With a population of 872,680, Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands. Found within the province of North-Holland, Amsterdam is colloquially referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, attributed to the abundance of canals.
Amsterdam was founded on the River Amstel. Dammed to control flooding, the city’s name derives from the Amstel dam. Originating as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, the city became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century. It was a leading centre for finance and trade. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the city expanded and many new neighbourhoods and suburbs were planned and built. The 17th-century canals of Amsterdam and the 19–20th century Defence Line of Amsterdam, are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Sloten, annexed in 1921 by the municipality of Amsterdam, is the oldest part of the city, dating to the 9th century.
Amsterdam’s main attractions include:
- historic canals
- the Rijksmuseum
- the Van Gogh Museum
- the Stedelijk Museum
- Hermitage Amsterdam
- the Concertgebouw
- the Anne Frank House
- the Scheepvaartmuseum
- the Amsterdam Museum
- the Heineken Experience
- the Royal Palace of Amsterdam
- Natura Artis Magistra
- Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
- NEMO
- the red-light district
- many cannabis coffee shops.
The city is also well known for its nightlife and festival activity; with several of its nightclubs among the world’s most famous. It’s primarily known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled façades; well-preserved legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. These characteristics are arguably responsible for attracting millions of Amsterdam’s visitors annually. Cycling is key to the city’s character, and there are numerous cycle paths.
Our Experience
We visited the amazing city of Amsterdam for three days in September 2019, travelling on the Eurostar from St Pancras under the Channel Tunnel through France and Belgium to Amsterdam Station.
It is a truly unique and vibrant city without too much of the highrise buildings and busyness you expect from a large modern city. There’s so much to see and do. Three days didn’t do it full justice.
We hope you’ll find the slideshow inspirational. Click on an image, make it full screen, start the show and enjoy!
