I’ve only really seen Amsterdam in this country.  A favourite weekend destination for Brits seeking a party, it can feel a bit over-run with tourists, but it nonetheless remains a gorgeous place to visit.

When: August 1995, August 2002, a few days each time

Where: Amsterdam

Who: 1995 with a university friend inter-railing, alone in 2002

How: 1995 in and out by train, in 2002 in by train and out by air

Weather: the summer can be warm but also cool, especially in the evenings.

Food: standard European fare

Sights:  The Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank’s house, the canals

Surprises:

Tips: Famous for it’s more relaxed attitude to soft drugs ‘coffee shops’ selling small quantities of drugs abound, but laws sometimes change. Check with the current laws. Smoke and eat with caution!