A great way to see the city and experience it in local fashion is to rent a bike for the length of your stay for a day or even a few hours. Amsterdam is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the world and bicycles have sometimes more space on the road than their fellow pavement users.
Usually by ringing the bike's bell, cyclists charmingly alert pedestrians they are not too far and cohabitation with cars is surprisingly annoyance free. Take note that patience is a virtue when cycling around busy tourist sites.
The importance of cycling in the Dutch way of life is easily noticeable with bicycles on every street corner and some with personalised colours and additional seating, a far cry from the traditional black bike.

If Amsterdam is a heaven for cyclists, it's also a great place to discover with your own two feet. From the picturesque Jordaan district where streets are named after flowers to the artistic Westerpark where open-air concerts, theatre and exhibitions take place, Amsterdam abounds with walking tours that combine well with cultural heritage.
Strolling by the canals is a great way to admire Amsterdam's traditional houses. Interior design is very popular as the Dutch tend to spend a lot of time indoors. It's a great way to get novel ideas for your own home just by looking discreetly through the window!
Vondelpark is also very popular and is a great place to be on Queens Day (30th April) when the young entertain to earn some pocket money. Home to the Film Museum and with concerts given at the Openluchttheater in the summer, Vondelpark is an enjoyable green space.

Amsterdam's infamous Red Light District is in the very centre of the city, concentrated on two canals (Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal) and the interconnecting streets. It is definitely an eye-opener, the working girls sit or stand in windows beckoning at passers-by. There are also a number of adult shops and entertainment that might be too much for some people.
However, on the other hand there is a refreshing honesty and openess about the whole experience, that means you don't have to feel sleazy wandering here - you can often see family groups wandering through the district, although stag and hen parties form the majority of passers-by. Whatever your feelings on the topic, a walk through De Wallen is likely to be memorable.
The best time to explore is probably just after dusk - De Wallen looks rather sad and sleazy in the daylight, and later on you are likely to be confused for a potential customer. If you are interested in the more "adult" of Amsterdam's attractions we have a short guide to these matters available here.