Amsterdam is loaded with a variety of quality attractions in all categories, from world-class museums and art galleries to many stylish monuments and landmarks and the unforgettable nightlife, which features numerous bars, pubs, special coffee houses and 'windowed women'. Amsterdam is a very compact city and is easy to get about on foot or by bicycle, while trams ply important tourist routes and a collection of boats wind their ways through the canals, presenting an altogether more charming mode of sightseeing.

Artis Zoo
A favourite with children, Artis Zoo is an established Amsterdam attraction that has been around since the early 19th century and features an array of indigenous and exotic beasts in settings reminiscent of their natural habitats. There are literally thousands of animals here as well as an aquarium and a nocturnal house. If it's a wet day, you can still enjoy the zoological and geological museums which are also on site.

The Begijnhof
The Begijnhof is the perfect haven for shoppers who are in the popular Spui shopping area and looking for a little respite from the crowds. The Begijnhof is an ancient courtyard dating from the 1400s which is surrounded by many small houses and some agreeable greenery. The nation's oldest wooden house resides here; a former convent for the Beguines. The Beguines were widowed or unmarried women from wealthy backgrounds who took care of elderly people and lived a religious life. The last of the Beguines died in the 1970s.

Central Station
Located in the heart of the city, Central Station (1889) is a charming red-bricked structure that was designed by the same architect who designed the Rijksmuseum - PJH Cuypers. The Dutch neo-Renaissance Central Station is an important travel hub in Amsterdam and is seen by most visitors as they enter the city.

Dam Square
Dam Square is an important part of the fabric of Amsterdam, both past and present. The square lies directly at the heart of the city and is largely responsible for Amsterdam's name, which originated from the 'Dam on the Amstel'. The first dam was built here in the 1200s and today the square is presided over by the Royal Palace, the War Memorial and the New Church, while royal ceremonies, Remembrance Day celebrations, street performances and other social events also take place here.

Heineken Brewery Museum (Heinekenbrouwerij)
Taking a tour of the Heineken Brewery is perhaps Amsterdam's favourite attraction for many. Visitors can take the Heineken Experience tour, which gives insight into the brewing process, which was the brainchild of Heineken founder Gerard Adriaan Heineken. Visitors also get to sample some Heineken in the Brewhouse Bar at the end of the tour, while a gift shop with Heineken-related merchandise is also on site. Website: www.heinekenexperience.com

Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis)
The brother of Napoleon Bonaparte turned this former 17th century town hall into a palace during his reign as the king of the Netherlands in 1808. Not the most beautiful of buildings from the outside, depending on your architectural perspective, the Royal Palace boasts one of Europe's finest ceremonial halls and a collection of chandeliers and clocks. Princess Beatrix was married to Klaus von Amberg in 1966 in the Burgerzal (Burghers' Hall) and although no longer used as the official residence of the monarch, the Royal Palace is still used for many important functions.

Leidseplein
One of the city's hotspots for nightly entertainment, Leidseplein, located on Leidsestraat, is a very popular place for visitors where a huge number of bars, pubs, restaurants and nightclubs reside.

Red Light District
A very popular tourist attraction, particularly for single males, the red light district of Amsterdam, known as De Walletjes, consists of numerous narrow streets, beautiful old houses and of course the famed 'windowed women'. The area is located to the east of Dam Square and features many ladies of the evening advertising themselves in ground-floor windows. There is also a range of seedy clubs here as well as plenty of marijuana-selling coffee shops. Visitors should beware of their valuables in this area and taking photographs of the women is not allowed.

Rembrandtsplein
Another popular nightspot on a par with the Leidseplein, Rembrandtsplein is home to many striptease joints and numerous cafés, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Rembrandt's statue stands at the centre of the green area.

Weepers' Tower (Schreierstoren)
A favourite spot for maritime buffs, the Schreierstoren is a semicircular fortress tower situated at the harbour, which forms part of the old town walls. It was best known as the Weepers' Tower due to the tears shed by wives on departure of their husbands on long sea voyages. Henry Hudson sailed from here to the New World in 1609 and a bronze plaque commemorates the occasion.

Vondelpark
Vondelpark is a great place to relax in the summertime, with its complement of street performers and buskers, and summer open-air theatre on Sundays. The park was named after Joost van den Von Dell, a famous poet and playwright, and runs from Singelgracht to Amstelveenseweg. Tourists and locals come here to picnic, stroll and enjoy the entertainment.

Chance your luck at the Holland Casino, one of the largest and flashiest casinos in Europe, which features a great selection of gaming tables and machines where punters can try their luck or simply relax in the classy restaurant.

Cruise Amsterdam's famous canals, with the four main canals being Singel, Herengracht (Gentlemen's Canal), Keizergracht (Emperor's Canal) and the Prinsengracht (Prince's Canal), which form concentric rings around the old town. Cruise boats take in all the sights including the ancient bridges, the 200-year-old houses that line the canal banks and a host of shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs.

Explore the Botanical Gardens (Hortus Botanicus), which have been around since the 1680s and feature thousands of plant species from all around the world. The gardens provide perfect respite from the city noise and visitors to the gardens in the springtime will be blessed with a sea of colour from the ubiquitous tulip collection.

Relax in Amsterdamse Bos, a favourite haunt with both Amsterdamers and visitors, this is a huge park with a variety of trees and numerous sports opportunities.

Visit one of the Diamond centres, which have given Amsterdam the title 'City of Jewels'. Visitors can enjoy free demonstrations of the cutters and polishers at work.