THINGS TO DO IN AMSTERDAM

No Visit to Amsterdam can be complete without taking a Cruise in Canals. The city center of Amsterdam is criss-crossed with 165 canals, some of them dating back to the 13th century. You can walk or bike through this part of Amsterdam, and explore the canals and more than 1,200 bridges. Traditional canal houses are common along the tree-lined waterways. It is a peaceful area, mainly because the narrow lanes don't allow for much automobile traffic.

DINNER CRUISE The best way to make your acquaintance with Amsterdam is to take a cruise on the city's canals. The nicest option is a two-and-a- half hour dinner cruises. Sitting cosily inside a glass-domed motorboat, you tuck into a delicious four-course meal while enjoying the sights of Amsterdam.

MUSEUMS Amsterdam has about 50, ranging from serious to irreverent. The two must-see are the Rijksmuseum (www.rijksmuseum.nl) and the Van Gogh Museum . The Rijks houses are by masters like Frans Hall Jan Steen, Johannes Vermeer and, of course, Rembrandt. The van Gogh Museum is close by.

STREET FOOD Amsterdam's street food is a treat. Raw herring with pickles is a local delicacy but probably an acquired taste for the visitor. No such issues with fries and mayo or the fresh pancakes.

COFFEE POT Amsterdam is known for its laidback culture. While the authorities are getting a little more stringent, the city’s coffee shops are still doing great business. Around 200 coffee shops are allowed to sell small quantities of cannabis and marijuana to anyone over 18.

HOUSEBOAT STAY what do Amsterdam and Srinagar have in common? Houseboats, of course. You can rent out houseboats for any duration in Amsterdam, and the location can vary from a quiet side canal to the city center. Most boats are well furnished and near shopping centers and markets. Single rooms of entire boats can be rented .

If you really want to visit stunning, striking and gorgeous place, go to the Magere Brug or Skinny Bridge over the Amstel River. On its one side, you can see Carré Theater, and the Stopera (Ballet/Opera/City Hall) on the other. You just stand for a few minutes to get pleasure from the view and to watch people walking/biking by.

You can also enjoy walking thru ‘The 9 Streets’, which is one of Amsterdam’s most exclusive and impressive areas. The deluxe Maisonette apartment is situated in Reestraat surrounded by the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals. The area has a village-type of atmosphere and it shows off many of the city’s supreme picture galleries, bars, dress shops, coffeehouses, delicatessens, shops and eating places. It is absolutely a gourmet’s and shopper’s paradise.