Amsterdam guides call Amsterdam the cool capital of Holland because of its famous art, diverse architecture, top designers, superb shopping and the enormous variety of delicious food served in trendy restaurants. But during the spring, it's the flowers that are the city's main attraction. So, if you're looking for a unique European vacation escape, head to Amsterdam in the spring and experience everything from the vibrant tulip fields, to the notorious nightlife in the city's Red Light District.

Experiencing Amsterdam
This unique Dutch city honestly has something for everybody. The shopping is unbeatable, the architecture is truly diverse and the nightlife is notorious—especially the city's famous Red Light District where prostitution is legal. The city boasts no fewer than 10 museums, including the famous Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House. Visitors can tour the famous Heineken Experience at the city's main brewery, take a cruise along the charming canals or explore the Dutch Royal Palace.

Behind the Wheel
Vacation tip No. 1: Amsterdam is a walking city. But if you feel like you must get behind the wheel, opt for the two-wheel kind and rent a bicycle. There are more than 10,000 bikes in Amsterdam, and tourists can rent bikes to experience the sites as the locals do. If you want to cycle outside of Amsterdam, guides can take you along the several cycling routes through some of Holland's most wonderful bulb fields. The local tourist offices will be happy to provide you with more information about special bulb routes in this area.

Keukenhof Garden
Just an hour outside of Amsterdam is the world-famous Keukenhof garden in Lisse. Every spring Keukenhof is blooming with millions of tulips and other bulb flowers—it's the ultimate vacation escape from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. The nearly 80-acre-garden features an awesome display of color in a beautiful setting that incorporates elements of traditional and modern landscape gardening and sculptural art. The garden is adjacent to some of Holland's bulb fields, and when in bloom, the landscape resembles a colorful carpet of brilliant reds, purples, yellows and pinks—truly a sight for the eyes. The garden is open only two months during the spring while the bulbs are at their peak. The best time to view the garden is in mid-March to mid-April.