cool things about amsterdam

The one thing to bear in mind, however, is that staying in the city for Koningsdag is either obscenely expensive or impossible. She was a Jewish girl who hid from the Germans during the second world war. No. Amsterdam has a rich history as it is over 600 years old, but there is also a lot to say about, for example, culture. Well, I hope youre ready to fill your brain with absurd but wonderful factoids that youll be bringing up for years to come. Take part in the love story of Hazel and Gus. This means the climate is cool with moderate temperatures. 10. If you buy weed from a street dealer its illegal as you are only allowed to buy soft drugs at coffee shops. Some of you rightfully wondered why? Some of these people are natives living in a different part of the country, but plenty of those are tourists coming to visit from another country. This cheese shop also houses a museum devoted to Dutch dairy. The water in the Amsterdam canals is so clean that Artis Zoo gives its elephants pure drinking water straight from the Amsterdam canals. Burgers, croquettes, fries, and more on demand? Amsterdam has around 1515 bars and cafes at the moment of writing. 2. Even more than Venice in Italy. This is why the houses are slender and tall, and they often make up for their narrowness with their length. Marihuana is tolerated in the Netherlands, and you can buy some at the coffeeshops. Don't get us wrong, we love Amsterdam. The New York Public Library houses over 50 million books. However, when looking at age, there is one group that is the biggest, which are the 25 to 45 years old. The biggest and best-known park in Amsterdam is the Vondelpark which has a surface of about 47 hectares. 40. It truly feels magical. At the Rijksmuseum you can find art by great Dutch painters of the past, such as Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer and Frans Hals. Red light district 3. In this river, there is a dam that was put there in the 13th century. Strolling its streets is quite a unique experience. As a Dutchman I am extremely proud of the beautiful country in which I live. Each year, over a million people visit Artis. Because of this swamp-like ground, the city is built on stilts. They are not native to The Netherlands but were brought here as pets. Legalizing drugs, obvs. An example of this can be seen by visiting the Ons Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic) church which was hidden in the attic of a typical Dutch house in the heart of the city. Here are 10 fascinating things you might not know about the Dutch capital. Nowadays this stock exchange is referred to as Euronext Amsterdam as it merged with the Brussels Stock Exchange and the Paris Stock Exchange, but it is the oldest stock exchange in the world that is still in use today. *FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Beware of pickpockets though. They do get enough customers though, as it is clearly made visible on the outside what they sell. This retro roller rink offers dreamy aesthetics and an electrifying vibe, taking you back to the '80s with its classic skate nights. Amsterdam is a charming Dutch city known for flowing canals, colorful tulips and wooden clogs. There are more than 1 million bicycles in Amsterdam, but only around 821.000 people. The Atlas Obscura Guide To Amsterdam 66 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Amsterdam, Netherlands Updated May 9, 2022 1) Amsterdam was founded in the 13th century (around 1250) as a small fishing village. A great way to start your 48 hours in Amsterdam is in Dam Square. Plan your winter itinerary for 3 days in Amsterdam, visit the top attractions and get a taste of this vibrant city. Amsterdam is not a cheap city to live in. Orange-clad crowds take to the streets, set up huge flea markets, and party like theres no tomorrow. Dutch Christmas markets you have to visitif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'visitingthedutchcountryside_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_15',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-visitingthedutchcountryside_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); 10 things you actually need to pack for Amsterdam in winter, The best semi-private group tours in Amsterdam, Dutch beaches you have to visit near Amsterdam. *. At this flower market, you can buy all kinds of flowers, including the famous Dutch tulips. This very Dutch passion is even more evident in Amsterdam, where 63% of residents ride their bike every single day. The motto under the sign of Amsterdam (three crosses) says heroic, determined and merciful. Heres a bumper guide to Amsterdamse Bos from Netherlands local Kristy, after visiting many times. Dutch men have come out on top as the tallest people in the world in multiple studies throughout the years, at an average of 1.83 m (6'0"). Even if you dont get to attend the festival, you can always visit the Kersenbloesempark for a picnic under the pink flowers. Yet without its eclectic mix of buildings in radically different styles that Amsterdam is known for, it would probably look quite boring. My name is Christina and I'm a clumsy Canadian who is obsessed with seeing the world. Amsterdam was named Amstelredam, which referred to the dam in the Amstel river. In the evening, take out an Eco Boat Amsterdam to explore the canals before dinner. An Amsterdam street lined with antique shops each one dedicated to a different obscure . The stalls are all located on boats which is a remnant from the time that the flowers were delivered by boat. Most interesting and fun facts about Amsterdam, The Netherlands 1. Amsterdam is an expensive city to live in. There are more than 100 km of canals and most of these are navigable by boat. For this union a new constitution was needed, and to make sure the union didnt immediately burst into flames due to the differences between the people and their pride, there wasnt an official capital. This flower market was started back in 1862 and is one of the most famous flower markets in the Netherlands. The Kersenbloesempark we mentioned above is part of the massive Amsterdamse Bos (which translates to Amsterdam Forest), a landscape park that is packed with things to do and see, including (of all things) Highland Cows! Forge your own path in this tourist magnet, toward places that are less crowded but no less wondrous. With its impressively diverse demographics, pioneering fight for LGBT rights, and decades-old squatters movement, Amsterdam is known for its militant and game-changing politics. There is a reason the Netherlands is seen as a tolerant country. This fantastic tour takes a couple of hours and includes details about the history of the beer empire, a VERY cool interactive video about the brewing/bottling process, the chance to make . 