Amsterdam is one of the most famous cities in the world, known for its picturesque canals, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. As the capital of the Netherlands, it attracts millions of visitors each year who come to experience its museums, nightlife, and laid-back atmosphere.
Here are ten key things to know about this fascinating city:
1. Amsterdam is the Official Capital of the Netherlands
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| Colorful apartments in Amsterdam |
Instead, Amsterdam functions as the cultural and economic heart of the Netherlands. It is home to the country’s largest airport, Schiphol, and major international businesses. While it lacks government buildings, it remains a globally significant city due to its historical importance and financial influence.
2. The City is Famous for its Canals
Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal ring is one of its most defining features. The city has over 100 kilometers of canals, with the three main ones—Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht—forming a horseshoe around the city center. These waterways were built in the 17th century to improve trade and transportation.
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| Keizersgracht at night |
Today, the canals are a major tourist attraction, with boat tours offering stunning views of Amsterdam’s historic architecture. Many of the city’s canal houses are centuries old and were originally built by wealthy merchants during the Dutch Golden Age. The canals also serve as a unique backdrop for cultural events, such as the Amsterdam Light Festival in winter.
3. Bicycles Rule the Streets
Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, with more bicycles than residents. The city has an estimated 900,000 bicycles, and cycling is the preferred mode of transportation for locals. Dedicated bike lanes and priority traffic rules make it easy and safe to navigate the city on two wheels.
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| Bicycle in Amsterdam |
The city’s flat terrain and compact layout make cycling an efficient way to get around. Tourists can rent bikes from shops like MacBike or Yellow Bike to experience the city like a local. However, first-time visitors should be cautious—Amsterdam’s bike traffic can be intense, especially in the city center.
4. Amsterdam is Home to Some of the World’s Best Museums
Art and history lovers will find plenty to explore in Amsterdam, which is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums. The Rijksmuseum houses masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh, while the Van Gogh Museum showcases the life and works of the famous Dutch painter.
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| Rijksmuseum |
One of the most visited sites in the city is the Anne Frank House, where visitors can see the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. The museum offers a moving experience, providing insight into one of the darkest periods of European history.
5. The Red Light District is One of its Most Controversial Attractions
Amsterdam’s Red Light District (De Wallen) is famous for its legalized sex work and adult entertainment. Prostitution has been regulated in the Netherlands since 2000, and the area is known for its distinctive red-lit windows where sex workers legally offer their services.
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| Red Light District (De Wallen) in Amsterdam |
While some see it as a progressive example of legalized sex work, the district has been at the center of debates regarding safety and ethics. The city government has introduced new measures to reduce overtourism and improve conditions for workers. Despite its reputation, the area is also home to historic buildings, cultural landmarks, and lively nightlife.
6. It Has One of the Oldest Stock Exchanges in the World
Amsterdam has long been a center of trade and finance, dating back to the Dutch Golden Age (17th century) when it was the world’s leading economic hub. The city is home to the Amsterdam Stock Exchange (AEX), which was founded in 1602 by the Dutch East India Company. It is considered the world’s first official stock exchange.
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| Hendrick de Keyser Exchange, Amsterdam’s first exchange building |
Today, the Amsterdam Stock Exchange operates under Euronext, a pan-European exchange. The city remains an important financial center, with multinational companies, banks, and fintech startups based in its Zuidas business district.
7. The City is Famous for its Liberal Policies
Amsterdam is known for its progressive and open-minded culture. The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001, and the city has long been a center for LGBTQ+ rights. The annual Amsterdam Pride parade, held on the canals, is one of the most famous Pride events in the world.
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| Amsterdam Pride Parade |
The city is also known for its relaxed stance on cannabis consumption. While marijuana is technically illegal in the Netherlands, it is tolerated under the «gedoogbeleid» (tolerance policy). Coffee shops, which are different from cafés, legally sell cannabis in small quantities to adults. However, in recent years, Amsterdam has introduced measures to curb «weed tourism» and promote responsible use.
8. King’s Day is Amsterdam’s Biggest Celebration
Every year on April 27, Amsterdam turns into a giant orange-colored party for King’s Day (Koningsdag), celebrating the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. The entire city is filled with street markets, live music, and boat parties, as people wear orange—the national color of the Netherlands.
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| King’s Day (Koningsdag) |
One of the highlights of King’s Day is the free-market (vrijmarkt), where residents set up street stalls to sell secondhand goods. The city’s canals also become packed with party boats, making it one of the most exciting and vibrant days to visit Amsterdam.
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9. The City is a Leader in Sustainability and Green Initiatives
Amsterdam is committed to being one of the most sustainable cities in Europe. The city has a strong focus on reducing carbon emissions, promoting electric vehicles, and creating energy-efficient buildings. Many of its buses and taxis are electric, and a growing number of buildings use renewable energy.
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| Schoonschip |
The city is also working towards becoming fully circular by 2050, meaning that waste will be minimized and resources will be reused as much as possible. Innovative projects, such as floating neighborhoods like Schoonschip, show how Amsterdam is embracing sustainability in urban development.
10. It Has More Bridges Than Venice
Although Venice is famous for its canals and bridges, Amsterdam actually has more bridges—over 1,500. These bridges connect the city’s different districts and provide stunning viewpoints for photographers. Some of the most famous bridges include the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) and the charming Brouwersgracht bridges.
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| Brouwersgracht Bridge |
The bridges add to the city’s unique charm, especially at night when many are illuminated. A canal cruise or a simple walk along the waterways offers some of the best perspectives of Amsterdam’s beauty.
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam is a city that blends history, culture, and modern innovation. From its famous canals and world-class museums to its progressive policies and vibrant festivals, it offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re exploring its artistic heritage, enjoying its café culture, or cycling through its streets, Amsterdam is a destination full of character and energy.
