Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, may boast all the attractions of a large city, but is actually rather compact, and thus a perfect place for walking around (if, however, you want to use public transport, the city has one of the best systems in Europe). As the authors of point out, parts of the centre are quiet and not congested with traffic - principally because of the canals. The latter are, of course, the element that gives a particular character to the city, with the large gabled houses dotted along them. Dunford and co. draw attention to all the important sights that one must visit, such as (of course) the Anne Frank house; visiting the place where this most famous youthful victim of the Nazis hid away is still a moving experience (as ever, of course, the guide warns us to beware of the long queues, and suggests coming early or late to avoid the crush).

There is a particularly accessible section of the guide on the history of the city -- one of the richest and most impressive histories in Europe, as well as listing the legendary venues for music and the visual arts (the section on the wonderful concert house, The Concertgebouw, is particularly instructive, detailing ticket availability and tours). But whatever your destination in Amsterdam -- from the astonishing treasures of the Rijksmuseum to the erotic diversions of the sex museums and the famous Red Light district -- this is the guide to take with you. --Barry Forshaw