Amsterdam is a city of many colors, unique
architecture, history, opinions and -- tolerance. Most visitors come here to see
tulips, canals and windmills and unique architecture. Others are apprehensive to visit because of the
legalization of marijuana and prostitution. Truth is... you will find all of
the above... but it is a safe city.
I have been to Amsterdam four times, and still haven't seen all of the
things on my list (most of the times, because they were closed for
renovations and such). But it is a city I always anticipate visiting.
My suggestion: Make a list of the sights and
interest that you must
see first... then just meander around the city after that. It is definitely a city for
walking... a pedestrian city where you can wander over humpbacked bridges,
through secret alleyways, cobblestone streets, and across many green spaces
to see distinctive architecture, museums, outdoor markets, brothels and
historical monuments that are all over the city.
ABOUT THE NETHERLANDS (HOLLAND) The Netherlands is located in
Western Europe, between Belgium, on its south side, and Germany on the east
with the North Sea to its north and west. Although the Netherlands is the
country's official name, people often call it Holland.
The seat of Netherlands government is in The
Hague, yet Amsterdam is the capital. It is also the country's largest city,
and the most visited, with over 3.5
million foreign visitors a year. This city will quickly capture you in
its spell with its 1,200 bridges spanning 160 canals.... which at night are
lined with tiny lights.
HISTORY
Amsterdam's name is a
derivative of Amstellerdam, a dam
in the river Amstel. Originally settled as a small
fishing village in the late 12th century, it later
became one of the most important ports in the world
during the Dutch Golden Age, a result of its innovative
developments in trade. During that time, the city was
the leading center for finance and diamonds.
Today, the city is still the financial and cultural
capital of the Netherlands. Many large Dutch
institutions have their headquarters there, and seven of
the world's top 500 companies, including Philips and ING, are based in the city. The Amsterdam Stock Exchange, the
oldest stock exchange in the world, is located in the
city center. Amsterdam's main attractions, including its
historic canals, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam, Anne Frank House,
its red-light district, and its many cannabis coffee
shops that draw more than 3.66 million international
visitors annually.
LANGUAGE
Dutch is the national language of Holland.
However, English is spoken by everyone in Amsterdam.
In addition, many Dutch people speak German and
French.
PEOPLE
Population including suburbs: 1.36 million on January
1, 2008. The Dutch are very well
educated, speaking several languages in addition to their native Dutch,
making Amsterdam a popular tourist destination.
Despite Amsterdam's liberal laws regarding drug use, the
city's crime rate is very low. The Dutch are
hard working and dependable people. Contrary what
you may think, Amsterdam is one of the safest and
cleanest cities in Europe. Amsterdam's "live and let
live" attitude is arguably it's best known cultural trait
and they seem to always look on the bright side of any
given situation. (Maybe it's the cannabis...
marijuana... hashish?)
Amsterdam also provides refuge to many foreigners
seeking to experience the unique Dutch culture, so there
are many ethnicities there. Other Dutch
traits are honesty and respectfulness.
LAYOUT OF THE CITY
The
canals are laid out in five
concentric circles, connected by bridges and interesting small streets.
The city has 160 canals -- more than Venice -- with a combined length of
76km (47 miles), spanned by 1,281 bridges -- also more than Venice. The city has not changed much since its 17th-century Golden Age. There still
are 7,000 historic buildings remaining around town and 40 museums.
THINGS TO REMEMBER:
Map
routes will end in these terms: damrak (a street)
and plein means
(square) and gracht or plural, grachten
(canals). The historical city center is a world
heritage site and museums are mostly all within walking distance; from the diamond cutters to
the world famous museums and art galleries. Outside the
'canal ring, ' Amsterdam also offers
fascinating sights, beautiful excursions and rich
history.
