Drug law in the Netherlands has been a source of controversy for decades. While it’s true that the use of soft drugs is tolerated throughout the country and will most assuredly go unpunished, the encompassing socio-political climate is much more ambiguous. Before you give your order in one of the legendary “coffee shops,” take the time to familiarize yourself with the dos and don’ts of drugs in Amsterdam.

If you’re well-familiar with names like Edam, Gouda or Maasdam, and if terms like Mimolette, Maaslander or Leerdammer do ring more than a bell, then you’re in the right place to be delighted. The short list below contains some of the most worthy places to visit if you don’t want to become cheesed off by your stay in Amsterdam.

Affectionately regarded as a “miniature Amsterdam,” the city of Haarlem makes a rewarding destination for a break from the Netherlands’ capital, combining a friendly village vibe with beautiful architecture and exemplary cultural, dining and retail opportunities.

Escape the bustle of the city and discover a forgotten world at this picturesque village, renowned for its traditional Dutch architecture, authentic atmosphere and of course, its iconic series of working windmills.

If you enjoy the company of Mozart, Bach or Vivaldi in your speakers, or simply like to experience a bit of something more ‘sophisticated’ when it comes to music, then Amsterdam is a place which is bound to meet your demands in that scope. With plenty of great places to go and listen to classical music of the highest quality, you’ll be more than happy to explore the attractions offered by the Venice of the North.

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.

If you’re planning a trip to the one and only Amsterdam – the capital of the Netherlands and the Mecca of some of the most amazing sights and attractions in Europe (if not in the world), it’s quite easy to get lost already at the starting point. After all, the broad spectrum of options may make your head dizzy. However, if you remember about the 10 useful tips listed below, moving around and about the city should a fun experience and a piece of cake – a delicious one, too.

Getting around Amsterdam is easy, most things are within easy reach on foot but sometimes you may want to give your feet a rest and try a little local locomotion!

The GVB network is well integrated enabling you to buy one ticket and travel across any bus, train, tram, or metro though the metro is only really used for going to the suburbs. By far the easiest way to get around the city is on foot as many of the attractions are within walking distance of one another; travelling on foot allows you to absorb the ambience of the city and offers no restrictions.

What better way to know a city than through music? Each October, Amsterdam fully embraces electronic music in a city wide hoot called the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE). Electronica’s biggest festival reins in the global support of performers and enthusiasts during five days, presenting new and integral vibes. Align an early autumn visit to see the Dutch capital in unified artistic jubilation!

Shopping is always fun, but what’s the point of traveling to a different/new city if you are only going to enter an enclosed air-conditioned shopping mall which might as well be anywhere else on the planet? Same brands, same goods, perhaps different prices but don’t tell me you traveled all the way to Amsterdam just to try and save a few bucks/euros on that enter_generic_brand_here coat or pair of pants? No, no, no…if you made it to Amsterdam and want to do some shopping – you really ought to check out the city markets. Not only are they all unique, but there’s quite a few around the city offering everything from food and clothes to electronics, souvenirs, art and second hand goods. And they really are in Amsterdam – you can see it, you can feel it, and you can even smell it in the air.