there is a small, but great service that allows a far better option to the crowded tourist canal boats. You can rent it for 3-6 hours. it comes with a motor and is a well kept, simple boat that can seat 5 or 6. the guy has about six of them he rents. Here is his number: 0204224007

Not for anyone with a fear of heights. The new, sleek upscale lounge on the 23rd floor of the Okura hotel is as glamorous as its stunning views of the city.

After a sweeping renovation, Bar Americain has become the perfect location to sample award winning cocktails in a modern yet warm interior.

Unparalleled acoustics reign supreme in Amsterdam’s classical music temple. Besides top orchestras, also jazz and pop-artists seem to have found the way to its stage.

One of the newer areas of Amsterdam, the Eastern Harbour District, is the location of a very good Italian restaurant called "Oceano".
Maybe the best thing about it is that during a nice boat trip you can easily park your boat in front of the restaurant and take out pretty much everything they have on their menu. Heated and wind protected terrace takes care of a perfect summer evening outside.

Restaurant de Oceano, RJH Fortuynplein 29, Tel. 020 419 0020. Website www.oceano.nl

A beautiful secret church garden in the very centre of Amsterdam. A location to melt the most un-romantic of hearts.

Hold hands and eat ice cream in Amsterdam's biggest park. Also excellent for joggers and bird-spotters: it contains a population of genuine, honest-to-god tropical parrots.

Smooch in the back row of the oldest cinema in town. Located on the swanky Haarlemmerdijk and featuring lots of movies in English. More information

A quiet, beautiful old square bordered by lovely cafes and an old wooden church. If you're in the mood for popping The Question, you couldn't pick a sweeter spot! Oh, and Monday is flower market day so you can pick up those all important dozen red roses while you're at it.

Halfway between Schiphol and Amsterdam's centre is a huge patch of nature, lakes, walkways, trees and more trees to revive your inner self. More information