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is not just marijuana and museums. Explore the Dutch capital’s streets and waterways with this helpful guide and you’ll not only avoid the tourist traps but uncover great markets, lesser-known museums and charming bars, cafes and restaurants.

Whether you're looking for a budget, mid-range or luxury getaway to Amsterdam, shows you how:

Where to sleep:

Budget

Each of the eight simply furnished rooms at , in a house dating back to 1652, has a canal view and is named after a famous Dutch painter – with a print by that same painter inside. Prices start at €60.

Mid-range

Conveniently located close to the , and with a tram stop outside, is a family-run place with bright modern rooms with large windows. Prices from around €89.

Luxury

Set in an 18th-century mansion, has all the extra touches you’d want from a boutique hotel – bedrooms with sitting areas, a bar and restaurant, pretty gardens, bikes for hire and a DVD library. Prices start at €155.

What to see:

Budget

Enter at the unmarked rear of for the Civic Guards Gallery, a street glazed over to house epic group portraits of the militia. Entrance is €10 for adults.

Mid-range

hosts several lively markets a week, including Monday’s flea market and Saturday’s bird market and farmers’ market. Open 8am-1pm Monday, 10am-3pm Saturday.

Luxury

The grand is considered one of the finest concert halls in the world due to its fantastic acoustics. Its 800-odd shows a year include classical, jazz and world music concerts. Prices vary.

Where to eat:

Budget

Walk through the kitchen to reach the dining room at , a simple but stylish sky-lit cafe open for breakfast and lunch. Expect dishes such as croque monsieur. Mains start from €5.

Mid-range

Indonesian food has always been popular in Amsterdam with rijsttafel (rice with loads of sides) created as a Dutch colonial feast. does a good version, plus satay and other authentic dishes. Mains from €13.50.

Luxury

Inside a 17th-century former herb warehouse in the Red Light District, is a rose among thorns. Try the refined Mediterranean-inspired dishes in the garden. A three-course menu costs €55.

Where to drink:

Budget

The tasting room of Amsterdam’s leading microbrewery, , has a down and dirty beer hall feel. Walls are lined with dry hops and bottles from around the world, and the house brew is on tap.

Mid-range

The pretty terrace of overlooks the canal while inside there’s a distillery, a tasting house dating back to 1786 and porcelain beer pumps.

Luxury

Grab a coffee or glass of champagne and people watch from the balcony and waterside terraces of , a soaring, grand cafe.