Amsterdam is a cool city in the Netherlands with lots of people. It’s known for its culture, politics, and art. When you hear “Amsterdam,” you might think of coffee shops, canals, and the Red Light District. But there’s more to know about Amsterdam, so let’s dive in!
Interesting Facts About Amsterdam
- Amsterdam used to be called Amstelredam.
Amsterdam was originally called Amstrelredam because it was built on the Amstel river. It started as a small fishing village and grew into a city when a dam was built to control flooding. By 1300, it became known as Amsterdam. It’s also called Mokum, which means ‘safe place’ in Yiddish, because it was a safe haven for Jews during the Holocaust.
- Amsterdam was constructed on top of 11 million wooden poles.
Amsterdam sits below sea level, making the ground wet. It’s built on soft clay soil that can shift. To prevent buildings from moving and getting damaged, they’re supported by millions of wooden poles. Some canal-front houses even look slightly tilted, earning them the nickname Dancing Houses. Important buildings like the Central Railway Station and the Royal Palace at Dam Square are supported by thousands of these poles. Nowadays, newer houses use concrete poles for support.
- Amsterdam boasts the tiniest house in Europe.
In Amsterdam, there’s a really tiny house that’s just over 2 meters wide and 5 meters long. People in Amsterdam made lots of narrow but tall houses by the canals to pay less taxes. They did this because taxes were based on how wide the house was. But there’s also a big house in Amsterdam called The Trippenhuis, which is 22 meters wide. It was named after the Trip Brothers who had it built.
- Amsterdam has four times as many bridges as Venice.
Amsterdam has a lot of canals, more than Venice, with over 160 totaling about 100 kilometers. It also has a ton of bridges, 1281 to be exact, which is four times more than Venice. Some famous canals are Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht, which are like big roads through the city. And some well-known bridges are the Magere Brug, seen in movies and shows, and the Torensluis Brug, the oldest bridge still standing in Amsterdam.
- In Amsterdam, there are 2,500 places where boats can be kept, called boathouses.
Because of all the water in Amsterdam, a lot of people live in houseboats. There are about 2,500 of these floating homes in the city, and some of them are really old, over 100 years! Living on a houseboat helps with the housing problem in Amsterdam, and it’s also interesting for both tourists and locals. There’s even a Houseboat Museum you can visit. But it’s not just people who find shelter on the water—there’s also the Catboat, a refuge for cats and other animals. It’s unique because it’s the only animal rescue center in the world that’s on a boat.
- Amsterdam is home to the world’s only flower market that floats on water.
In Amsterdam, there’s a special flower market that floats on the water. It started when traders used to bring flowers into the city on barges, but now it’s on fixed barges. It’s a really lively and nice-smelling place to visit in the city. You can go there from Monday to Saturday, no matter the weather.
- In Amsterdam, there are four times as many bicycles as there are cars.
In Amsterdam, there aren’t many cars because there are more canals than roads. Instead, people use bicycles a lot because they’re easy to get around with in the city center. There are about 881,000 bikes in Amsterdam, which is four times more than cars. Surprisingly, each year, 12,000 to 15,000 bikes end up in the canals. To deal with this, there are people called “bike fishermen” whose job is to remove bikes from the canals and keep them clean.
- Amsterdam has more museums packed into its area than anywhere else in the world.
Amsterdam has over 90 museums, making it the city with the most museums in the world. If you’re not sure which ones to visit, some of the best ones are the Van Gogh Museum and The Rijksmuseum, which has lots of art and historical items. There are also some fun and unusual museums like the Moco Museum, which has edgy art, and The Cat Cabinet, where everything is about cats, including cat artwork and real cats living there.
- Amsterdam has over 160 places where you can buy coffee and other things.
In Amsterdam, “coffeeshops” are famous worldwide. They sell coffee and tea, but unlike in the UK, they also sell and allow people to use cannabis products. These places are closely watched, and some are only for locals, but many are open to tourists too. This is one reason why Amsterdam is a popular place for tourists. There used to be over 400 coffeeshops in 1993, but now there are over 160 because of stricter rules, like not being allowed to sell alcohol.
- Heineken beer started in Amsterdam.
Heineken beer, which is famous worldwide, began in Amsterdam at The Haystack brewery. Gerard Adriaan Heineken first brewed Heineken lager in 1873. In 2011, about 2.7 billion liters of Heineken lager were made. If you’re curious about Heineken and its history, you can visit the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam.
FAQ ( 10 Interesting Facts About Amsterdam )
What’s the weather like in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has a moderate maritime climate. Summers are mild to warm, and winters are cool with occasional frost. Rainfall is spread throughout the year.
Do I need a visa to visit Amsterdam?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of many countries in the EU, EEA, and some others do not need a visa for short stays. Check with the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements.
What are the must-see attractions in Amsterdam?
Some popular attractions include the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Canal Cruise, Dam Square, and the Red Light District.
Is it easy to get around Amsterdam?
Yes, Amsterdam has an extensive public transportation system including trams, buses, and metros. Cycling is also very popular and a great way to explore the city.
Can I use Euros in Amsterdam?
Yes, the currency used in Amsterdam (and the rest of the Netherlands) is the Euro (€).
Is it safe to visit Amsterdam?
Overall, Amsterdam is a safe city for tourists. However, as with any major city, it’s essential to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.
What’s the tipping culture in Amsterdam?
Tipping is not mandatory in the Netherlands, as a service charge is often included in the bill. However, it’s customary to round up the bill or leave a small tip for good service.
Can I drink tap water in Amsterdam?
Yes, tap water in Amsterdam is safe to drink. It’s of high quality and freely available.
Are there any cultural customs I should be aware of in Amsterdam?
Dutch people value directness and honesty. It’s also polite to greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact during conversations. Additionally, be respectful of cyclists, as biking is a common mode of transportation.
