Amsterdam - the capital of the Netherlands - is one of those unique cities that are made up of different personas; it is almost like a split-personality city. It has its cheeky and fun side and then its more sophisticated, calm side. Both can make for an immensely fulfilling holiday or you can combine the two for a multi-layered experience.

That's the beauty of Amsterdam; it has the ability to take you wherever your mood may fancy at any particular moment - there are no rules and no restrictions and the onus is always on enjoyment, especially when exploring its quieter side.

There is no better way to initially find your feet in Amsterdam than to rent a boat on the Amstel River. From here you can float along at a relaxed pace and take in the sights and sounds of the city, whilst planning which areas you want to inspect more closely.

It is hard to resist heading straight for Museum Square, the largest square in Amsterdam. It is here that you will find a vast array of museums in one central place, among them the famous Van Gogh Museum, the Dutch art museum (Rijksmuseum) and the contemporary modern art museum (Stedelijk). The square itself consists of vast green lawns and tapered walkways, providing a tranquil setting for this collection of museums.

Indeed much of Amsterdam is actually quite green and calm, especially with its blooming tulip fields during the summer months. It is also a city that actively discourages car driving in the central areas and bicycles are widely used, so it is green in more ways than one. Visitors can easily rent a bike and experience the city like a local; that way you're likely to chance upon the quiet hidden spots and unexplored corners that can otherwise be missed.

Amsterdam impresses on a plethora of levels; unspoilt countryside, unique tourist attractions and a relaxed atmosphere - all enhanced by a string of social policies designed to make Amsterdam a beautiful place to visit both now and in the future. Indeed, Amsterdam seems to take exceptional care in preserving their treasured country and its many historical gems, such as the Anne Frank House, which has been lovingly preserved all these years. But perhaps even more impressive is the Begijnhof building which dates back to around 1425. It is a building made entirely of wood that miraculously still stands strong after all these years.

With many flights to and hotels in Amsterdam available, it would seem the perfect place to plan a holiday; one that will pleasantly surprise you at every turn. It is a beautiful city with many hidden and undiscovered depths.

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