Amsterdam city breaks are famous for the wrong reasons. Sure, it’s hitherto liberal drugs laws and popular red light district help to attract a certain kind of traveller. But in truth, there’s much more to Amsterdam. In fact, its fascinating mix of history, culture and architecture make it one of the best places in Europe for a relaxing, family-friendly getaway.

If you’ve never visited Amsterdam before, here’s a taste of what you can expect.

Amsterdam’s historic city centre

With over 7000 registered historic buildings, Amsterdam city centre is one of Europe’s great repositories of history. The Old Centre is characterised by its medieval wooden houses and a famous enclosed courtyard called the Begijnhof, which is free to enter. Other major areas in Amsterdam include the Jordaan, a historically working-class area that’s been recently gentrified, and the distinctive Canal Ring, which dates back to the 17th century.

Of course, one of Amsterdam’s most famous features is its windmills, which are largely concentrated towards the west of the city. If it’s your first visit to Amsterdam, the De Gooyer windmill is a good place to start, as it’s not too far from the city centre. Amsterdam is also well-known for its variety of churches and synagogues. The Oude Kerk is the oldest church in the historic centre, and the Old Jewish Quarter is also worth exploring.

Museums and Gardens

Amsterdam is home to a fascinating range of museums and parks. Their popularity means that many a city hotel in Amsterdam is located close to its museums and parks, and families can rest assured that it’s perfectly possible to find hotels away from the Red Light District.

One of Amsterdam’s most famous attractions is the Anne Frank Museum, a must for visitors of all ages. Anne Frank’s diary has become one of the Holocaust’s most famous and affecting artefacts, and this museum is a tribute to both her life and the dangers faced by people who are persecuted. The Van Gogh Museum is also very popular, and is home to the world’s largest collection of paintings by the Dutch painter Vincent Van Gosh. And for those interested in the Dutch Golden Age, the Rijksmuseum is essential, containing works by the likes of Rembrandt and Vermeer.

When you’re ready to take a break from all Amsterdam has to offer, head to one of its parks. The Vondelpark is the biggest and one of the most popular, though the Plantage also has many fans. Amsterdam’s parks are particularly worth visiting if you’re travelling with children, as the open space will give them more room to play about and appreciate the city’s lively but relaxed atmosphere.