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. »

The Vondelpark in Amsterdam is Holland’s most famous and most popular park. Among the rules for this busy park: no nude sunbathing. But you won’t believe what is allowed…. »

Whether you are here on a layover, a few days in between other places, or for an extended vacation, no visit to Amsterdam is complete without a canal tour. »

Join a free, daily 3-hour walking tour of Amsterdam. »

Things to see and things to do in Amsterdam for free. »

Queen’s Day in Amsterdam: the world’s largest street party. »

Bike tour in Amsterdam »

The 750,000 people who live in Amsterdam own approximately 600,000 bicycles »

2005 Christmas market on Amsterdam’s Dam Square »

Amsterdam and just about any city in the Netherlands prove that a transportation system that takes the bicycle seriously can indeed work. »

Amsterdam is a freewheeling city, but — contrary to popular opinion — not everything goes. And even some things that are perfectly legal are best avoided. Here is our list of tips. »

A tentative list of things to do in Amsterdam »