Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/634260
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 31 JANUARY 2016 41 Travel Two readers have the chance to win a complimentary return ticket each for travel on any scheduled Air Malta flights (excluding taxes and charges). All you have to do is answer the question below and send in your name, mobile number and email address to: Maltatoday competition, Air Malta plc, Sky Parks, Malta International Airport, Luqa, LQA 4000. The closing date is 15 February. Two readers have the chance to win a complimentary return ticket each for travel on any scheduled Air Malta flights (excluding taxes and charges). All you have to do is answer the question below and send in your name, mobile number and email Maltatoday competition, Air Malta plc, Sky Parks, Malta International Airport, Luqa, LQA 4000. The closing date is 15 February. Question: How many weekly flights does Air Malta operate to Amsterdam this winter? a) 1 flight b) 2 flights or c) 4 weekly flights? ✂ Name Email Mobile Number Charming little Amsterdam THE capital of the Netherlands has drawn travelers for centu- ries, as the centre of tulip mania in the early 1600s, a source of inspiration for countless art- ists, a hub of tolerance and free thinking, and a beautiful week- end getaway with no lack of things to do. Amsterdam truly embodies the cosmopolitan, liberal and cultural values Eu- rope stands for. Combined with being a completely walkable, compact city, it's no surprise Amsterdam remains one of the world's favourite destinations. Things to do History buff – The Nether- lands, and Amsterdam in par- ticular, was home to a stoic but steadfast resistance to German occupation during World War II. The Dutch Resistance Mu- seum (verzetsmuseum.org) of- fers an immersive, well-curated perspective on the resistance movement. Thousands of arti- facts, audio recordings, letters and equipment tell stories of extraordinary acts of heroism from ordinary men and wom- en, who stood up to tyranny at great personal expense. A visit to the Anne Frank House (annefrank.org), home to possibly the most famous victim of Nazi rule, is a fascinat- ing, somewhat harrowing expe- rience for anyone. Book tickets in advance to skip the legendary queues. Art lover – Home to Vincent Van Gogh at different times in his life, Amsterdam keeps this post-Impressionist close to its heart. The Rijksmuseum (rijks- museum.nl) contains a number of his works on a permanent basis, not to mention some by other Dutch masters like Rem- brandt and Vermeer, among its vast collection. Visit the web- site to see what new exhibitions are currently on and to book tickets. To get a real feel for what life was like during the Dutch Gold- en Age, have a wander about Rembrandt's old digs. The painter spent almost 20 years living and working in what is now the Rembrandt House Museum (rembrandthuis.nl), packed with artwork, furniture, clothing and other objects that date back to this time period. An interesting insight into not only the era's elite but their staff as well. A breath of fresh air – Am- sterdam's green lung is Vondel- park, 120 acres of lush greenery, ancient trees, a beautiful rose garden, an open-air theatre and endless biking and walking paths. The perfect spot to relax after a long day touring muse- ums or sit in the sunshine for a picnic before heading off to wander the canals. Amsterdam is dotted with 30 green spaces so a park bench and a tranquil moment are nev- er far away. Vondelpark may be the largest in the city centre but Oosterpark, Amstelpark, Rem- brandtpark and Beatrixpark are all wonderfully accessible and well planned. Keep a look- out for some unusual feathery friends – Amsterdam is home to a huge flock of feral Indian ringnecks, bright green parrots that are both wildly out of place in continental Europe and now a chattering part of the city's parks. Out and about – Like much of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is highly bicycle oriented. The large majority of residents get around on two wheels thanks to the miles of cycle paths around the city. Rent a bicycle to get around and see the sites while burning off the calories from all that delicious Gouda. Dam Square, minutes from the Centraal train station, is a massive open space bordered by eateries, retail outlets and the Royal Palace (paleisamster- dam.nl), the former home of Dutch royalty. Also on Dam is the Nieuwe Kerk, literally, 'the new church', after the old one grew too small for the com- munity (the Oude Kerk, which is a few streets over). Both are worth a visit for an insight into Dutch architecture. What to eat This city takes great pride in its diversity and this open at- titude is reflected in its gas- tronomic culture. Traditional, vegetarian, ethnic and haute cuisine live side by side in Am- sterdam. Head to Zaza's (zazas.nl) for some high-end continental dishes, complete with five-star service. Guts & Glory (gutsglory.nl) is the carnivore's paradise – every dish here is based on one par- ticular meat, which changes every so often. Ever heard of beef butter? Yeah, these guys make that. For a more DIY attitude to your lunch or dinner, head to Albert Cuyp Market in the De Pijp neighbourhood. Open from 9:30am to 5pm, Monday to Sat- urday, over 300 stalls line Al- bert Cuyp street, selling every- thing from clothing and vintage goods to giant wheels of cheese, fresh fruit and veg, bread and (absolutely unmissable) fresh waffles. For a taste of the east, head to Levant (restaurantlevant.nl). A Turkish café and restaurant, Levant offers mouth-watering dishes packed with Middle East- ern flavours and ingredients. BIRD (thai-bird.nl) is a small (often crowded) Thai restau- rant that offers fantastic prices and authentic food. Let's just say there's a good reason it's advisable to book ahead. Where to stay Mauro Mansion (mauroman- sion.com) is a 9-room boutique- style hotel set in a 16th-century traditional canal house, owned and run by two locals. The mansion is a relaxed, romantic and inspiring hotel that will add to your Amsterdam experience. It's centrally located, peaceful and easy to reach in just five minutes from Central Station. Rooms start from €90 a night for their smallest room. Dikker & Thijs Fenice Hotel (dikkerenthijshotel.nl) offers four-star accommodation on the corner of the Prinsengracht and Leidsestraat in the centre of Amsterdam. Most of the rooms have a beautiful view over the canal. Rooms start from €130 a night. De L'Europe Amsterdam (leu- rope.nl) offers luxurious ac- commodation along the Amstel River, in the heart of the city. This 5-star hotel is minutes away from the Kalverstraat shopping area, the entertain- ment venues in Rembrandtplein and the Flower Market. Rooms start at €326 per night. Always busy but positively packed on sunny days, the Albert Cuyp market is a great place to pick up lunch Dam Square is a great starting point for exploring the city or simply sitting and watching the crowd.