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Found within the Dutch province of North Holland, Amsterdam is colloquially referred to as the “Venice of the North”, due to the large number of canals that form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Amsterdam was founded at the Amstel, which was dammed to control flooding; the city’s name derives from the Amstel dam. Originating as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century, and became the leading centre for the finance and trade sectors. 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 its 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 and many cannabis coffee shops. The city is also well known for its nightlife and festival activity; with several of its nightclubs (Melkweg, Paradiso) among the world’s most famous. 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 biking paths and lanes spread throughout the entire city.

    Blog Posts
Netherlands: Amsterdam – Two Day Itinerary

Netherlands: Amsterdam – Two Day Itinerary

Prague is a fascinating place to visit and there are so many things to do and see. We were lucky …
Netherlands: Amsterdam – The Van Gogh Museum

Netherlands: Amsterdam – The Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh museum is dedicated to the life and works of the great Dutch impressionist who lived …
Netherlands: Amsterdam – The canal ring

Netherlands: Amsterdam – The canal ring

Amsterdam, has more than one hundred kilometres of grachten (canals), about 90 islands and 1,500 …
Netherlands: Amsterdam – The amazing Rijksmuseum

Netherlands: Amsterdam – The amazing Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is one of the most renown museums in the World and is a must-see on any visit to …
Netherlands: Amsterdam – Sweets Hotel

Netherlands: Amsterdam – Sweets Hotel

Having spent two nights in a tramcar at the Hotel Not Hotel in Amsterdam I decided to switch to …
Netherlands: Amsterdam – Hotel Not Hotel

Netherlands: Amsterdam – Hotel Not Hotel

In my exploration of unusual places to stay, I was delighted to find, when scouring the …
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