TWO days in a major city is never enough to see everything.

Fortunately,  Amsterdam is small enough to navigate around quickly, and big enough on charm to make you feel instantly welcome.

Considering we were travelling just 24 hours after a terrorist attack on Glasgow Airport, the extra security measures for our excellent transavia flight from Prestwick were handled admirably by airport staff.

Transavia is a no-frills airline, but leg room was ample (my companion is 6ft2 yet had no complaints) and in-flight entertainment on such a short trip was an unexpected surprise.

The reception was just as good at the Amsterdam Hilton.

We were quickly checked in, and the helpful staff told us that, not only was breakfast included, but we also had use of the Executive Lounge - more of this later.

Our canal-side room had an excellent view of the city and all the extras that you would expect of a quality hotel. The pleasant evening weather lasted long enough for us to enjoy an aperitif on the garden terrace before retiring for a fine dinner in the Italian restaurant within the hotel.

Refreshed by a good night's sleep, and an ample breakfast, we felt able to tackle some serious sightseeing. The hotel is just a 15 minutes walk from Museumplein, which houses Amsterdam's two leading museums.

First on our list was the imposing Rijksmuseum and the fact that only the Philips Wing is open was perhaps a blessing on a short visit. The selection of Dutch paintings cannot be faulted, with Rembrandt's The Night Watch undoubtedly the main draw.

The Van Gogh Museum is on the north edge of Museumplein and its beautifully presented collection is extremely popular for good reason, although it's easy to get trampled by dedicated art lovers. After, there was time for a quick refreshment at the lively Cobra café on the square while watching the many cyclists from a safe distance.

We then took a stroll through the Spiegelkwartier, home to some of Amsterdam's best, and priciest, antique and art dealers. Perfect for some window shopping and to admire some of the city's most elegant canals and mansions.

Our goal was FOAM (Fotopraphiemuseum) a space which exhibits all genres of photography. The front of the building was given over to large scale portraits by French street artist JR, testament to Amsterdam's continued liberal counterculture.

The rest of the afternoon was given over to walking around some of the main areas to soak up the atmosphere of this undeniably lively city.

We sampled a beer in one of Amsterdam's best known brown cafés, Hoppe (Spui 18), the small spit-and-sawdust side bar giving a more traditional experience than the newer style conscious designer bars.

Breakfast had finally been walked off and we sought refuge from a sudden deluge of rain in Koepel Café (Kattengat 1) which offered a rare opportunity to sample a thick Dutch pea soup with rye bread.

By early evening, sunshine encouraged another walk. The city was now entering its next phase, with the tourist groups breaking up and the party people emerging into the dusk to find the next happening bar.

Back at the hotel, we headed up in the lift to sample the delights of the free canapés and drinks in Executive Lounge.

The hotel's claim to fame is John and Yoko's "Bed-In" for peace in 1969 and while the Lennon & Ono suite may be a touch too expensive for most, sipping a drink with the city laid out before you will make you feel a million dollars.

Our last day allowed us to explore the network of canals one last time, stopping for coffee and watching the world go by. We didn't manage the canal cruise – but that's just one good reason to go back.

INFORMATION:

Transavia flies five times a week between Prestwick and Amsterdam. Fares start from £43.00 each way, including airport taxes and reserved seating at check-in.

To book flights visit www.transavia.com or call 0207 365 4997.

The Hilton Amsterdam, the city's leading contemporary hotel is perfectly located in the heart of the city Prices start from £142 for a double room per night and include breakfast.