What toseetosee anddoanddo

Museums galore

ART lovers will make a beeline for the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum (Rembrandt, Vermeer, Brueghel), the contemporary art at the Stedelijk Museum, and Rembrandt House.

But entrance to these four alone will set you back around £70. Instead, buy an ‘I amsterdam City Card’ for 24 hours for £53, or 48 hours for £71 ( iamsterdam.com). Public transport and some canal rides are included, too.

Do not miss the Secret Annex at the moving Anne Frank House, which tells her courageous story at Prinsengracht 263.

Tulip fever

BROWSE the Bloemenmarkt, a series of flower stalls floating on the Singel canal, with endless baskets of pink, purple, yellow and red tulips (pictured top).

Agapanthus, amaryllis and peony bulbs also feature, alongside cacti and fresh cut roses. Perfect for a stroll.

Admire sparkling gems

TOURS of the Royal Coster Diamonds factory ( royalcoster. com), next to the Rijksmuseum, are free. It’s fascinating to see the polishers at work. The Koh-i-Noor diamond from the Crown Jewels was repolished here in 1852 and more than 30,000 diamonds are on site. What’s the most expensive one on offer? ‘Sky’s the limit, sir.’

Cross the IJ

FERRIES across the IJ from behind Amsterdam Centraal Station are free. Go for a coffee at the sleek Eye Filmmuseum cafe on the other side and look out across the cityscape ( eyefilm.nl).

For cinema lovers

TUSCHINSKI Theatre is a glorious art nouveau cinema dating from 1921. It was created by Abraham Tuschinski, a polish tailor and film enthusiast. Take a look, watch a film (£11) or take a 45-minute tour (£9, pathe.nl/tuschinski).

Get classical

FROM September to May, the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra offers free concerts from 12.30pm to 1pm at the The Dutch National Opera and Ballet on Tuesdays ( operaballet.nl) and at The Royal Concertgebouw ( concertgebouw. nl) on Wednesdays.

Live it up a bit!

A GLASS of wine in the ultra-cool bar at The Dylan hotel — one of George Clooney’s favourite haunts — will set you back £3.55. (Rooms, however, are from £255, dylan amsterdam.com).