Amsterdam is an intriguing mix of history, hedonism and high culture, all of which keep this lively port city at the top of many people's travel lists. Its world-class museums house Old Masters and new talents, and visitors can admire 17th-century townhouses or wander into converted warehouses that are now cutting-edge venues.

The infamous Red Light District and coffee shops are undoubtedly a presence in the city center, but there’s so much more to Amsterdam than its stereotypes. The Nieuwe Zijde (New Side) offers street art and nightclubs while the Oude Zijde (Old Side) has a 14th-century church and the Rembrandt House Museum (Museum Het Rembrandthuis).

Here are some ideas to make the most of your time (and memories) in the Dutch capital:

Why visit Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is an exciting destination by any definition. It is also a famously liberal and inclusive city that has embraced its edgier scenes while also fostering plenty of family-friendly activities as well.

Amsterdam’s history is evident all over the city. Its canal houses with their bright colors and exterior pulley systems are the legacy of its merchant past, dating back to the 18th century and now converted into apartments or venues. The Amsterdam School was an influential architectural movement, with prime examples around neighborhoods such as The Pipe (De Pijp) district.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the histories of famed Amsterdam residents at museums such as the Van Gogh Museum in Museumplein and the Anne Frank House on the Prinsengracht canal. Don’t miss the chance for photo opportunities of buildings from the 16th-century Golden Age churches to the maritime modernism of the ship-like NEMO Science Museum. Enjoy it all while feasting on fresh salted herring, deep-friend meatballs (bitterballen) and deliciously sweet pancakes (pofferjes) at Albert Cuyp Market.

Amsterdam rivals any vacation destination, and with that laid-back Dutch temperament ready to welcome you, it’s a hard place not to love. Enjoy some relaxed, canal-side living, especially (at the central Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, just off the historical Rembrandt Square (Rembrandtplein).

Getting to and around Amsterdam

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a major international hub for air routes from around the world. The airport is extremely well connected to Amsterdam’s city center by train, bus and taxi. It’s about a 25 minute drive into the city center. Car rental facilities are available, although public transportation here is excellent, so avoid the stress of navigating by car.

The city’s Central Station is similarly a busy center for train travel. It’s a great place to begin or end a rail tour of Europe, and Eurostar, Thalys and NS International all have high-speed routes out of the station.

Amsterdam’s excellent, integrated public transport system, GVB, is also based out of Centraal. To travel on metros, trams and buses, buy an OV-chipkaart, either a disposable, one-time use card or a reloadable pass. Both can be bought and topped-up at stations and newsagents. All forms of transport use the same distance fees, so they all cost the same.

Cycling is a great way to travel around Amsterdam and the city is one of the most bike-friendly in the world. There are protected bike lanes and bicycle parking and rental facilities across the city center and beyond, just be very careful to lock up your bike, even if only leaving it for a few minutes.

Navigate the city by boat on a canal cruise. In nice weather, an open air boat ride is a relaxing way to explore the winding waterways and many bridges – or enjoy a glass-covered boat ride in the cooler months.

Paul Oswell is a British award-winning journalist and published travel author based in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States. His books include Bucket List North America and The Great American Road Trip, as well as New Orleans' Historic Hotels. He has also been an editor of and contributor to several guide books/editions published by Dorling Kindersley (owned by Penguin), including New Orleans, Florida, Orlando, Los Angeles, California and The United States. His work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure (both of which he has written multiple online travel guides for) and The Guardian, as well as dozens of international newspaper and magazine titles, and inflight magazines for major airlines.