THE capital city of Amsterdam is a city like no other, which is now available to visit easily from Southend.

Airline easyJet revealed flights from Southend Airport to Amsterdam will continue until the end of October.

With a flight time of just under an hour, the location is perfect for a quick getaway.

I recently visited the iconic city to celebrate the birthday of my best friend.

Echo: Central Station: the incredible station building in the centre of AmsterdamCentral Station: the incredible station building in the centre of Amsterdam (Image: Newsquest)

We chose to visit Amsterdam for its famous nightlife and its incredible museum district.

The beautiful tulip season is now in full swing and is definitely worth the trip.

My friend and I set aside a long weekend to give us time to take in the sights of the city.

Echo: Beautiful canal: many travel by boatBeautiful canal: many travel by boat (Image: Newsquest)

Landing at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport it is quick and easy to get the train into to centre of the city.

Amsterdam Central Station is a sight in itself and travelling there will be so much easier now flights from Southend have been confirmed.

We visited the fascinating Body Worlds science museum for the latest exhibition of The Happiness Project which explores how your health affects your happiness and vice versa.

Echo: Famous sight: the view on on of many canalsFamous sight: the view on on of many canals (Image: Newsquest)

The museum has 200 real bodies on display, which was surreal and spine-tingling to see.

The historic and moving Anne Frank House is located close to the centre of Amsterdam.

The city also boasts some incredible shops, including some classic favourites Zara, Bershka and Urban Outfitters as well as some more high-end shops.

Echo: Historic station: outside Amsterdam Central StationHistoric station: outside Amsterdam Central Station (Image: Newsquest)

Another favourite of mine from the visit was Tony’s Chocolonely’s superstore, where you can get freshly made chocolate with personalised ingredients.

Some other incredible sites include the Royal Palace Amsterdam or the Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam hotel which is famously built around two original houses dating back to 1602, when the homeowners refused to sell to developers.

Echo: Happy city: 2023 signHappy city: 2023 sign (Image: Newsquest)

It is now among the many sights which can be seen all in the travel time of just a couple of hours.

Luckily next time I want to visit Amsterdam it won't mean a huge roundtrip to Luton airport.