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| Exploring The Beauty of Amsterdam, The "Venice of the North" |
Amsterdam, a city famous for its nickname 'Venice of The North,' is truly as breathtaking as Venice itself. In the capital of the Netherlands, there are numerous canals of various sizes, hence Amsterdam is also known as The City of Canals or Canal City.
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| Aerial View of Amsterdam |
Geography of Amsterdam
Located in the western region of the Netherlands, specifically in the province of North Holland, Amsterdam is unique in that the capital of the province is not Amsterdam but Haarlem. Amsterdam is one of the lowest-lying cities in the world, with the canal city situated at about 2 meters below sea level. This city, covering an area of 219.32 km², is built on a peat land area called Amestelle, meaning a watery area or a riverbank.
Origin of The Name Amsterdam
The name 'Amsterdam' derives from the name of the dam on the Amstel River where the city was built. Amsterdam was constructed by damming the Amstel River to prevent flooding. It is on this dammed land that a small settlement stood, which eventually grew into the large city now known as Amsterdam.
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| Amsterdam's canal |
Unique Structure of Amsterdam
Amsterdam is not a vast expanse of land; rather, it consists of around 90 small islands. With over 1,200 bridges connecting these islands, the city forms a unique structure. These islands are separated by canals, most of which are navigable. The total length of all the canals flowing through Amsterdam amounts to over 100 km. This is why Amsterdam is often referred to as the 'Venice of the North.'
Financial And Business Center
Despite being officially proclaimed as the capital of the Netherlands according to the 1983 constitution, the governmental center is not in Amsterdam but in The Hague. Amsterdam serves as the financial and business capital of the Netherlands, with a majority of banks and large companies based in the city. In fact, many international companies have offices in Amsterdam. Besides being a financial and business hub, Amsterdam is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, with millions of tourists from various countries visiting this beautiful city each year.
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| Amsterdam |
Multiculturalism in Amsterdam
In a survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Amsterdam once held the second position as the best city to live in. As the most densely populated city in the Netherlands, Amsterdam is considered the most multicultural city in the world, with residents hailing from various nations and backgrounds. Known as a welcoming city for immigrants, the City of Culture is estimated to be home to people from 180 different countries.
Must-Visit Attractions in Amsterdam
As the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is rich in culture, history, and architectural charm. Here are some must-visit attractions when exploring Amsterdam :
1. Van Gogh Museum
This famous museum showcases an iconic collection of Van Gogh's paintings, including "Sunflowers" and "The Bedroom." Visitors can delve deep into the life and works of this artist.
2. Anne Frank House
Formerly Anne Frank's hiding place during World War II, this site is now a moving museum that tells the story of her life and historical legacy.
3. Rijksmuseum
One of the world's largest art museums, housing classic Dutch artworks, including paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
4. Begijnhof
A hidden historical courtyard and small complex in the heart of Amsterdam, offering peace and the distinctive architectural charm of the Netherlands.
5. Jordaan
Known for its unique architecture, art galleries, antique shops, and delightful cafes to enjoy.
6. Vondelpark
Amsterdam's largest park, ideal for picnics, cycling, or simply relaxing amidst the city's natural beauty.
7. Houses of Seven Countries
Located on Roemer Visscherstraat, this row of houses showcases architectural styles from seven different countries: Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, England, and the Netherlands. Each house boasts a unique design reflecting the architecture of its respective country.
8. Heineken Experience
An interactive tour at the historic Heineken brewery, where visitors can learn about the beer-making process, the company's history, and of course, enjoy a refreshing glass of Heineken.
9. Canal Cruise
Famous for its beautiful canals, taking a boat tour is the best way to see Amsterdam from a different perspective and enjoy stunning views.
10. Dam Square
The hub of many activities in Amsterdam, Dam Square is surrounded by various historic buildings including the Royal Palace and the National Monument. It is also a frequent venue for various events and performances.
11. Albert Cuyp Market
One of the largest and most famous outdoor markets in the Netherlands. Here, visitors can find a variety of products, from fresh foods to clothing and antiques.
12. NEMO Science Museum
An interactive science museum perfect for families. With various exhibitions and fun activities, NEMO invites visitors of all ages to learn about science in an engaging and interactive way.
Each of these places not only offers a culturally enriching experience but also serves as the perfect starting point to explore the historical richness and beauty of Amsterdam.
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