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From this peaceful square at the junction of Reguliersgracht and Prinsengracht, there are pretty stretches of the canal in both directions.

This attractive wooded park south of the city is ideal for cyclists, thanks to 48 km (30 miles) of cycle path; those on foot have no less than 160 km (100 miles) of footpath to stroll along. Perfect for a family picnic outing (see Amsterdam Bos).

From Centraal Station, discover a quiet part of the old city by taking Binnenkant, lined with fine houses, and then, passing Montelbaanstoren, walking along Oudeschans to reach the Rembrandthuis. Pause at De Sluyswacht, the crooked café on the bridge, before exploring the old Jewish quarter, Jodenbuurt, or continuing to Nieuwmarkt.

They are bigger than you, and can’t be steered; listen for their rattle and stay clear.

Bordering Waalseilandsgracht, an attractive side-canal dotted with houseboats, Binnenkant is lined with fine old merchants’ houses. A couple of well-placed benches at the junction with Kalkmarkt allow you to sit and contemplate a charming stretch of the Oudeschans, site of the city’s first shipyards, and the fortified Montelbaanstoren towering above it.

The best view of this lovely side-canal is from the junction with 1e Bloemdwarsstraat (see Bloemgracht).

A few steps down from busy Jodenbreestraat brings you to the crooked Café de Sluyswachtwith its spacious terrace, where tables and chairs are set out at the merest hint of fine weather. A surprisingly tranquil spot, from here you enjoy a different perspective of the Oudeschans.

If you have to, cross tramlines at an angle, to avoid your front wheel getting stuck.

These two charming courtyards, just a few paces from each other, offer the weary visitor a calm retreat from the crowds (see De Star and Zon’s Hofjes).

Unless you are really confident, it’s better to negotiate these on foot.