Leisure

Dining

While a hearty meal of liverwurst (traditional sausage made with liver) washed down with local Heineken beer is considered typical, dining out in Amsterdam tends to be an international experience. From Turkish rolled pizza to spicy Surinamese broodjes (sandwiches), menus reflect the immigrants who call the city home as well as centuries of Dutch colonial rule.

Indonesian food is particularly popular. Try rijsttafel (an elaborate meal of Indonesian dishes with rice) on and around Utrechtsestraat. For different Asian cuisine, head to Chinatown, in the Nieuwmarkt area.

Try the Negen Straatjes and Jordaan areas for small, good-quality restaurants. Head to Toscanini for authentic Italian. Just west of Jordaan is the atmospheric Amsterdam restaurant, a former water-pumping factory that now serves high-quality Dutch fare.

Shopping

Leidsestraat, Kalverstraat and Nieuwendjik make up the city's main shopping districts. Also soak up the atmosphere of Amsterdam's markets. Among the best is Singel's famous floating Bloemenmarkt (flower market), founded in 1862, where you can pick out a bunch of Dutch tulips from a sea of color.

For traditional handmade and painted Delft pottery, head to Jorrit Heinen. If the Dutch amber nectar appeals to you, the beer shop De Bierkoning is well worth a visit. You'll find original gifts – from bicycle-tire bags to soft clog slippers – at Saskya & Co., near the central station.

Things to do

Walk or cycle along Amsterdam's labyrinth of canals to reach the city's highlights. At Anne Frank's House on Prinsengracht, you can see the original diary and learn more about the family's experiences. Next door stands the Dutch Renaissance-style Westerkerk church, where Rembrandt is buried.

An absolute must-see, the Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of the Dutch master's work. Nearby is the imposing Rijksmuseum, home to many Rembrandts and Vermeers. Finish your tour by strolling through leafy Vondelpark.