Overview

A city that can make a virtue out of canals and cannabis - and come out smiling from bleak, north European winters has got to have something going for it. An Amsterdam city break offers variety if nothing else.

Amsterdam has a street cafe society that openly defies the city's230 rainy days each year and, while galleries tout the best in European art, the Amsterdam Red Light District has eye-popping girls pouting and posing behind neon-lit street windows.

As if that weren't enough, there's an annual Amsterdam contest for the Cannabis Cup, with a prize for the coffeeshop that can grow the best weed; a beer factory tour that's become world famous; and, of course, bikes, bikes and more bikes - 700,000 at the last count, nearly one for every Amsterdammer.

Not everyone on an Amsterdam city break is there to sample the sex and drugs. Steer clear of the Red Light District and you'll discover an Amsterdam with unrivaled holiday reputation for shopping, entertainment and things to do. Amsterdam restaurants alone make this a great city for weekend trips.

The galleries and museums are among the best and its cobbled, canal-lined streets, with gabled houses and quiet gardens, are irresistible. There are things to do at every turn. You can marvel at Amsterdam's 17th century architectural heritage or poke around scores of curio shops and designer boutiques.

The delightful network of inner city canals creates a cosy, relaxed atmosphere and its compact centre makes it ideal for exploring on foot. Everything is within easy reach of the main Amsterdam hotels and an inviting cafe or bar is always nearby for a lunch break or welcome drink.

Amsterdam may have a relaxed reputation but the city is not without its modern problems. Bike thefts top a rising table of petty crime, racially driven street riots are not unknown and Protestant city fathers are clamouring for a clean-up of the Red Light District. Whatever your thoughts on Amsterdam's unique culture, you cannot help but rank it high as a great destination for city break holidays.