Various stereotypes draw in our imagination an absolutely vicious and weird city of Amsterdam. However, you understand they are false after the first time you get acquainted with it. Amsterdam miraculously manages to become your city no matter who you are. Van Gogh’s creations are already waiting for all the fans of art; the floating flower market “Bloemenmarkt” and the renowned Keukenhof park will delight all the fanciers of flowers; Museum Quarter gives a cordial welcome to all the inquisitive tourists; Gassan Diamonds factory and museum can’t wait to meet the connoisseurs of diamonds. There, you shall learn and see the secrets of jewellery. No wonder, Amsterdam is called the city of diamonds. Needless to say that Amsterdam is a genuine paradise for cyclists. It’s bright, modern, and free – you should definitely meet it!
According to the administrative division, Amsterdam consists of seven districts. The titles of each of them depict the geographical location. Center, South, North, West, South-East, New West - it’s a piece of cake to find them on a map. As far as tourism is concerned, these districts are the most interesting for travelers:
Center - it has the highest concentration of the city’s attractions. This district has plenty of cafes, restaurants, has a well-developed system of public transport. The main railway station of the capital is also located here. If you consider the Center for staying during your trip, take into account crowds of tourists who often have fun till morning. This mainly concerns the Red Light District that never sleeps. The atmosphere in such quarters as Jordaan, Plantage, and Jodenbuurt (the Jewish Quarter) is much calmer.
South - it is located not far from the Center but offers lower prices on hotels and apartments. The nights and evenings are calm and quiet. It is easy to reach the major city attractions on public transport from this district. Some quarters are even situated within a walking distance from tourist destinations. For example, the Museum Quarter definitely deserves your attention. It offers the most renowned museums in Amsterdam. The Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum are two of the most popular ones. The quarter is perfect for staying with children. They will enjoy a walk to the Vondelpark. De Pijp is another famous quarter. Locals and travelers love it for its diversity of cafes, bars, shops, markets, and never-ending merriment.
West - it is not the best district in Amsterdam as immigrants from Africa set their hearts on it. If you still select this part of the city, pay attention to the Oud-West quarter. It’s located nearby the Museum Quarter and the historical part of the city. Besides, De Baarsjec and Westerpark are also considered to be pretty worthful.
North - locals don’t like this district and don’t even consider it to be a part of Amsterdam. It’s a different town for them. Tourists may find this district quite attractive. It offers an underwater tunnel, an enormous leisure area called Het Twiske, and the base of the famous football club Ajax.
East - this part of Amsterdam is frequently compared to a patchwork quilt as it manages to combine absolutely diverse quarters. If you are looking for cheap apartments or hotels and don’t care about a lack of greenery, consider Zeeburg. Are you dreaming of staying in the expensive quarter with fascinating attractions? Consider Plantage. However, we would highly recommend you to keep away from such quarters as Indische Buurt, Oosterpark Buurt and Transvaal Buurt.
Amsterdam is a real paradise for inquisitive tourists who love attending various attractions and walking. The famous dancing houses, a wide range of museums picturesque parks, palaces, squares – this city knows how to make people stare. Add canals and marvelous bridges to all of the above mentioned, and we guarantee you will fall in love with Amsterdam!
The population of the capital is extremely diverse! According to information received in 2009, 177 nationalities live here. It’s not surprising that Amsterdam is considered to be the most multinational city in the world. The majority of citizens of the capital have Dutch citizenship. At the same time, immigrants from non-European countries compile around 33 %.
A small fishing village appeared on the bank of the river Amstel in the XIII century. Eventually, it would grow into a renowned city. The title we are used to was assigned to the city in 1270 when a dam was built across the river and marked out a spot for a square. That’s actually the meaning of Amsterdam: “A dam on the Amstel river”.
At the cusp of the XIII and XIV centuries, Amsterdam received the status of a city. It became a part of the County of Holland in 1317. Even back then, it was a center of maritime commerce, and the city’s economy was growing rapidly and flourishing. New canals were built and fortified in the XIV-XV centuries. This did not only provide new trading opportunities but also protected the city from enemies.
Amsterdam had been the largest trading and cultural center until the middle of the XVIII century. Gradually, the trading was declining. However, Amsterdam became the capital of the Batavian Republic in 1795. Later, in 1806, it was proclaimed to be the major city in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In 1810, the Netherlands became a part of the French Empire. Amsterdam regained its status of the capital only in four years.
The city was invaded and occupied by the Germans in World War II. A wave of immigrants from Turkey, Morocco, Indonesia swept the city in 1950. Nowadays, trading and commerce still prevail over other activities in the city. Amsterdam also develops its service sphere. It’s considered to be one of the most important tourist centers in the country.