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Start at Westerkerk, perhaps climbing its tower for a bird’s-eye view of the area. Work your way north to picturesque Brouwersgracht.

Beginning at Noordermarkt, take Prinsengracht to the Negen Straatjeswith its quirky shops. Have a look at De Looier antiques market in Elandsgracht (see Looiersmarkt) before heading down Lijnbaansgracht to Leidseplein. Turn up Leidsestraat and make for Metz & Co, with its top-floor café– then on to Bloemenmarkt, ending at De Bijenkorf on Damrak.

Start at the entertainment hub, Leidseplein, before moving to the bright lights around Rembrandtplein. Wind down at the junction of Reguliersgracht with Herengracht, where you can see no less than 15 romantically lit bridges. Continue to Amstelkerk, finishing in Utrechtsestraat, with its many appealing cafés and restaurants (see Tujuh Maret, Bars in Eastern Canal Ring, Restaurants in Eastern Canal Ring).

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.

Shortest and most fascinating of the Grachtengordel (see Canals and Waterways), the Herengracht is lined with beautiful buildings, such as Bartolotti House (see Theatermuseum), the Bijbels Museum and the mansions of the Golden Bend (see Herengracht).

For a tranquil cycle ride, follow the Amstel from the city centre (start near Blauwbrug) to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. The route passes Amstelpark and the De Rieker windmill before entering attractive countryside. About 20 km (12 miles) round trip.

With its distinguished villas, tree-lined streets, parks and gardens, Plantageis a calm district to explore by bike (with the exception of busy Plantage Middenlaan).

At 3 km (2 miles), the outermost canal of the Grachtengordel (see Canals and Waterways) is quite tiring on foot, but makes a very pleasant, fairly car-free cycle ride, with plenty of cafés at which to rest along the way.

Perhaps the most peaceful part of Amsterdam in which to walk or cycle lies to the northwest of Centraal Station. The islands of Prinseneiland, Bickerseiland and Realeneiland, together known as the Western Islands, have a remote, bracing quality, with well-worn boatyards and white drawbridges, as well as modern housing.

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).