It always happens without fail: mention Amsterdam and someone will stifle a snigger, courtesy of a mind wandering to images of women in windows showing their wares and coffee shops where the smell isn’t only that of freshly brewed coffee.

Even those who have never visited the Dutch capital are familiar with its red-light district and coffee shops where locals go to unwind after work and where tourists take advantage of lenient laws their own countries lack.

But Amsterdam doesn’t stop there. To be fair, it never started there in the first place. Beyond the red lights and the coffee shops lies a world full of vibrant colours, rich history, row upon row of canals and a unique culture.

Sitting on the River Amstel, it is believed that the capital’s name was coined after a dam was built there in the 13th century, when Amsterdam was still a quiet little fishing village. After centuries of trade, the city experienced its golden age and flourished into a European centre of commerce and finance. This rich period played a vital role in the formation of Amsterdam as we know it today, and in fact it is reflected in the city’s layout, design and architecture. The canal ring on which the city lies was built during this time and the traditional canal houses – with their gorgeous gabled facades – line the canals, giving the city its quaint feel.

Amsterdam’s charm lies in its perfect mixture of old and new. The old is everywhere, from traditional Dutch houses and canals to cobbled bridges and churches. Old is not an understatement here: Oude Kerk, which is Amsterdam’s oldest building, dates back to the 13th century. But then you turn the corner and find some of the most unusual and design-led contemporary buildings.

As a tourist, walking around the city and enjoying the lush surroundings is an experience in itself. The better option, however, is taking a boat ride down the canals and investing your eyesight in the unique landscape Amsterdam has to offer. Tour the city on board a hop on, hop off bus, rent a canal bike, or enjoy a romantic dinner on board the many canal boats, some of which even offer private cruises and accommodation.

Tour the city on board a hop on, hop off bus, rent a canal bike, or enjoy a romantic dinner on board the many canal boats

While boats rule the canals, on land, it’s cyclists who dominate the streets – in fact, bicycles outnumber cars by three to one. So for the more active travellers, cycling is another option to get around or even tour the city. You can rent a bicycle or book a bicycle tour – some of the tours explore the capital’s streets while others venture to the outskirts for some pedalling along the wonderful windmills and colourful tulip fields.

For those who love to visit museums, Amsterdam is a haven and boasts over 70 museums. The Rijksmuseum is one of the grandest museums in Amsterdam and exhibits contemporary and traditional paintings by world-renowned Dutch artists. The Van Gogh museum attracts visitors from around the globe who come to admire the work of the famous Dutch artist. The Anne Frank house is one of the most visited attractions in Amsterdam, as guests can walk through the very same house that Anne Frank – along with her family and a few others – lived in hiding during World War II. One of Heineken’s old defunct breweries has also been transformed into a museum and is now called the Heineken Experience – here visitors can learn about the history of Heineken and the brewing process while also enjoying some cold Heineken beer.

Wartime history, art and brewery are not the only subjects on exhibit. Various other museums dedicated to sports, nature, science and photography ensure there is enough to see and do to please all interests.

The city’s climate is quite cool, with temperatures in winter reaching below zero and floating around in the 20s in summer. The summer months are usually busier with outdoor festivals, concerts and exhibitions. However, there are things to do and places to see throughout the whole year. In fact, one of the most fascinating festivals in Amsterdam takes place between November and January. The Amsterdam Lights Festival is a celebration of lights, colours and art and transforms the historic centre of the city into a walk-through exhibition. Light installations, projections and sculptures by several contemporary artists illuminate the city.

Whatever time of the year you choose to go, Amsterdam’s combination of fun, art, culture and charm is sure to fascinate visitors of all ages.