With around 740,000 inhabitants, Amsterdam is the largest city in the Netherlands and also its capital, although the seat of government is in The Hague. The city is located in the immediate vicinity of the IJsselmeer and not far from the North Sea. Amsterdam, which extends over 90 islands, was built on 5 million tree trunks. The city is still criss-crossed by countless canals, some of which were used as sewers in the Middle Ages and which today contribute to the city’s beautiful flair. Because of these numerous small and large waterways, Amsterdam is also known as the Venice of the North.

The city already flourished in the Middle Ages, which can still be seen in the many splendid historical buildings that extend over large parts of the city center. The focus is on around 7,000 listed buildings. The city palaces on the “Gouden Bocht” are particularly impressive. In addition to the large magnificent buildings, there are also former working-class quarters with pretty narrow streets and small houses. According to Abbreviationfinder, Amsterdam should definitely be enjoyed on foot or, like the Dutch, by bike. This is the only way to discover the pretty little streets and the picturesque inner courtyards, stroll along the canals and enjoy the atmosphere of the city in one of the cozy cafés. With the car you are always stuck in traffic jams in the center and it is almost impossible to get a parking space.

In the 1960s, Amsterdam was one of the strongholds of the hippie movement and attracted many dropouts and squatters, especially from Germany. Even today, the city is valued by young people in particular because of its great tolerance. Where else can you freely purchase marijuana without having to fear the police? Even if hashish consumption is not officially legal in the Netherlands, small amounts of up to 5 g are tolerated without prosecution. Amsterdam is a young and multicultural city, around half of the population is under 35 years old, 37% of the population are not native Dutch.

The city’s nightlife is just as colorful as the population; everyone can find something to suit their taste here. For culture lovers, the city offers countless museums, galleries and interesting theaters. And shoppers will also get their money’s worth in the many, often “weird” shops in the city. A trip to the more rural surroundings of Amsterdam or to the seaside resorts on the North Sea ensures relaxation.

Note
Information that applies to the entire country, e.g. on currency, entry requirements, health issues, etc., can be found under Netherlands.

Amsterdam: Known People

Anne Frank (1929-1945)
Victim of National Socialism. The girl Anne Frank emigrated to Amsterdam with her parents before the National Socialists. During the German occupation, she and her family hid in a small back building in the building of her father’s former job. Shortly before the end of the Second World War, however, they were discovered and taken to the concentration camp. Only Anne’s father, Otto Frank, survived. While she was in hiding, Anne, then 13 years old, wrote her diary, which was translated into many languages ​​after the war.

Baruch de Spinoza (1632-1677)
philosopher. The rationalist Spinoza is considered to be the founder of modern biblical criticism.

Alfred Heineken (1923-2002)
The entrepreneur Heineken began to work in the family business of the Heineken brewery in 1942. Under his leadership, the company became one of the world’s best-known beer suppliers.

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606-1669)
The painter Rembrandt is the most important Dutch painter of the 17th century. He moved to Amsterdam in 1631, where
he was commissioned to paint portraits. He created numerous portraits and self-portraits, as well as landscapes.

Theo van Gogh (1957-2004)
film director, publicist and satirist. Van Gogh made a name for himself primarily through his provocative remarks about Islamic, Jewish and Christian symbols. After he made the film “Submission” (2004) with the Islamic critic and member of parliament Ayaan Hirsi Ali, which was about four abused Islamic women, he received death threats and was placed under police protection. Nevertheless, he fell victim to an assassination attempt by the 26-year-old Amsterdam Moroccan Mohammed Bouyeri after the film was broadcast on television.

Paul Verhoeven (born 1938)
film director. The most famous film by the native Amsterdam is “Basic Instinct” (1992) with Sharon Stone.