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Visit the Zaanse Schans

You should not only read about Zaan's heritage in history books, you have to see that! From 1961, various buildings have been transported to the area, by road and water. The Zaanse Schans has grown into an attraction where you can experience the industrial history of the Netherlands up close.

Windmills

View the windmills and see them turning with extensive meadows in the background. The mill is working hard. Take a look inside the mills and see where wood is sawn or oil, flour, spices and dyes are ground. Tickets are available through De Zaansche Molen or at the ticket office of the mills.

Bicycles

Rent 1 of our Gazelle bikes and discover the Zaanstreek like a local. Cycle along the winding peat river Zaan and pass beautiful old buildings. Or take the cycle route between Zaanstad and Amsterdam, take the Hempont, to Amsterdam.

The Museumplein, home to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Royal Concertgebouw, is the cultural heart of Amsterdam. Great for art lovers. The square between the buildings is buzzing with activity all day, with open-air exhibitions, markets and a large paddling pool to dip your toes in on warmer days. In the winter months, the square transforms with a huge outdoor ice rink. www.museumplein.nl

The canal cruise, canals created in the 17th century to keep the sea at bay, is the ultimate postcard-perfect vision of Amsterdam. It's beautiful especially after sunset when the bridges are lit by fairy lights and the whole area takes on a magical feel. Cruise along the canals with a guided boat trip to learn more about the city There are a variety of cruises, from hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours to atmospheric candlelit night cruises with food and wine. www.lovers.nl www.classicboatdinners.nl

Take a visit to the Anne Frank house and witness the atrocities committed against the Jewish people during World War II in the house on Prinsengracht, where diarist Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis for two years after they fled for prosecution in Germany. The front of the Anne Frank House museum, but the secret annex has been preserved to give an idea of what life was like for Anne and the families she hid with. www.annefrank.org

The white EYE building dominates the view from the southern banks of the IJ behind Central Station and has rapidly become one of Amsterdam's most iconic landmarks since its opening in the spring of 2012. A must see for film buffs, the EYE Film Museum houses a permanent exhibition space with retrospectives and contemporary exhibitions, a huge film library, a cinema and a fantastic restaurant bar with a terrace overlooking the water. www.eyefilm.nl

ARTIS is the Amsterdam zoo and the oldest zoo in the Netherlands. Artis is located in the Plantagebuurt. The entrance is located on the Plantage Kerklaan. Nature, culture and heritage come together in ARTIS. Every tree, every animal, every building, every microbe, every planet tells its own story. The ARTIS stories have been around since 1838. And are born again every day. Well worth a visit! www.artis.nl

Shopping! While most people often go directly to the Kalverstraat where all the standard chain stores are located, you can also shop more locally. We say go to De Negen Straatjes. You will find De 9 Straatjes between Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. Just behind the Paleis op de Dam and between Westertoren and Leidsegracht. In order to be able to keep a distance of 1.5 meters, 'shared space' applies in the streets, or: shared space where pedestrians are allowed on the road. You will find more than 200 retailers here, including a fine selection of beautiful boutiques, vintage shops and specialty stores - be sure to visit Skins cosmetics. www.de9straatjes.nl