A storied city with an unmissable sense of history, Amsterdam is a place of great beauty, culture and intrigue. Take photos of its lively canals and cobblestone streets, awe-inspiring architecture and unique sights to remember your time here.
The city’s historic urban ensemble consists of a network of concentric semi-circular canals, and a series of medieval fortified boundaries. This arrangement reflects Amsterdam’s historical role as a port city.
History
The city of Amsterdam has a rich history. It started off as a fishing village and settlement at the delta of the Amstel River.
It later grew as a centre for trade and banking. It became the money market for European monarchs who borrowed funds for their wars.
During this period, a new middle class arose. These were literate, politically aware and sought a slice of power.
Culture
Amsterdam has a thriving culture, including a variety of museums and galleries. These include the Rijksmuseum, which is home to a collection of over one million artworks.
Many people come to Amsterdam for its arts and cultural offerings. These range from museums and art galleries to dance and music events.
The city has long been known for its openness to other cultures and religions. This is reflected in how the city has developed over time, as well as its reputation for being one of Europe’s most tolerant cities.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Amsterdam is an exciting mix of bars, cafes and clubs. It’s a great choice for travellers who want to have fun in a different city.
While most of the Amsterdam clubbing scene is concentrated around Leidseplein, the renowned Rembrandtplein and Reguliersdwarsstraat also offer great spots to party.
Located in the heart of the nightlife square, Bitterzoet is a two-storey nightclub venue with a grand bar and dance floor that attracts an energetic crowd. The venue hosts live music, concerts and events throughout the week.
Shopping
Amsterdam has many options for shopping, ranging from international brands to smaller boutiques selling Dutch design and quality goods. The city is also known for its many open-air markets, including the famous Albert Cuypmarkt and Waterlooplein Market.
If you are a fan of art, shop in Amsterdam’s Jordaan neighborhood, where you’ll find art galleries, artist’s studios and second-hand stores. It is a quieter area of the city that’s popular with locals but less touristy than the main shopping streets.
Tulips
The Dutch are a nation of garden lovers, and the bold blooms of spring have long been a staple of their aesthetic. Introduced into the country in the 16th century, tulips quickly became an alluring addition to the Dutch lifestyle.
Tulips can be found all over the Netherlands, but the most famous are the fields in and around Keukenhof. Alternatively, you can explore the tulip fields in the Bollenstreek (Flower Strip), which stretches from Leiden to Haarlem.
Prostitution
Prostitution is a part of Amsterdam, and sex tourism has always been a big thing in the city. You can see sex workers in the Red Light District, watch peep shows and even pay them to do sex with you.
In the Netherlands, paid sex between adults (18+) is legal and regulated. Sex workers pay taxes and are members of unions, but they also have the right to refuse a customer or sexual activities they don’t want.