An Insider’s Guide To… Amsterdam

While it may be best known for space brownies and the Red Light District, there's a whole lot more to Amsterdam that the sex trade. Just a 1hr 40min flight from Dublin, Amsterdam is the perfect choice for a weekend away or a mid-week staycation, with arts, culture and plenty of outdoor amenities to keep you entertained. The capital city is one of the most beautiful in Europe, combining a pretty canal with stunning architecture and quirky features, and also has quite a moderate climate so you won’t need to pack too many layers! The city has undergone some major changes in recent years, most notably the introduction of a ban on the sale of marijuana to tourists in 2013. While this has been a highly controversial move, it is believed that the ‘tolerance policy’ is in operation for many coffee shops and the possession of under 5grms of marijuana is not punishable under Dutch law. The attitude to ‘soft drugs’ may be relaxed but hard drugs such as cocaine or ecstasy are completely illegal so be warned. One of the nicest ways to see Amsterdam is by taking a cruise along the canal and there are many different companies offering these trips, with a 75 minute tours costing in the region of €15 for an adult and €8.50 for a child. The city is also home to a wide range of museums and galleries and The Rijksmuseum, which showcases some of Rembrandt’s work has just undergone an extensive renovation. The Stedelijk Museum also includes an extraordinary pre-war collection with works by Cézanne, Picasso, Matisse and Chagall, while Vincent Van Gogh is celebrated at The Van Gogh Museum. The World Press Photo exhibition makes a pitstop in Amsterdam this year and will be based in the city from April to June, highlighting some of the most jaw-droppingly brilliant press photography taking place across the world. It is housed in the De Nieuwe Kurk and is entry is an absolute bargain at €10. One of the best things about Amsterdam is its quirky nature and the city is home to a series of brilliantly bonkers museums, including the Cat Cabinet (a collection dedicated entirely to the role of cats in art and culture throughout history), the Museum of Bags and Purses and the Sexmuseum Amsterdam. Speaking of sex, another notable aspect of the city is its legal sex trade and the Red Light District is a defining aspect of the region. Prostitution is completely legal in Holland and while it may take a little bit of getting used to, it is definitely worth a stroll around in the evening to see for yourself! After all that sightseeing, you may have worked up an appetite and Amsterdam’s restaurant sector spans everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to cheap and cheerful Asian diners. The REM Eeiland Restaurant was a pirate radio broadcasting rig in its former life and offers mid-range lunch and dinner options, while Goodies offers affordable tapas and pasta dishes to keep you well fed. If money is no object, try Beddington's for high-end Asian cuisine with a Dutch twist. If that’s got your mouth watering, Aer Lingus offers direct flights in May from Dublin from just under €200 and from Cork for about €140. See www.skyscanner.ie for the details. There are some great deals available from HerHotels.ie on accommodation in Amsterdam and our picks include the Quentin Arrive (€88), which is within walking distance of Noorderkerk and Noordermarkt, and Tulip Inn Amsterdam City West (€103), which includes a fitness facility if you're into that kind of thing. Or if you fancy a blow-out, the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel (€310) is five-star luxury all the way in a to-die-for location! Rooms