Don Quixote would be on cloud nine if he could stay in Amsterdam during the National Windmill Day. After all, this is the only period of the year when it is possible visit over 600 different windmills across the whole Netherlands free of charge! Moreover, many of them are found directly in and around Amsterdam, so use this opportunity to learn more about the bladed Dutch trademark.

Although Amsterdam is most famous for its canals, numerous coffee shops, uncanny museums and the red light district, the city also hides many other gems waiting to be discovered by the more-adventurous visitors. So drop your classic tourist booklets and dare to go beyond the usual sights! First step – The Waterlooplein Flea Market!

Located within Amsterdam’s exclusive 9 Streets, this fascinating museum exhibits a 700 year history of spectacles. The National Museum of Spectacles is a family run business, which allows visitors the opportunity to journey back in time and explore the changing styles and fashions of eye wear.

If you have a penchant for all things creepy, gothic and frankly downright painful then be sure to pay a visit to either of the city’s torture themed museums – yes, there really are TWO!

Are you planning on a busy short stay in Amsterdam filled with days full of excursions and travelling, or even only visiting three main attractions? The I Amsterdam City Card is the ideal way to enjoy all the things you want to do during your leisure or business stay in Amsterdam but for less and with three validity periods: 24, 48 or 72 hours.

Cruising Amsterdam’s canals is a given on any short stay in the city; there’s no question about it, you just do it. Amsterdam was built around these historic canals and to appreciate all the wonderful sights you have to go on the waters. There are many canal cruise operators with a number of piers around the city so there is bound to be one near your apartment. Choose from daily cruises, night time cruises, private party cruises, gourmet meals or romantic dinners.

Amsterdam is packed full of activities that are popular at any time of the year but this small and active city really shines once the sun is out. During a short stay in the summertime is when you can have first-hand experience at some of the great activities that are essentially Amsterdam.

Placed in the heart of the Red Light District in Amsterdam, right next to the famous windows where you can directly interact with gorgeous working young ladies, the Erotic Museum pleases the eyes and fantasies of its visitors through a fully fledged display of sex related objects and stories. Take a stroll from your apartment to the Museum so you can charge up your libido and imagination for more intense hedonistic encounters later on.

Occupying a perfect position upon Amsterdam’s much-loved Museumplein, the Concertgebouw is regarded as one of the world’s most exclusive concert halls. Boasting exceptional acoustics and the home to the fabulous Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, this spectacular building welcomes visitors from across the globe.

Ideally located within the heart of the city centre and just minutes away from the bustling Dam Square, the Amsterdam Dungeon allows visitors the opportunity to journey back in time and explore some of the city’s more terrifying history. Live actors, fantastic special effects and a roller coaster ride make this attraction an interactive, exciting and, at times, quite frightening experience which should not be missed.