Amsterdam, the official capital of the Netherlands, is situated on the Amstel River. However, the country’s key institutions, such as the Supreme Court, the government, and the parliament, are based in The Hague. The first documented mention of Amsterdam dates back to October 27, 1275, in a document issued by Count Floris V of Holland and Zeeland. Today, Amsterdam is also known as the “Venice of the North” due to its numerous canals.
Known as the city of tulips and wooden clogs, Amsterdam stands out for its social tolerance, rich historical heritage, and reputation as a hub for entertainment. The city is clean, airy, and predominantly navigated by bicycle, the primary means of transport for its residents.
Some of the city's main attractions include:
Oude Kerk (Old Church) – the oldest building in Amsterdam, built in Gothic style in the 13th century.
Rijks, Van Gogh, and Stedelijk Museums, each showcasing remarkable art and historical collections.
The Marijuana and Hash Museum, reflecting the city’s tolerant culture.
Dam Square, a historic site where Napoleon Bonaparte and his troops entered the city in 1808.
The Royal Palace and Madame Tussaud’s Theater.
Begijnhof, a vaulted passageway leading to a charming garden surrounded by old houses.
The city’s iconic canals include Prinsen (Prince’s Canal), Heren, Keizers, and Singel. Other notable attractions are:
The Skinny Bridge.
Jordaan, a trendy residential area with narrow streets, scenic canals, cozy cafés, and art galleries.
Rembrandt Square, also known as Butter Market, built in 1668.
The Red Light District, a unique attraction drawing curious tourists.
Albert Cuyp Market, the largest open-air market in Europe.
Vondelpark, the most famous park in the Netherlands, with over 10 million visitors annually.
The Botanical Garden, the oldest in the world, established in 1632.
Windmills, with eight magnificent windmills located in the city center.
Annual events in Amsterdam draw visitors from around the globe. Highlights include:
King’s Day (April 30), where the city turns orange in celebration of the royal family.
Taste of Amsterdam, a culinary festival held in June.
The Flower Parade, taking place in September, featuring one million flowers adorning parade vehicles.
Amsterdam is served by numerous airlines, including TAROM, KLM, Lufthansa, Swiss, Vueling Airlines, Air France, EL AL Israel Airlines, Royal Jordanian, ITA Airways, LOT, Corendon, Austrian Airlines, Air Europa, Bulgaria Air, British Airways, TAP, Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, SAS, Czech Airlines, and Flyone.