It's not hard to find a place to enjoy the sunshine in Amsterdam. Just plonk yourself down next to a canal somewhere and watch the world go by. If, however, you feel like doing a little something more active, there are plenty of parks, bars and other hopping places where you can go and get tanned while playing beach volleyball, picnicking or simply socialising.

Parks

Most people will head to Vondelpark for a spot of lunchtime or post-work sunbathing so it can get crowded. Instead head to Frankendael on the east side of the city that originally served as an estate, and still boasts some of its original features such as gates, sculptures and the manor house itself.

The gardens are beautifully maintained and are a pleasant sight to see.

Another option is Amstelpark. Here you can also wonder through some stunning gardens including the Rosarium and Belgian Cloister garden. Throughout the ages the park has served as a botanic garden as well as the venue for the 1972 world garden fair, Floriade.

Kids will be really entertained at Amstelpark, home to a small train that operates throughout the summer, as well as a labyrinth, and a city farm with a petting zoo.

Boats

One of the best ways to enjoy Amsterdam is by boat. Some form part of the city's public transport network while others are privately owned tour boats. Routes will vary but try to select one that will take you to see some more unconventional sites and canals where you can really get a taste for what local life is like.

City Beach

Pllek is a new hotspot in the north side of the city. It's a city beach development with real sand to lie in, as well as deck chairs, and a terrace bar. The facilities, housed in brightly coloured container buildings, are open all year round for food, music, film and yoga.

Pllek's well situated and gets sunshine from morning till night.

It's a fun haunt to hang out it. People have been known to show up with guitars, and sit around a campfire getting the crowds to join in with their singing.

Bars

Cafe Het Molenpad is a cafe gallery in the city centre that gathers both locals and visitors in an informal, canal-side setting. Sit back with a drink or a hearty meal and watch the world go by.

The DoubleTree hotel in Amsterdam houses the chic and contemporary Skylounge that gets flooded with sunshine. Stop by for cocktails at the end of the day, or start your night here before hitting one of the city's trendy clubs. It's also the perfect setting for business meetings and dates.