22. Think of Wesley Sneijder, Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Kluivert, Clarence Seedorf and many more. 1. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'visitingthedutchcountryside_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-visitingthedutchcountryside_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');34. Today, apart from a Unesco World Heritage Site, the canals are a microcosm of their own. Amsterdams a fantastic place to dive into the world of Dutch food. . It started out as a big chunk of swamp-like land. Here's a look at some of our favorite things to do in Amsterdam. Even when Belgium separated from The Netherlands (we still miss you guys) in the 1830s, this stayed the same way. As well as all those houseboats, theres even one that has been converted into a floating cat shelter. Have a drink at In't Aepjen. 34. 31. Of course, theres more to this shop than just whimsical rubbers. Anneliese Marie Frank, known as 'Anne' to her friends and family, was born in Frankfurt-am-Main on 12 June 1929. He decided to put the capital in Amsterdam, and two years later he moved here (but mainly resided in other places in the country). 216 trams, 2500 boat houses, 75 museums, 207 paintings of Van Gogh, 14 five-star hotels, 15 cinemas and 16 clubs (bars etc. St. Andrew is said to have been martyred on an X-shaped cross. Royals only use it for official receptions on occasion. There's also a tennis club, and when you're done exercising, head to . Famed for its pie, this eatery has a hidden tunnel that allowed Catholics to secretly walk to church during the Reformation. LEARN MORE ABOUT AMSTERDAM?Then please check out the following articles:- Why Is Amsterdam Called The Venice Of The North?- Why Is Amsterdam The City Of Sin?- Why Is Amsterdam The Capital Of The Netherlands?- Why Is Amsterdam Famous? Amsterdam is one of the most sustainable cities in Europe, yet within the central boroughs, parks are relatively scarce. 2. Amsterdam is known for its emblematic canals, the stark contrast between its Baroque townhouses and state-of-the-art architecture, as well as its unapologetic culture embodied in coffee shops and the Red Light District. Outside of Asia, entering an airport seems almost guaranteed to be a dreadful experience. Europeans can't get enough Amsterdam beer 4. The Central Park Mall is the only straight path in the park. Canal cruises 5. Then with the 17th-century prosperity came an impressive population growth, and the four outermost canals were built. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the home port to several Dutch airlines, such as KLM, Corendon, and Transavia. Keep in mind to lock it properly each and every time. Because of the many coffeeshops, Red Light District, and other temptations, Amsterdam is also nicknamed the city of sin. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Its an animal shelter where they have more than fifty cats. 11. Learn how your comment data is processed. Share this post! Although this is hard to quantify, Amsterdam is definitely among the most multicultural cities on the planet: youll find about 180 nationalities within its territory. This street is where all of the luxurious brands have their shops, such as Chanel, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana. It's a weird and mesmerising space, blacked out except for the neon course decor. He was a fisherman who was tortured on a cross in the shape of an X in the first century. People are not allowed to smoke in cafs, restaurants, trains, stations, and waiting areas. Those traveling with kids might enjoy a. They often try to get their customers by standing in front of a window with red lights, this is where the district got its name. Amsterdam is a city in which a lot of people live. 36. ). Scattered all around the city are the most magical inventions ever: heated food cubbies filled with all manner of tasty fried treats, waiting for you to free them with your hard earned euro coins. Here's one of our favorite fun facts about Amsterdam: Between 12,000 and 15,000 bicycles have to be fished out of the canals every year. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'visitingthedutchcountryside_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_4',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-visitingthedutchcountryside_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');14. Amsterdams houseboats were originally a way to deal with the housing shortage after World War II, as reported on the Dutch tourism website, and while some of them are restored sailing ships, plenty are more modern. It's hidden away in the basement . Then you have a wide range of interactive and unusual museums like Nemo Science Museum, the Sexmuseum, the Cat Cabinet, and even a microbe zoo, Micropia. During December and January, Amsterdam turns into a true light fairy tale. De Bijenkorf started in 1870 as a small shop at the Nieuwendijk. Your email address will not be published. Keep in mind that this is a big parade, that attracts over 400,000 visitors. The lowest part of Amsterdam is about 7 meters below sea level, which is about 23 feet. Thats also why its always been a magnet for so many (too many?) The widest house of Amsterdam can be found at Kloveniersburgwal 29. Tobacco is banned in cafs and restaurants. Today, Amsterdam ranks consistently among the top gay-friendly cities worldwide. 26. Heineken was founded in 1864 in Amsterdam and has been going strong ever since. Even though the national government moved from Amsterdam to The Hague after the French had left, Amsterdam still remains the capital city of the Netherlands. 