When you've done the big tourist sites there is nothing like getting off the beaten track on an Amsterdam city break. One of the great ways to see this beautiful city is simply to wander around. You are sure to find a hidden treasure that suits you.
Amsterdam city centre is very compact so you can walk or why not hire a bike? Failing that there is a cheap and efficient tram network throughout Amsterdam that will get you anywhere you need to go in the city.
For guided tours off the beaten track see Local Experts Amsterdam
Visit a coffeeshop
Cannabis is openly sold and smoked in Amsterdam coffeeshops. While soft drugs have not been legalized, cannabis (but not hard drugs) can be used discretely. Adults over 18 can buy up to 5g. They're not just for tourists as the locals frequent them too.
Some coffeeshops are laid back, others have psychedelic decor or you can combine a smoke with music. It's best to avoid the Red Light District's coffeeshops, unless you enjoy unnecessary risks and dodgy company.
You won’t be popular if you simply hang around – buy a coffee, a soft drink or snack. You can smoke your own cannabis but you must buy something. Be careful as the local 'skunk' is strong, but the staff will normally advise the inexperienced. You can ask for a pipe or rolling papers. Only a very few coffeeshops are licensed to sell alcohol.
Relax in Vondelpark
Vondelpark, near the Rijksmuseum, is the biggest park in Amsterdam and has about 10million visitors each year. On a sunny day there are thousands dog-walking, jogging, roller-skating or listening to music. There are free concerts at the open-air theatre, a children's playground and the city's film museum. The park's rose garden is a notorious area for cruising gays.
The free open-air theatre opens weekdays from June to August, near the Eeghenstraat entrance. In summer there are performances for children on Wednesday afternoons. The Filmmuseum also has shows for children on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons.
Take a trip to the zoo
Amsterdam Artis Zoo in the Plantage District was founded in 1838, making it the oldest city zoo in Europe. The layout can feel cramped but the winding pathways, through an expanse of greenery, make it a very pleasant experience. There is the usual assortment of animals - apes, gazelles, elephants and so on - plus an insect house and a large aquarium. Although it covers a huge area, there is strangely only one entrance at Plantage Kerklaan.
Visit the Artis Zoo
NEMO science centre
The four floors of the NEMO science centre at Oosterdok are shaped like a giant green ship. The centre is especially attractive for children, with many stimulating exhibits on science and nature. Grown-ups can have fun too with hands-on gadgets and experiments. There are several cafes and the large roof terrace gives Amsterdam city break visitors some great views.
Coffeeshop window
Artis Zoo
Vondelpark
Open air theatre
Zoo hippo
