecture and a series of magnificent canals and bridges. Thanks in part to the fact that there are more bicycles and trams than cars, the city has an almost uniquely laid back atmosphere that make Amsterdam a truly refreshing holiday destination.

Visitors to Amsterdam should take the time to see the art treasures of the Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum and Rijksmuseum, or catch a performance by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.

Perhaps the most haunting tourist draw in Amsterdam is Anne Frank's House. See the secret annex where the little Jewish girl and her family spent 25 months hiding from the Nazis. The museum chronicles her life from the time she entered the hidden room above her father's office, to the time of her death in Bergen-Belsen in March 1945. Few museums have conveyed the murderous brutality of the holocaust as successfully as this. Queues are virtually always long, so go early.

The Heineken museum is another of Amsterdam's major tourist attractions.The Heineken Experience is located at the original Heineken brewery in Amsterdam. Its buildings span two centuries, the main parts dating from 1867 and 1930. Travel back in time to meet the founders of the company, explore the giant malt silos and brewhouse and find out the secrets of the pilsner beer. If you're lucky, you might even get some samples!

Other attractions include a stroll around the flea and flower markets, the nearby bulb fields, vibrant nightlife and a thriving club scene.

Indeed, Amsterdam has one of the most buzzing club scenes in Europe, with a host of venues playing every type of music. Cafe Luxembourg is the perfect example of the Dutch 'brown cafe' and is one of the best bars in town. Years of smoke have turned the walls brown, but it is still the best place to be on a Sunday afternoon.

After dark head towards the Leidesplan. This area of town consists of a town square fed by a pair of main streets and is lined with pubs, clubs, restaurants and street entertainers.

Even if you do not intend to indulge in some space cakes or a pre-rolled, stop in to a coffee shop to enjoy the atmosphere. Fortunately, unlike Prague or Tallinn organised groups of revellers tend to go to Amsterdam to smoke cannabis rather than drink heavily, meaning the city has avoided the worst of the Friday night fight tradition that has blighted many parts of Europe.

But no-one can visit Amsterdam without doing a spot of window shopping in the red-light district. Although easily found, visitors can spend hours wandering along the narrow cobbled streets simply enjoying the city's friendly atmosphere.

It is for good reason that Amsterdam is one of the most popular European tourist destinations. Superficially, the beauty and elegance of Amsterdam make it a city worthy of seeing, but its laid-back and friendly atmosphere will be what keeps you coming back again and again.

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