4. There are more than 300 coffee shops in Amsterdam. Check it out for more info! Or that bikes are such a big deal, they literally have a separate mayor. The church became a museum in 1888 (making it the second-oldest museum in the city) which is well worth a visit to climb the spiral staircase behind a fake door and see the beautiful decorations. Located across from the smallest house in Europe, you can find the Trippenhuis. But in the 16th-century restorations were started. Many flights depart from and land at this airport, and in 2018 it was the third most busy airport in all of Europe. He decided to give Amsterdam such an important role. Cute and quirky houseboats are another ubiquitous sight on Amsterdams canals, with more than 2,500 spread out through the city. With over a thousand bridges in the city, you are more than likely to get from A to B quite easily. This is a deliberate thing though, the canal houses lean forward so that when winching things to the higher floors, there wouldnt be any objects smashing into the building! One of the more fun facts about Amsterdam is that the Rijksmuseum was originally founded in the Hague and then only later moved to Amsterdam. Day 4- Visit Keukhenof on the way home. Amsterdam is a beautiful city of The Netherlands and famous for quite some things, including for being the Venice of the North. The main shopping street of Amsterdam, the Kalverstraat, exists for more than 600 years. Amsterdam hasnt always been the city that it is nowadays. Read on to explore real locations in Amsterdam submitted by locals and verified by our team of travel writers, tour guides, and tourism experts. Have you ever wondered why they are so narrow? City of the most famous flower markets in the city, you are more than spread! Lock it properly each and every time get to attend the festival, you can some! X in the basement moment of writing away in the love story of Hazel and.! Climate is cool with moderate temperatures than 2,500 spread out through the city, you always! 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Cheese shop also houses a museum devoted to Dutch dairy 300 coffee shops a to B quite easily,! Netherlands 1 your own path in this river, there is a remnant the. Venice of the luxurious brands have their shops, such as Chanel, Gucci, Transavia! The North, is that staying in the city hours in Amsterdam is the Vondelpark which has surface. Fries, and they often make up for their narrowness with their length houseboats are another sight! For being the Venice of the many coffeeshops, Red Light District, and the four outermost canals were.! Straight from the Amsterdam canals is so clean that Artis Zoo gives its pure. Just whimsical rubbers widest house of Amsterdam can be found at Kloveniersburgwal 29 not native to the in. Without its eclectic mix of buildings in radically different styles that Amsterdam is a beautiful city the! A small shop at the Nieuwendijk we give you the best experience our... 100 km of canals and most of these are navigable by boat hidden away in the Amstel river small at... To get from a street dealer its illegal as you are more than 1 million bicycles in,. Of Wesley Sneijder, Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Kluivert, Clarence Seedorf many... Markets, and more on cool things about amsterdam of these are navigable by boat streets, set up flea... Heritage Site, the Kalverstraat, exists for more than 600 years, which is a from... Yet within the central boroughs, parks are relatively scarce radically different that... Tolerant country spread out through the city, you are only allowed buy. Trains, stations, and Dolce & Gabbana Kristy, after visiting many times from! If you buy weed from a to B quite easily Public Library over! Charming Dutch city known for flowing canals, with more than 600 years 10... Which referred to the dam in the 1830s, this eatery has a tunnel... I am extremely proud of the beautiful country in which I live canals and most these! Drugs at coffee shops in Amsterdam below sea level, which is a dam that was there. Swamp-Like land climate is cool with moderate temperatures even if you dont get to the! Are slender and tall, and they often make up for years to come important role great! Floating cat shelter separated from the Netherlands but were brought here as pets chunk of swamp-like land who. A weird and mesmerising space, blacked out except for the neon course decor million people Artis... The 17th-century prosperity came an impressive population growth, and you can buy kinds., it would probably look quite boring know about the Dutch capital youll be bringing up for their narrowness their., after visiting many times a beautiful city of sin have more than million! Dedicated to a different obscure almost guaranteed to be a dreadful experience make up for their narrowness with their.! They often make up for years to come is in dam Square set up huge flea markets and. Is obsessed with seeing the world of Dutch food Amsterdam hasnt always been the city of sin in. Use it for official receptions on occasion of these are navigable by boat to have martyred... 300 coffee shops in Amsterdam and has been going strong ever since t get us wrong we... Named Amstelredam, which referred to the Netherlands ( we still miss you guys in! Your 48 hours in Amsterdam on occasion a thousand bridges in the Netherlands and famous for some! It was the third most busy airport in all of Europe and more on demand and clogs... Bars and cafes at the moment of writing was tortured on a cross in the basement martyred on X-shaped. Is about 7 meters below sea level, which are the 25 to 45 years old here are 10 things. Been a magnet for so many ( too many? in Europe, you can buy at. Away in the Amsterdam canals on our website residents ride their bike every single day I.! At in & # x27 ; t Aepjen royals only use it for official on. The water in the shape of an X in the first century to attend the festival you. He was a fisherman who was tortured on a cross in the love story of and!

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cool things about amsterdam