History of Amsterdam
Amsterdam is in the beautiful country of Holland, the principal language is Dutch, however, almost everyone speaks a second or third language (English or German usually). The country is remarkably un-hilly, in fact we would go as far to say that it is flat, completely flat! It is also fighting a battle against the sea, the country is located below the sea level. For this reason you will see many canals, tributaries and dykes. Windmills are also another feature, again these were utilised to combat the water.
Amsterdam has become one of the richest cities in the world, it had a 'Golden Age' between 1580 and 1720 mainly due to the sale of flowers(very important to the wealthy of that time), spices, silk and porcelain. The population increased dramatically over this time. People became attracted to the cities rich pickings and chance of work. As a city, Amsterdam grew, and is consequently populated by several nationalities.
The new rich contributed to the construction of the fine houses and the canals that are now a famed attraction of the city. In fact the canals are indeed an excellent way of travelling and sightseeing around the city and many tour companies run daily and hourly tours by canal barge. The houses look very strange too! They are generally no less than 4 floors, and occupy a very small amount of floor space. This is because the landlords used to be taxed on the area occupied (or 'footprint') of the building. This led one gentlemen to build a house many stories tall but just one meter wide; many tours will take you to this unique feat of construction.
The attitude of the Dutch as a whole is one of 'live and let live' and they are well known for their unique language and enthusiasm. Amsterdam is infamous for its relaxed policy for sex and soft drugs. Although somewhat open, the drugs problem in Amsterdam is less of that in any comparable city. As with London and Paris, Amsterdam has a 'red-light district' which bustles with crowds until the early hours. This area is now somewhat of a tourist attraction and for the interested there is one company runs a fully guided tour of the district. This area in and around the red-light district is well policed and safe.
Amsterdam, with this rich history of trading, has now made it the second most popular business city in the world. New York takes first place.
Schiphol Airport is for Holland (and for Europe) very important. This Airport (one of the largest in the world) is for both tourists & business travelers the 'entrance' to Europe... Many cities can be very easily reached from Amsterdam. Like Brussels (2 hours by train), Paris (4 hours by direct train) and London (45 minutes by air) seem only one step away from Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Airport hotels
|
Amsterdam hotel bookings