With more canals than Venice, flanked by 17th century gabled houses and spanned by 1,281 bridges, Amsterdam fully deserves its reputation as one of Europe's most picturesque cities. However, far from a living museum, the Dutch capital lays claim to a vibrant cultural life with world-class museums, music and theatre venues and a burgeoning collection of chic hotels and restaurants.
Amsterdam's diminutive size, combined with the warm and liberal attitude of its locals, makes it feel more like a village than a sprawling city, liberally dotted with cosy cafés, unusual museums, quirky boutiques, and lively markets. Whether you visit Amsterdam for a weekend or longer, this guide will help you pick out its entertainment highlights and secrets, from the magnificent Rijksmuseum and bijou Huis Marseille photography gallery to free jazz concerts and windmill microbreweries.