Amsterdam, The Netherlands

More than three centuries ago, William of Orange left the Netherlands in order to conquer Britain, and today thousands of Britons head to Amsterdam every year on holiday.  This unique capital city serves as the epitome for the country’s distinctive culture and landscape.

Amsterdam’s popularity as a tourist hub among the British is not surprising given its proximity to the UK, and its similarity as a bustling, multinational city in its own right.  It’s almost like a mini version of London, but without the stress.

Despite being modern, the city is also full of tradition.  Tulips, windmills, dams and happy faces abound representing the Dutch appreciation for nature and their enjoyment of life.  This is even truer today as Amsterdam is the perfect example for how ecology can be infused into an urban environment.  But the city also holds some surprises within its hidden corners and is world-renowned for its liberal approach to carnal pleasures and its smoke stained ‘brown cafes’.

The Spanish author Felix Marti-Ibanez once noted, ‘in Amsterdam water is the mistress and the land is the vassal’. This was a reference to the fact that the city is built upon a complex grid of canals, which explains why it is also known as the Venice of the north, making it an ideal destination for romantic trips, among other things.

And last, but not least are the residents of Amsterdam; their open minded nature ‘sets the scene’ here, making this a metropolis with a vibe like no other.   This is a haven for all things uninhibited where visitors can let their hair down in truly distinctive style.