If Amsterdam’s tourists and tack overwhelm you head for a little known doorway on the ‘Spui’ through which you can enter the Begijnhof’s little haven of medieval serenity.

It’s a court of almshouses clustered around a peaceful garden where devout women have been housed since 1475 and religious women continue to be housed.

If you miss the hidden doorway, the entrance is also through the Amsterdam Historical Museum, the former city orphanage on Kalverstraat.

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Forget about trams, trains, buses or taxis while you're in Amsterdam. Hire a bike or walk, you'll find loads of places you'd have missed otherwise.

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Be sure to go on a day trip to the Kroller Muller Museum on the train to Ede and then by bus to the national park.

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The red light district is where all the hotels are, but make sure you take a good walk out one of the spokes and take in a movie (with a Grolsh or two) and a proper local coffee shop.

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Public transport is cheap but to get a real feel of this city it best to walk. An inexpensive map can be obtained from most newsagents. Most locations can be reached by wondering along canals. Start early and enjoy the many bars and restaurants which populate the city.

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When visiting this great city, only ever walk or ride a bike. Because it's flat, walking or cycling is not too strenuous and you get to see things you'd miss in a tram, bus or taxi.

You get great exercise, giving you a healthy appetite which can be sated in one of the many good-value restaurants. And all your exercise has earned you a beer, which you can enjoy in one of the hundreds of great bars to choose from. Finally, you'll meet a lot of fellow cyclists/walkers who will immediately be your comrades-in-arms!

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Avoid the red lights and smokey atmosphere and go for a leisurely stroll through the Vondelpark. Lovely, relaxing and a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle.

South Amsterdam

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Take a free tour with these guys - www.newamsterdamtours.com. It's free, so great if you're on a budget, and even if you're not the guides are great and you'll learn tonnes and have a good walk at the same time! They do a bunch of other European cities too, including Paris.

www.newamsterdamtours.com

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Huge park in the city centre (five minutes walk from Leidseplein). Lovely for walking/lazing/picnicking on warm spring/summer days. Bring your own food/drink or stop in one of the bars for snacks etc.

Amsterdam city centre

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If you are curious about just how far below sea level the Netherlands is, and have heard rumours about the airport being one of the lowest points, you might take a moment to stop by the Waterloo metro station.

On the wall is a depiction of various points relative to sea level, and as you ascend the stairs you can see tubes containing water for a more visual demonstration of just how far below the sea you are.

Waterlooplein metro station

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Over the last 15 years Amsterdam has converted its docklands on the river IJ from old warehouses, which were once home to squatters, to new structures with innovative architecture. The design is some of the most amazing stuff you will see anywhere around the world.

Exit the rear of Centraal Station and walk towards the east. Ask for Entrepothaven if needed. Or take bus 43 leaving from Centraal
station in the direction of "Borneo eiland" and get off at Cruquiusweg. Walk north into the Entrepothaven.

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