Amsterdam itself is one of the most engaging and likeable cities in the world. A trip to the Rijksmuseum is alone worth boarding the Eurostar for.

But after your stay in Amsterdam, get yourself on one of the other best European train systems and make the trip to Maastricht. This is probably the most vibrant city of the Netherlands, likened to a miniature Paris with its cobbled streets and fantastic cuisine.

The city centre is excellent for the more contemporary shops while the older part of town contains high-class boutiques where the proprietors don't seem too fazed by the odd nose impression against the window.

After a hard day's shopping, fortify yourself with a coffee at one of the coffee shops (not that kind of coffee shop!) around the Wyck or Ceramique district before crossing the Hoge bridge and strolling around the Jekerkwartier area. Here you'll find romantic cobbled streets and a real sense of calm in this exciting city. But the best thing about Maastricht? You can get there easily from Bruges and Brussels too.

www.rijksmuseum.nl/index.jsp

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Check out Da Groene Lantaarn located on the canal (Bloemgracht 47) in the Jordaan district - this fantastic fondue restaurant is off the main drag, but well worth the trek.

Every kind of fondue is on offer, but no meal is finished until you have the chocolate fondue. It's a terrifically romantic place, and we were lucky enough to be there in the snow - it holds many happy memories.

Bloemgracht 47
1016KD Amsterdam

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There's nowhere better for New Year's Eve than Amsterdam. Get away from corporate Dam Square and go to the Niewmarket for 2 hours of insane mayhem as fireworks explode all around you.

Clink glasses with jolly Dutchmen shouting 'Happy New Years'; stay up all night, flitting between bars around the square, singing along to Europop ('Heyyyyy, baby - ooh, ahh'); then wander back across romantic canal bridges.

On New Year's Day, oliebollen for breakfast then people-watching at the glamorous (in a Dutch sort of way) Cafe Luxembourg. Book early though!

www.luxembourg.nl/

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Get a table to eat at the Restaurant De Belhamel and ask for a window seat. The views of the canal are beautiful. I highly recommend the beef. We had a gorgeous, romantic meal there for a very reasonable price. I can't wait to go back.

www.diningcity.nl/debelhamel/en/index.php

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Perhaps one of the only restaurants of its type in Europe, this intimate little eatery serves up piping hot Japanese pancakes - imagine a big potato pie stuffed with fillings - and boasts a stunning location in the picturesque Jordaan. Mains from around 13 Euros: check out the 'dancing fish flakes' for added entertainment.

Tweede Eglantiersdwarsstraat 24a (a side street off Eglantiersgracht perpendicular to the west side of Prinsengracht)
www.japanesepancakeworld.com
+31 20 320 4447

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This Vietnamese and Thai restaurant is the perfect setting for a romantic meal. The decor is beautiful and tasteful, the food is absolutely delicious and there is a comprehensive wine list. It is also right in the heart of the old town making a walk there at night really picturesque. What really makes it though is the service, which is personal without being over-attentive; we found it by accident one year and paid another visit 12 months later and were amazed when the staff remembered us. Definitely worth a visit to Amsterdam alone.

Beulingstraat 9, 1017 BA Amsterdam; tel: 20 627 57 55
www.diningcity.com/ams/indochine/en/

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This excellent restaurant is in the middle of the red light district - an oasis of peace and tranquility in one of the busiest parts of Amsterdam. It's a fantastic place to go after wandering the canals of the red light district at night for an hour or so. The food is excellent and the service even better in a calm and chic environment. Inside you can eat upstairs or downstairs but, if you go in the summer, try and book a table outside on the lovely terrace.

Join the crowds of people milling along the wallen, this restaurant is down a tiny lane opposite the Casa Rosso - at the end of a dubious alley you suddenly find youself in a tiny, leafy square.
Ouderzids Achterburgwal 99; tel: 020 330 2257

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This is a stunning restaurant, located on in the heart of Amsterdams canals. Only a short walk from a number of Metro stations. Beautifully decorated in a way that manages to capture the baroque essence in a modern way! Excellent food and wine - not cheap but brilliant value. I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough. The staff are extremely attentive and made our visit hugely enjoyable. We went to celebrate a family birthday - but this would be a fantastic setting for a romantic dinner.

22-24 Wolvenstraat

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