Amsterdam has all the offerings of a major world capital, yet the atmosphere is more akin to a village with tree-lined canals, art museums and a strong café culture.

This city offers so much to see and do it's best to point yourself toward a couple of major areas and wander. Take a boat, a bike or simply walk - this is a great place to see on foot. Bring comfy shoes. And your camera - sightseeing in Amsterdam is a photogenic experience. The canals, the gorgeous architecture, the gorgeous Dutch.

Day 1: Heart of Old Amsterdam

A perfect starting point is Dam Square, the heart of the city. Close to the 15th century Nieuwe Kerk and stately Royal Palace. Stroll towards the 14th century Oude Kerk - in the 'Wallen' Red Light District - to see the steamy side of life (Definitely not for kids.). Waterlooplein Market is nearby, and the Rembrandthuis Museum is just around the corner. Take the Amsterdam Hop On & Off Canal Pass to navigate the city by canal. If you prefer to do it like the Dutch, hop on a bike or try a self-guided tour of the city's impressive old mansions. Treat yourself in the evening with a candlelight cruise along the canals.

Day 2:  Culture Vulture vs Beer Hound

Beat the queues by starting at the excellent Anne Frank House. Go for a stroll in the Jordaan neighborhood along Prinsengracht towards Museumplein ("Museum Square"), home to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gough Museum. Walk on to FOAM museum of photography, Centraal Station and Oosterdok to admire the cutting-edge Renzo Piano architecture of NEMO science museum and the Stedelijk Museum.

Amsterdam is a gorgeous city to walk around, stretch your legs in Vondelpark or Oosterpark (home to the Tropenmuseum). When you're all walked out, grab a cold one at the Heineken Brewery. Check out the famous Paradiso Club, Melkweg, or Sugar Factory for the nightlife experience.

Day 3: Tiptoe Through the Tulips on a Day Trip

If you're in Amsterdam in the springtime, you might find yourself in the flower fields at Keukenhof Gardens. The grounds here are stunning. Other options farther afield include the fishing villages of Marken and Volendam, local cheese farms, windmills, and the famous blue pottery of Delft. Rotterdam is another excellent day-trip option. You can also trip over to Belgium for that beer-and-chocolate fix, and take day tours of Antwerp and Brussels, or Ghent and Bruges.