Think you’re in a city, exhausted from traveling and working, craving coffee and pastry to recharge your body. You walk into a well-known coffee shop, place your order, but the waiter informs you this is not the right shop to get what you want. If you want to fulfill your orders, you should visit a different shop, Koffiehuis. Yes, in Amsterdam, a city in the Netherlands, where people go to coffee shops to buy and use cannabis, not to drink and enjoy coffee. The city has much more to offer; there are countless interesting places, mouth-watering foods, and unforgettable experiences waiting for you to discover.
In this article, you will learn about the rich and fascinating history of the city, some of its interesting facts, and a brief guide on how to explore the city.
Where is Amsterdam Located?
The city is in the western part of the Netherlands, in a region called North Holland. It lies at the northern end of the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal and is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the North Sea. The city is where the Amstel River meets the IJ Bay, making it an important spot for trade and travel.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Amsterdam has a mild climate with warm summers and cool winters, making it a great place to visit all year. The best times to go are in spring and early autumn, when the weather is nice and there are fewer crowds. Each season brings its unique charm!
| Season | Description |
| Spring (March to May) | This is one of the best times to visit, as the weather starts to warm up and the tulip season begins. The beautiful flower displays in parks and gardens make it a picturesque time to explore the city. |
| Summer (June to August) | Summer in the city can be warm, with longer days and many outdoor festivals. It’s a popular time for tourists, so expect larger crowds at major attractions. Enjoying the city’s parks and canals is a highlight during this season. |
| Autumn (September to November) | Autumn is another great time to visit. The weather is still pleasant in September, and the fall foliage adds color to the city. By November, the holiday season begins, with festive markets and decorations. |
| Winter (December to February) | Winters are cold, with occasional snowfall. While it’s the least busy season for tourists, the city is beautifully lit for the holidays, and you can enjoy winter activities like ice skating. |
With the help of the above information, you can say spring and early autumn are the best times to visit Amsterdam when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds.
Key Events You Should Never Miss
The city is home to a variety of exciting events that bring the city to life. From the vibrant celebrations of King’s Day to the dazzling Amsterdam Light Festival, these key events showcase the city’s rich culture and unique charm. Here are some must-see events you should never miss!
| Event | Description |
| King’s Day | On 27 April, this event is celebrated as the birthday of King Williem Alexander. The whole city turns orange with people enjoying the street markets, music, and parties, including fun boat parades on the canals. |
| Dance Event | In mid-October, ADE brings one of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals. It features performances, workshops, and conferences that draw music and art lovers across the globe. |
| Light Festival | From late November to mid-journey, the city is decorated with beautiful light art. Artists from around the world collect here and create amazing lights that brighten the canals, and create a magical sight. |
| Tulip Festival | Each year in April, the city celebrates the famous tulips with colorful displays all over the city—streets, parks, and gardens all filled with bright tulips, which give a stunning view. |
| Museum Night | This event is usually held in November, and you can enjoy the museum after dark. Special music and art installations create a fun atmosphere that each art lover enjoys. |
Rich and Fascinating History
Amsterdam has a rich and fascinating history that began as a small fishing village in the 12th century. The city’s name comes from a dam built on the Amstel River to prevent flooding.
In the 17th century, during the Dutch Golden Age, the city became a major trading center thanks to the Dutch East India Company. This period saw the construction of its famous canals and beautiful buildings.
The 18th and 19th centuries brought growth and diversity, with artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer making their mark on the city. However, the city also faced dark times during World War II, when many residents, including Jewish citizens, were persecuted. The Anne Frank House serves as a reminder of this history.
After the war, the city transformed into a modern, multicultural city known for its progressive values. Today, it attracts millions of visitors who come to enjoy its rich history, stunning canals, and vibrant culture.
Foods You Must Try
The city offers a variety of delicious local foods that reflect the city’s rich culture and history. From the sweet and crispy stroopwafels to the savory bitterballen, there’s something for every taste. Don’t forget to try the famous Dutch cheeses like Gouda and Edam, and indulge in traditional street food like haring.
- Stroopwafel: This dish is a famous and loved treat for its sweet, chewy texture and delicious flavor. It consists of two thin waffle layers with a syrup filling in the middle. You can find this food everywhere in the city, from street markets to cafes.
- Bitterballen: It is a traditional food made from beef, beef broth, and flour and is often enjoyed as a snack.
- Pancakes: It is a popular local food famous for breakfast and available in different flavors. The major ingredients used in it are flour, milk, salt, eggs, bananas, chocolate, and almonds.
- Haring: It is a traditional food famous for its fresh and salty flavor. The major ingredients used in it are fresh herring, onions, and pickles.
- Dutch Cheese: The Netherlands is world-famous for its cheese, especially Gouda and Edam. They have been symbolizing the rich flavor, long history, and versatility of the city for years. The major ingredients used in preparation are cow’s milk, salt, and rennet.
7 Interesting Facts About Amsterdam You Didn’t Know
The city is full of surprises, with a rich history and unique culture. From its iconic canals to its vibrant neighborhoods, there’s so much more to discover beyond the well-known attractions. Here are some interesting facts about the city that you might not know!
- The original name of the city is Amstelredam, which was named after the Amstel River. Formerly, the city was a small fishing village where people relied on the river for agriculture.
- The city is built on 11 million wooden poles due to its soft and marshy ground. These poles support many of the city’s famous buildings, like canal houses. Many of these poles have lasted for years, showcasing the intellect and artwork of builders in history.
- The city has the smallest house in Europe, which is 2.02 meters wide and 5 meters deep. In contrast to this, the widest home in the city is 22 meters wide, named Trippenhuis, after the Trip brothers who built it.
- There are 160 coffee shops in the city, but none of them sell coffee or tea; there people can buy and use cannabis.
- The Haystack Brewery founded Heineken, the world-popular beer in this city. In the year 2011, roughly 2.7 billion liters of beer were brewed.
- There are roughly 2,500 houseboats in the city, many of which are 100 years old. These houseboats help people facing home shortages and attract visitors from across the globe.
- There are more than 90 museums in the city; some of them considered best are the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum of Art and Artifacts. There are also some quirky museums, such as The Cat Cabinet, which is all about cats, complete with cat art, sculptures, and even resident cats.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a food, art, music, history, or nature lover, Amsterdam holds lots of surprises for you to discover. The city’s beautiful canals, lively neighborhoods, and rich culture invite you to explore its mix of old and new. Plan your next trip to this amazing destination!
