Visit Amsterdam – The city of canals

History

Amsterdam was founded as a small fishing village in the late 12th century along the Amstel river, and was dammed to control regular flooding, hence the city’s name is derived from the ‘Amstel dam’.  Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century.  In 1921 the town of Sloten was annexed by the municipality of Amsterdam, and its’ the oldest part of the city, dating back to the 9th century.

Attractions

Amsterdam’s main attractions include its historic canals, the Rijksmuseum (classical art such as Rembrandt’s famous Nightwatch), the Van Gogh Museum (Vincent Van Gogh art of course), the Stedelijk Museum (modern art), Hermitage Amsterdam, the Concertgebouw (Concert Building), the Anne Frank House, the Scheepvaartmuseum (antique ships), the Amsterdam Museum, the Heineken Experience, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Natura Artis Magistra (the Zoo), Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam (botanical garden), NEMO, the red-light district and the many cannabis coffee shops. It draws millions of international visitors every year, especially during the summer.

Nightlife and entertainment

Amsterdam is of course well known for its nightlife and festival activity. It boasts a huge amount of bars, terraces, nightclubs (f.e. Melkweg, and Paradiso), cafe’s, pubs, and well, I could go on and on.

Famous squares

Leidseplein

Leidseplein is one of the most bustling squares in the city. It’s full of bars surrounding the big terrace covering the square, while the streets around the area are all filled with restaurants, eateries, bars and even a coffeeshop or so. It attracts street artists of all kinds, who perform their shows for for a donation. If you wander into the Leidsestraat, the street that leads to the square and goes all the way to the Spui (another famous area) which is full of clothing and accessories stores, snack places and more.

On the square you can also admire the monumental Stadsschouwburg (Municipal Theatre), an enormous Neo-Renaissance building built in 1894.

Rembrandtplein

Rembrandtplein is another bustling square in the heart of Amsterdam and was named after the famous Dutch master painter, Rembrandt van Rijn, creator of works such as the Night Watch.  You can even find a large statue of him in the middle. In the short street leading to the Flower Market, you can admire the Tuschinski theater built in 1921. And last but not least, the streets around are filled with clubs, discos, cafés and bars to keep you busy all night and even beyond.

Dam Square

Center piece is of course the Royal Palace (het Koninklijk Paleis) built in the 17th century. It is no longer the royal residence, and only used for receptions. For those who enjoy visiting old churches, there is the Nieuwe Kerk across from the palace. On the other side is a square with the obelisk shaped World War II memorial monument. An old stock exchange building now used as a concert hall and an exhibition space can be found a little bit towards the Central Station. And as you would expect with plenty shops and restaurants to make it interesting. If you walk into one of the alleys you will end up in the Kalverstraat or the Nieuwendijk. The busiest shopping streets of Amsterdam.

The Begijnhof

It is a community area walled of from the outside world in the center near the Spui. It was established in 1346 as a residential area for a religious order (the Begijnen). Once you enter, it’s like stepping into the past, into another world. Don’t miss it!