Surprise. Innovation. Thrill. Progressiveness. Controversy. Distinctiveness. A collection of random associations? Not really, for actually all of the abovementioned ideas will instantly spring to your mind after a visit in Amsterdam’s Stedelijk Museum – the place to be if you’re looking for some quality excitement with contemporary art and design as the main theme.

Water has always been an important element and a crucial factor in shaping the economy and the way of life of the Dutch. No wonder that the Golden Age era (the 17th century, to be more precise) enabled Amsterdam to take full advantage of all the technological advancement of the time. As a result, what was initially designed as an efficient system of land irrigation and water drainage has become a beautiful landmark blooming with fantastic historic sights, as well as a range of ever-surprising contemporary attractions. After all, UNESCO can’t be wrong with entering the Canal Ring (or the Grachtengordel, as the Dutch say) into their World Heritage List in 2010. No other city can boast anything similar, so let us take you on a brief textual tour and highlight the most important features of this amazing wonder.

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when thinking of Amsterdam? Most people will probably say ‘dikes’, ‘canals’ or ‘houseboats’ and there is a point to such answer, as this city has always been strongly connected with life on the water. No wonder that the award-winning National Maritime Museum (or Het Scheepvaartmuseum in Dutch) shall absolutely make it to your travel agenda as a place devoted precisely to everything that contributed to the power of the Dutch over the seas of the world.

Ideally located upon Amsterdam’s famous Museumplein, referred to as a paradise for art lovers, the magnificent Rijksmuseum is an attraction definitely worthy of a visit. Boasting a huge collection of impressive exhibitions, the Dutch National Museum is dedicated to arts, crafts and history and includes renowned masterpieces such as Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’ and Vermeer’s ‘The Milkmaid’.

Regarded as one of the year’s most eagerly anticipated cultural events, Amsterdam’s International Documentary Film Festival brings together thousands of devoted fans for an annual spectacle of enriching and uplifting entertainment. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2012, the world’s largest documentary film festival never fails to mesmerise audiences with its exceptional presentation, diverse repertoire and outstanding quality.

This former newspaper office turned into a cultural highlight of Amsterdam is an absolute must visit during your stay in the Dutch Capital. The grand building used to serve as a publishing factory for one of the most leading newspapers in the Netherlands. This fact will strike you as obvious when entering Trouw; in the basement you still find some old newspaper presses left behind and the industrial atmosphere of the building is exquisitely combined with stylish decoration.

Displaying a free spirited atmosphere in a beautiful old neighbourhood in Amsterdam, the Red Light District offers a voyeuristic and hedonistic experience which will enchant you instantly. The district boasts of lovely canals, majestic buildings, and a culture of freedom illustrated through its inviting dreamy coffee shops, and the lovely working ladies.

If you fancy a taste of the real new modern Amsterdam displaying a beautiful new style of architecture combined with the sensation of being in a futuristic micro-city within an old city, then you should certainly visit the Amsterdam Arena. Here you will have the chance to do a whole range of fun activities, from watching the Dutch national team or Ajax Amsterdam play football in a stunning stadium, to listen to some great live gigs in the nearby Heineken Music Hall or to simply go to a grandiose mall for shopping or film watching.

Whilst our Amsterdam self-catering holiday apartments are designed with your comfort in mind and usually fitted with televisions and wireless internet, don’t forget to check out Amsterdam’s many entertainment options close by. Our favourite haunt has to be the city’s spectacular Pathé Tuschinski Cinema.

Known as Amsterdam’s biggest street market the Albert Cuyp Market is a buzzing market located in the Old Pijp area. Selling your typical market products - fresh produce, clothes, flowers and foods - it’s probably nothing different to your local market back home but it does make for a great few hours browsing the stalls, mixing with the locals and trying some of the fantastic freshly made food.