Making the most of Amsterdam

If you are planning a city break but still haven't decided where to go on holiday , then short trips to Amsterdam are a great option. Amsterdam is a city with many layers. There are tourists who go there just for the red lights and bars, but there are many other things it has to see and do. It's more than possible to avoid the touristy areas for the duration of your trip. Amsterdam's most famous resident was of course Rembrandt. Considered one of the finest ever painters, his old dwelling is now home to the ever popular Rembrandt Museum. On top of being able to see many of the great artists works, you can also cast your eye of works of his mentors, including Pieter Lastman. Amsterdam is not a one artist town though. Around 200 years after his death, arguably one of the most famous artists in history moved to Amsterdam; Vincent Van Gogh. We all know what Van Gogh is famous for, but initially he moved to Amsterdam as a theology student. Amsterdam is home to the Van Gogh Museum, which contains the largest collection of the artists work in the world. With a vast collection of drawings and paintwork, this is the place to come to admire one of the truly great artists. In addition to these great museums, there is also the Rijksmuseum which contains the work of many fabulous Dutch painters including Vermeer (whos own museum is in nearby Delft.)rnVisitors also tend to comment on the architecture which is just sublime. The city's diversity means that you can see a variety of differing things in a short space of time. After hitting the art galleries and perhaps doing a little shopping in one of the citys markets, you could walk in the relaxing Vondelpark (possibly the only public park in the world to contain an open air theatre and a film museum, as well of course as the obligatory duck ponds.) If you are a fan of the carry on films, check out the museum of sex for some light hearted sexy slapstick. The Amsterdam clubbing scene is rising in popularity, so after a heavy day of sightseeing, head on over to any of it's numerous clubs.rnAll this and I haven't mentioned smoking once! The first thing you notice about Amsterdam has nothing to do with drugs, the red light district or even clogs. The stereotypical things most people associate about Amsterdam is not the first thing you will notice when you visit the city. It's the sheer number of cultural and historical activities and sights there are to see and participate. If it is music not art that gets your pulse racing then Bimhuis, Amsterdam's main jazz stage is a great place to visit for a diverse music ambiance. For those looking for a kooky place to eat, look no further than point 13, a floating restaurant. If you are feeling sea faring after this, have a look at Amsterdam's famous canalways. This is a city with a heartbeat, heaving with some of the best nightlife and museums you could ever experience. Amsterdam's popularity means that if you are thinking about heading there in summer, you need to book well in advance. Whatever floats your boat, there is it all here for you in Amsterdam, a cosmopolitan mecca for artists, musos and art critics alike. When you visit Amsterdam give yourself peace of mind by travelling with a company that demonstrates a real commitment to corporate social responsibility . Look for businesses with ethical and sustainable practices, not just policies.