Amsterdam

Amsterdam (Photo: Adam Smok via Flickr)

Somehow vice and cultural tourism have fused to become part of the spectacle of Amsterdam. Families parade through the red light district as though it were a zoo; romantic waterways teem with colourful barges; Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer are just a few of the Dutch masters whose work is on show. Hiring a bike is one of the best ways to get around. The city can get crowded so plan ahead if possible.