I have a lot of friends who pass through Amsterdam for work, as a flight stopover, or who are just coming for a weekend break. They ask me what do I recommend within a very short time frame.

Then someone sent me this article by the New York Times: 36 Hours in Amsterdam. It's great. It really gives a complete schedule of Must See's and Must Do's over a simple weekend. And this list is for adult visitors, providing an alternative view of the city (not alternative in the sense of drugs and sex, but instead of them!)

Starting on a Friday afternoon (hopefully you were able to take Friday off of work!), you rent a bike, get your bearings in what is in fact a surprisingly small urban centre, and where to go for a trendy aperitif. By Sunday afternoon you will feel as if you truly experienced Amsterdam, although you will also know that a weekend if indeed not nearly enough to get to know all the offerings of one of Europe's most treasured cities.