Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of my favourite cities in the world (Craig), yes that is potentially an eye-rolling statement coming from a guy, but everyone can love it if they know what to get from it. This city is not like most other cities, visually it looks so different, it doesn’t have skyscrapers, it has its own charm and is very laid-back and relaxed for a capital city.
First off, the canals – they’re not just picturesque, they practically feel like half of the city’s surface area. Then there’s the architecture – those crooked, colourful buildings are far better than the usual glass monstrosities that you see in most cities.
The food is worth sampling here too. Stroopwafels, Dutch pancakes, and, of course, the endless supply of Dutch cheese. If you want to fill your cultural boots you have The Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum as must-visit spots for a dose of history.
Amsterdam has an interesting underbelly with a unique red light district right in the city centre, its legalised cannabis is often talked about along with the party atmosphere but that’s not the only bit of indulgence to be had here. In a nutshell, Amsterdam isn’t just a city; it’s an experience.
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Drive on which side? Right hand side
Country dial code: +31
Population: 822,000
City size: 85 square miles (220 square kilometres)
Best time of year to visit Amsterdam: April to September
