This city gets such a bad rap. You’d be forgiven for thinking it is one massive red light district filled with naked women in windows, seedy hash bars and aggressive stag parties. That element does exist but it is actually contained to only a few areas, which means there is a whole other city to explore. And what a city! I was struck by how much it combined all my favourite elements of European cities: beautiful cobbled streets, pretty canals, sunny parks and vintage trams. I was swooning from the moment I arrived at how romantic Amsterdam is! I wish I hadn’t taken so many years to visit as it is now one of my favourite places. You can spot the dodgy areas a mile off so just steer clear of them and head to one of the many cute cafes, bars and museums that are spread across the Netherlands capital city!