Help in Amsterdam

Q: We will be overnighting in Amsterdam on our way back from Whistler, Vancouver in March. Can you suggest some reasonable hotels, sights to see, and/or things to do. Should we use a taxi or public transport? - Sean Molloy

A: You can either stay near the airport or in the city. Best choices near the airport are citizenM Hotel (around 80 Euros) or the Ibis (65 Euros). In town your best bet would be the Ibis Hotel Amsterdam Centre (99 Euros), which is perfectly located right next to the main railway station. You can use the train to get from the airport to the city centre, and buses or trams to get around. When it comes to sightseeing, the important thing is not to rush around trying to see as much as you can, as you'll miss out on the relaxed atmosphere of this lovely city. Start off with a leisurely canal boat cruise, which is the easiest way to take in the city's marvellous architecture. You can catch one near the main railway station. You'll learn that the city actually has more canals that Venice.

The four attractions that most people regard as "absolute musts" are the Rijks Museum, the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House and the Sex Museum. You could try to squeeze them all in, but I would opt for a chance to see Rembrandt's The Nightwatch at the Rijks Museum and then visit Anne Frank House. Have a beer at one of the pavement pubs or one of the notorious "brown cafes". For dinner, enjoy a "rijsttafel" meal, which are widely advertised at the more traditional restaurants, and then take a stroll through the red light district, which continues to be a major attraction.