“Ooohh, everything is so small,” sigh many travelers when they first set foot in Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands. With less than 800,000 inhabitants, Amsterdam may be dwarfed by other capitals, but the number of activities there make up for its size. Make sure you pack your walking boots when you set sail for Amsterdam. If you had planned to just stroll leisurely along its canals, please reconsider. The city counts 165 canals of a combined length of 100 kilometers. Amsterdam has an excellent public transport system, though, which will take you near to any of these must-see places. 1. Floating Dutchman: Start your visit to Amsterdam with a splash and take a tour aboard the amphibious bus. Hop on at Schiphol Airport, or opposite Amsterdam Central train station, and prepare yourself for a launching in the canals. The bus will float you through the world famous canals – added to UNESCOs World Heritage List in 2010 – while you enjoy the spectacular views of the seventeenth-century inner city. www.floatingdutchman.nl/en 2. NEMO: From a distance, the copper-clad building looks like the bow of a giant green ocean steamer. On top you’ll find the highest square of the Netherlands, offering magnificent views of the city while you enjoy a relaxing moment on the museum’s terrace. Italian architect Renzo Piano designed the ship-like building. Inside, it houses a science center that teases visitors to touch and try all the items on display. Wrap yourself inside the biggest soap bubble, find out how a text message reaches the other side of the world and learn more about cosmic rays. www.e-nemo.nl/en 3. Museum of Bags and Purses: The mouthwatering collection of this museum – that is if handbags are your thing – features over 4,000 pieces dating from the late Middle Ages until today. It has bags made from goat’s leather, tortoiseshell, adorned with crystals or shaped like a cruise ship, hand made by renowned designers or anonymous craftsmen. The museum, located in a stunning canal house, will astound even the most spoilt aficionado. www.tassenmuseum.nl/en 4. The 9 streets: This picturesque area in the center of Amsterdam has quaint shops, cosy restaurants and some of the best coffee bars all within one square kilometer. The names of the streets date back from times when the leather industry had a firm seat here: Huidenstraat (Skins Street), Berenstraat (Bears Street) and Wolvenstraat (Wolves Street). You’ll easily spend an afternoon here, wanting to come back for more. www.de9straatjes.nl/uk 5. Pancakes!: Your children will enjoy eating Dutch pancakes in this typically Dutch interior. Traditionally these are served with brown sugar syrup or icing sugar. You could also opt for savory toppings, like smoked salmon, spinach or French Camembert cheese. While you’re here, order a portion of poffertjes, a traditional Dutch batter treat. They look like tiny, fluffy pancakes and no other country in the world serves them. www.pancakesamsterdam.com 6. Begijnhof: If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the quietness amidst the hustle and bustle of the city center, visit the Begijnhof. This medieval courtyard is accessed through a small gate in an alley near Spui square and contains the oldest house in Amsterdam. It dates back to 1528 and is probably the oldest house in the Netherlands. The houses on the Begijnhof used to be home to the Begijnen, religious women who looked after the sick. In 1971 the last of the Begijnen died, but it is still a residential area for devout single women. Visitors are asked to respect their privacy. www.begijnhofamsterdam.nl/home-en 7. Vondelpark: By far the most popular park of Amsterdam is the lush and varied Vondelpark. In summer, it can get quite crowded when visitors on skeelers seem to be on a search and destroy mission for those on foot or by bike. The solution to this problem, of course, is to simply take up skating yourself. Rent a pair – and the necessary protection gear – at de Vondeltuin, a cozy open-air terrace on the south end of the park. Let your toddlers explore the large playground while you enjoy a cup of coffee at Het Groot Melkhuis. Or be swept off your feet by one of the stand-up comedy, dance, music or theatre shows at the open-air theatre. The program starts in June and lasts for three months each summer. www.vondeltuin.nl www.grootmelkhuis.nl www.openluchttheater.nl 8. Diamantaires: Amsterdam boasts a long history in the diamond trade and industry, spanning more than 425 years. The diamond manufacturers here know – and will tell – all about carats, colors, clarity and cuts. Learn more about a girl’s best friend, and treat yourself to a free guided tour. Coster Diamonds’ impressive claim to fame is having re-cut the large Koh-i-Noor (mountain of light) diamond from India, to accentuate the brilliance of the gem. www.costerdiamonds.com 9. Concertgebouw: “This building is in fact the best instrument in the orchestra it houses,” said conductor Bernard Haitink. The Concertgebouw, built in 1881, is considered one of the finest concert halls in the world. Some 900 concerts take place here each year, making it the second most-visited concert hall in the world, after Rome\'s Parco della musica. The music is mostly classical but pop and jazz artists perform here as well. www.concertgebouw.nl 10. Houseboat Museum: As you walk along the canals, looking at the many moored historical barges, you’ll find yourself wondering why these boats are here and who lives on them. The Houseboat Museum provides a perfect opportunity to go on board the Hendrika Maria and take a look. For fifty years, until the 1960s, the boat primarily transported sand and gravel. After that it was transformed into a houseboat, maintaining its outward historic appearance. www.houseboatmuseum.nl 11. Farmers’ market: Every Saturday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. you’ll find an abundance of fresh fruits and veg, the best cheeses in the Netherlands and abroad, gorgeous honeys, olives and vegetarian patés. The organic farmers’ market at the Noordermarkt is famous for the quality and diversity of the food. Knowledgeable farmers are eager to let you taste and tell you more, to help you pick up on the wider varieties in taste that set their products apart from mainstream food goods. www.boerenmarktamsterdam.nl