there is a small, but great service that allows a far better option to the crowded tourist canal boats. You can rent it for 3-6 hours. it comes with a motor and is a well kept, simple boat that can seat 5 or 6. the guy has about six of them he rents. Here is his number: 0204224007

Hi there! In Amsterdam, I liked the Supper Club a lot, and the boats sailing from Rokin at Spui on evening cruises with wine, cheese and bread at a reasonable price. They are sailing for two hours on the channels. I also liked the cafe De Waag, nice setting! And the Anne Frank house gave a big impression, good to be reminded about what happened, considering the easy times we live in.

Unparalleled acoustics reign supreme in Amsterdam’s classical music temple. Besides top orchestras, also jazz and pop-artists seem to have found the way to its stage.

One of the newer areas of Amsterdam, the Eastern Harbour District, is the location of a very good Italian restaurant called "Oceano".
Maybe the best thing about it is that during a nice boat trip you can easily park your boat in front of the restaurant and take out pretty much everything they have on their menu. Heated and wind protected terrace takes care of a perfect summer evening outside.

Restaurant de Oceano, RJH Fortuynplein 29, Tel. 020 419 0020. Website www.oceano.nl

If you are looking for really great chocolate in the city that makes the best chocolate try Guido Gobino Via Cagliari 15B, Turin, Italy.

One of the best Irish pubs in Dublin, located between the shopping center and Temple Bar at Stephen Street. It is enjoyed best for a quiet Sunday afternoon drink if you want to stay away from the tourist traps in Temple Bar. See http://www.dublinpubscene.com/thepubs/thehairylemon.html for a map of where to find it.

The very last authentic distillery remaining in the city. It specializes in Old Dutch Genevas and liquors. More information

Macbikes are ubiquitous in the Dam and with good reason- they're reliable and reasonably priced.

Taxis on water? electrically assisted and driven by all kinds of interesting sporty types. Catch them 7 days a week, 11am to 3am. More information

Feed your chocolate addiction with more examples of sweetie type loveliness than Willy Wonka?s chocolate factory. More information

Sample some fantastic tobacco in stunning old-world surroundings. Hurry, before it becomes illegal to smoke anywhere in the world ever again. More information