If you have some extra time, getting to see the rural part of Amsterdam (the north part) is really a good idea.
Just some 6 or 7 miles away (but still within the city boundaries) you find yourself in the middle of green meadows, with cows, sheep and other cattle.
In the spring and summertime, you hear all kinds of birds all over the place.

There are some beautiful small and picturesque villages, such as Ransdorp, Zunderdorp, Durgerdam and Holysloot. Just outside the city limits lies the village of Broek in Waterland, with its beatifully coloured houses - perhaps the most beautiful of the villages North of Amsterdam.

Cycling there would be the best way to view this part of Amsterdam, but you can also drive around by car.