Amsterdam is nearby other popular areas worth visiting when staying in the Netherlands and exploring the region is easy thanks to its reliable transport system. Head out to the country to see windmills and fields of tulips in Lisse (just 40 minutes from the city), soak up the cosmopolitan vibes in Utrecht, taste cheese in Gouda or hit Rotterdam just over an hour away.

Ibiza boasts charming villages nestled amidst idyllic landscapes. Get away from the beach for a few hours, rent a car and explore the scenic beauty of San Miguel, Sant Agusti des Vedra, and Sant Mateu d'Albarca.

Amsterdam's eclectic nightlife scene is one of the best in Europe and there's something for everyone whatever your age, budget or orientation. The Red Light district is known for its racy atmosphere and is normally home to stag parties, but Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are equally happening. Dance the night away at AIR – Amsterdam's sizeable multi-floor club – enjoy an evening of entertainment at Melkweg's live music halls, also home to a cinema, theatre and café or wind down at Wynand Fockink , a 350-year-old wine tasting house.

Amsterdam is brimming with world-famous museums housing a variety of cutting-edge art, historical treasures, photography, handbags and even a sex museum! The Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam's most visited museums where you'll hear tales of her life in hiding during WWII. The Rijksmuseum is also considered to be one of the best in the city or visit the EYE museum for its modern tinge. For the art connoisseurs out there, a trip to the Van Gogh museum, Museum het Rembrandthuis and Stedelijk Museum is a must.

There's something captivating about sipping coffee at one of the city's canal-side cafés and observing the street life that sweeps through Amsterdam's bustling squares. The Dutch are particularly proud of their coffee and have a handful of cosy cafés on every street corner, add to this a tempting variety of traditional foods and you're set for breakfast, lunch and dinner! If you're after a light bite, Biterballen (deep fried meatballs served with mustard) is perfect pub grub. Sweet-tooth's can snack on a gooey street market Stroopwafel. If you’re travelling in winter try Amsterdam's answer to bubble and squeak, Stampott. The city's food scene also serves up a strong Indonesian influence, so order the lamb satay or fresh prawn-based dishes at Blue Pepper for a taste of this surprisingly authentic cuisine.

No longer floating (it is now perched on piles), the Amsterdam flower market offers tulips of every colour – either in bouquets or as bulbs to plant at home. But the market has far more than just tulips, with plenty of pretty plant species to choose from. Besides cut flowers, there are plenty of house plants, seeds and gardening essentials to be found here. If you plan to buy bulbs to take out of the country, be sure they have a customs cleared stamp on the packet so you won’t have trouble at the border. If you've had enough flower power for one day, check out a number of the nearby shops which sell fun and affordable souvenirs, such as local cheese.

You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping in a city crammed with such creative flair. With luxury boutiques housing unique Dutch designs, multi-storey department stores and a monopoly of markets, you're sure to find a souvenir or two on your trip. There’s the famous Bloemenmarkt for flowers, Noordermrkt for second sales and bargains and the city's largest street market, The Albert Cuypmarkt. If you're shopping for food, try De Kaaskamer for an exotic variety of cheese, fruits, food items and wine. Explore the colourful stalls, pick up a bargain or simply enjoy a spot of window shopping.