Amsterdam is the most bicycle-friendly city in the world, says American travel agency Virgin Vacations. In its listing of “11 Most Bicycle Friendly Cities in the World,” Amsterdam ranks number one.

Small wonder. Amsterdam truly is bike heaven. »

Founded in 1838, Artis is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands.

Guidebooks rightly refer to it one of the most pleasant city zoos around, as the whole place breathes a 19th-century garden atmosphere with winding paths, majestic trees, fascinating sculptures and monumental historical buildings. »

Buy art at affordable prices, pay a midnight visit to a museum, or celebrate the fact that Amsterdam is the world’s largest cocoa harbor by indulging in the Chocolate Festival.

Then there is the largest documentary film festival in the world, as well as the annual arrival of the orginal St. Nicholas. »