There are many things that you will find unusual when you step down in Amsterdam, not counting the fresh clean air, of course. Wherever you go, you see people cycling. There are said to be over 800,000 bicycles in Amsterdam – that is more bikes than the people! People cycle for almost everything – work, school, local shopping, and for carrying pets and suitcases, ladders and bulky furniture! So I suggest just hop on to a bike yourself and go exploring!

Second, did you know Amsterdam is located several feet below sea level? And, there are canals criss-crossing the city. Created in the 17th century to keep the sea away, the canals are a good way to get the sights and sounds of the city. The evenings are magical when the bridges are lit up by fairy lights. Don’t forget to notice the tilting homes along the canals, known as ‘dancing houses’!

Third – there are parks and flowers everywhere! And tulips! In springtime, do take the short 20-minute trip to the world famous tulip fields – Bollenstreek – where colourful stripes of tulips stretch out as far as the eye can see.

Fourth – look closely at the houses. The doors are narrow and windows wide. Notice also a pulley fixed on top of most houses! It is said that house rents increase with wider doorways, so the windows are made wide…. so, the furniture etc. is pulled up to the window level from the street down below by the help of the pulley and then brought into the house!

And how can we miss out on shopping! Here you’ll go crazy with the choices available. Shop at multi-storey department stores, exclusive boutiques and pick up antiques contemporary Dutch designs, interiors, decorations, kitchenware, textiles, etc.

Culture-vultures should not miss the Museumplein which is home to the Rijks Museum, the Van Gogh Museum and also the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art. A visit Anne Frank’s House is a must.

A unique place is Begijnhof, a quaint closed court with historical buildings including the oldest wooden house in Amsterdam. It was home to the Beguines – a group of unmarried religious women who chose to live together in a close community.

Not only within the city, has Amsterdam had lovely day and longer excursion options. Find time to explore the beaches, castles, windmills and historic towns. The bohemian neighbourhood De Pipe, is one of Amsterdam’s most vibrant districts with quirky shops, bars, cafes and arty hotspots. Amsterdam North is also very exciting – there’s lots of food, drink and cultural bonanza.

When in Amsterdam don’t miss out the street food! From beer tasting at a windmill to mini pancakes and croquettes, and bitterballen (deep fried crispy meatballs served with mustard dips with and beer, it’s worth a try! Also try stroopwafel (thin waffles with sweet syrup in between); Dutch fries called patat or frites served hot with toppings and ‘patatje oorlog’ which is peanut satay sauce, mayo and onions, or a ‘patat speciaal’ a mix of curry ketchup, mayonnaise and onions.

Something you just cannot miss is raw herring! Sounds yuck but try ‘broodje haring’ – fish served in a small sandwich with pickles and onions.

Also try Kibbeling – deep fried morsels of white fish, usually cod, served with a mayonaisey herb sauce and lemon; Oliebollen (deep fried sweet dumplings); the famous Dutch cheese like Gouda, Geitenkaas or Maasdammer; hot buttery poffertjes (little fluffy clouds); and the delicious ginger cake Ontbijtkoek. Locals will also suggest stamppot (a traditional dish of potatoes mashed with other vegetables like sauerkraut, carrot, onion or kale – usually served with a big juicy sausage; Dutch liquorice – more salty and black than you’ve known; Snert, Holland’s version of pea soup with pork, celery, onions and leeks; and surprisingly -Indonesian Rijstaffel! Make a trip to an Indonesian restaurant and try it out. Try the delicioustompouce, too! This cream-filled rectangular pastry has a layer of smooth pink icing on top.

So if you’re thinking fun, food, culture and adventure – Amsterdam it is!