Amsterdam all too often is known for its red-light district and its liberal drug laws; this is a complete misrepresentation. In fact, Amsterdam is practically unsurpassable as a one stop shopping of elegance, culture and history.

The city old centre is formed from canal rings, which give you the feeling of space, freedom and peace. Walk through these canal streets or better - take a trip with a boat by boarding one of the tourist cruises or by renting the boat yourself. Anther way to explore the Venice of the North is to take a ride on a bicycle. Any way you decide for - enjoy this city, one of the most beautiful in the world.

Almost half of the original water in Amsterdam was lost to landfills, but a full 25 percent of the city's surface still consists of navigable waterways. With 65 miles of ancient canals, Amsterdam is still the most watery city in the world.

The first image one conjures up when thinking of Amsterdam is its tranquil canals. Three rings of canals, lined by elaborately decorated merchants' residences and warehouses built in the 17th century, the Dutch "Golden Age", give the city its iconic and easygoing image. In fact, 90 islands were created when the canals were built, and they're all connected by hundreds of charming bridges.

The best-known canals form the central Grachtengordel (Canal Belt). To the wandering visitor, they're like lifelines because the subtle turns in the center can throw your inner compass out of whack. The semicircular canals form a huge ring, cut by canals radiating from the middle like spokes on a wheel. Starting from the core, the major semicircular canals are the Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. From east to west, the major radial canals are Brouwersgracht, Leidsegracht, and Reguliersgracht.

Barges, powerboats, Frisian skûtsjes, and rowboats glide through the canals throughout the day. The glass-topped canal boats, with their view of Amsterdam from the finest vantage point of all, is the best ride - you just sit back and let the city flow around you.