Easter is a time for celebration in Amsterdam and there are plenty of ways for visitors to join in on the fun. Easter Sunday (Eerste Paasdag) and Easter Monday (Tweede Paasdag) are both official holidays in the Netherlands so you can be sure there will be plenty going on to keep you amused.

Amsterdam embraces the Easter spirit and as the spring sunshine makes an appearance, bakery windows glimmer with sugary works of art and you can pick up traditional Easter foods at one the many markets held in the city. Sweet treats, from chocolate tarts to traditional holiday breads, abound this time of year so it's easy to sample a taste of the local flavours.

Markets have been commonplace in Amsterdam since the early 18th century, when the first stall was set up in the Jewish Quarter. There are now around 12 daily outdoor markets, 15 markets which are open one or two days of the week and several markets which open on a certain day of the season. Most are open during normal shopping hours so weather permitting, you can shop to your hearts' content.

The Albert Cuypmarkt is Amsterdam's largest and busiest market where traditional Dutch foods and all sorts of other goodies can be picked up.

The Farmer's Market at Noordermarkt is excellent for biological food, fresh fruits, cheese, cakes and other snacks.

Once you are finished at the market you might fancy a seat and cup of tea. You are in luck over the Easter weekend as countless restaurants in Amsterdam are open for service on these days and many offer special holiday menus, quite commonly brunch or high tea.

If you fancy getting into the spirit of things then head to the famous Vondelpark where an egg hunt takes place at "The Big Milk House" (Het Groot Melkhuis). This former-dairy-turned-café has a terrace which is great for catching a few rays of springtime sun and indulging in a spot of people watching.

The quaint house and its outdoor areas are the centre of Easter activity and Easter egg hunts take place throughout the day.

No matter what time of year you visit Amsterdam you can take a canal cruise and observe the city from a different angle. Amsterdam's canals are one of its defining features and they criss-cross throughout the whole of the city. There are several different types of cruise offered by different operators so have a scout around to find the one that suits you best.

Amsterdam's museums rank highly when it comes to the most popular visitor attractions. The "Big Three" are the most popular and include the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House.

There are approximately 40 more museums, so be sure to read about them beforehand so you don't miss out.

Amsterdam hotels are as varied as the attractions and sights offered by the city and there is something to suit everyone, from budget hostels to five star luxury.

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