Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/811845
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 16 APRIL 2017 41 bars and restaurants. Get lost in Jordaan and step back in time. A dose of culture at Museumplein If culture is what you're after then take a trip to Museumplein. The 19th century district of Oud- Zuid is an art-lover's paradise and the open square between the buildings is a hub of activity all day long. Open air exhibitions, mar- kets, a paddling pool in the sum- mer and an ice-rink in the winter keep the square alive but do not detract from the incredible works of art that find their homes in the surrounding buildings. The Van Gogh Museum, Rijkmuseum and Stedelijk Museum of Modern art will keep you busy for hours on end. To escape the crowds try some of the lesser-known mu- seums like FOAM Photography Museum, Tropenmuseum and the home of the Willet Holthuys- ens, and discover what life was like back then. Discovering Dutch parklife Though Amsterdam is Holland's most populous city there are still plenty of green areas. With over 30 parks to choose from you'll never be short of a picnic spot in Am- sterdam and now that spring is in the air, a leisurely afternoon under a tree is the top choice for many locals. The largest, Vondelpark at 116 acres, is home to an outdoor theatre with live concerts in sum- mer, three bars and restaurants as well as a range of other attractions. Other notable parks include West- erpark, Saraphatipark and Rem- brantpark, which is also home to the largest petting zoo in the city. The colours of spring Tulips are as much a symbol of Amsterdam culture as the clog, but they are a sight to behold. The best place to buy flowers and bulbs is at the Bloemenmarkt, a floating flower market which lines the Sin- gel with colourful flower stalls. In the spring you could take a trip just outside the city to Bollenstreek, the fields of lowlands in which the tulips are grown between Harleen and Leiden. Hop on to a canal cruise With more than 100km of canals and 1,500 bridges, one of the best ways to see the city is by boat. The picture postcard dancing houses lean forward and were built this way to facilitate merchants hoist- ing goods into their storage rooms upstairs. The great hooks can still be seen on top some of the build- ings. There are plenty of cruises available ranging from guided tours during the day to candlelit dinners aboard a barge during the night. Beer tasting under the windmill Windmills are as much a symbol of the Netherlands than anything. The easiest windmill to visit in Am- sterdam is de Gooyer in the Oost- elijke Eilanden neighbourhood. What makes a trip to this windmill even more fantastic is the artisan microbrewery that has a large out- door drinking terrace just under the windmill. The brewery pro- duces a range of organic standard and seasonal ales you would find in most bars across Amsterdam, how- ever nothing tastes as good as made on premises! While you're there, why not try one of the 30-minute guided tasting tours. 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 18 March. Question: How often does Air Malta fly to Zurich this winter? a) Twice a week b) Five times a week c) Seven times a week ✂ Mobile Number Name Email Travel Getting there Air Malta already started operating its summer schedule and is operating flights to Amsterdam eight times a week. One-way prices start from €76 including taxes and charges. Visit www.airmalta.com for more info. 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 21 April. most populous city there are still Visit www.airmalta.com for more info. and send in your name, mobile number and email Question: How often do Air Malta fly to Amsterdam in summer? a) Twice a week b) Five times a week c) Eight times a week ✂ Mobile Number Name Email The fairytale-like Schloss waterfalls, Rhine Falls. The dancing houses along the canal make a picture perfect backdrop as you gently float down the canals Vondelpark is Amsterdam's largest park at 116 acres The open square in Museumplein is a hub of activity in summer and winter