Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. No, this bridge isn't blue, as you might be led to expect. Rather, its name derives from the painted wooden bridge that formerly existed in its place. The current edifice, constructed of brick and sandstone, was built in anticipation of the 1883 World Exposition and makes a statement of wealth and permanence. Sculptures on the bridge refer to the city's seafaring history and include sea life, ships and crowns.

 

Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. This bustling plaza in modern-day Amsterdam was the city's birthplace, where the river Amstel was dammed, the Southern Sea contained, and the town founded. These days, the place is a congregating point for tourists and locals, a place to hang out in the sun and enjoy the local ambiance. In the immediate vicinity of the Dam are the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). You can also shop or dine in the vicinity and arrange for a brief outing, via horse-drawn cart.

 

Description: WATERFRONT. For centuries, there has been little change plotted on Amsterdam maps. However, a desperate shortage of housing in the city led to an ambitious urban regeneration plan of the docklands to the east of Centraal Station – and at the dawn of the 21st century, the stunning results rose up on the skyline. With more than a nod to the nautical, the series of small islands and peninsulas contain buildings resembling whales and waves, and eccentric bridges criss-crossing canals. Gentrified warehouses – which once stored goods brought by ships from all corners of the world – have been turned into restaurants, cultural centers and artists' studios, and one street has a row of houses each individually designed by different architects. A mecca for architecture aficionados (it includes contributions by Renzo Piano and Larry Malcic), it's well worth exploring. But first stop should be architecture center, ARCAM (Prins Hendrikkade 600, 620 4878, www.arcam.nl, Tue-Sat 1pm-5pm) where you can pick up an invaluable map detailing the architecture of the area.

 

Description: WESTERN CANAL RING / JORDAAN. Commemorating gay men and women persecuted in the past, and looking towards the promise of respect and inclusion, this monument settles into the city and is both eminently visible and unobtrusive. Comprised of three triangles that coalesce into a single triangular entity, the monument features a street level shape, a raised one, and a pink granite component that reaches out into the water and is often laid with flowers of remembrance. Connecting with other generations, the three triangles also point towards the Anne Frank House, the COC (a gay rights organization), and the National War Monument. The pink triangle is particularly relevant because it was the symbol with which gay citizens were branded during the Nazi persecution. Located here is the gay and lesbian information and souvenirs kiosk, Pink Point.

 

Description: EASTERN CANAL RING. For centuries, a bridge has existed in this location on the Amstel. Local lore claims that it was originally built to unite the homes of two sisters who lived on opposite shores. Nevertheless, the small, wooden footbridge is an interesting feature and becomes quite lovely at night, when it's lit in the darkness. The bridge also has a drawbridge function, allowing boats to pass through when opened by hand by the bridge master.

 

Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. Crowned by a graceful, circa-1606 spire, this tower was built in 1512 as an element in the city's defense system and rests right on the water. It was integral to town security during medieval days and helped protect shipbuilding facilities. The tower, which has a distinctive tilt and features several clock faces, now functions as part of Amsterdam's waterworks. It also served as artistic fodder for Rembrandt and can be spotted in a number of his works.

 

Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. The silhouette of this spire-topped tower is an unmistakable sight in the city. Its base was originally part of the 15th-century city walls, although the upper part of the tower was added in the early 17th century. It incorporated a clock and chimes which still ring out regularly. The tower came into its present name in 1672, when the Dutch were at war and had to produce their own coinage. The physical act of minting was done in the adjacent guard house, and the tower's moniker has been commonplace ever since. It's right by the Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam's famous floating flower market.