Why is it worth visiting Amsterdam at least once in your life?
Even those who have never been to Amsterdam consider this place to be a city of dreams. It is not surprising, because the capital of the Netherlands justifies its title almost entirely. What is remarkable about this European city? What to see in Amsterdam? Why should everyone at least once in their life be sure to visit him? And what is unique and surprising in it, besides bridges and bicycles?
So, to begin with, we suggest you be surprised with these 10 interesting facts that few people suspect.
1. Amsterdam has an excellent safety record.
This is a very safe city. So, women tourists have nothing to worry about. The only thing that happens here more often than other crimes is the pickpocketing. The rest of the city lives a peaceful, peaceful life.
2. The most popular channels of Amsterdam have a “bicycle” bottom.
Strange people, these are Dutch. Periodically, special services clean the bottom of one canal after another from bicycles. What for? Why? And because the residents dump their old or broken vehicles there. Is there such a tradition …
3. In Amsterdam (and indeed in Holland) they do not shut the windows.
This is what we used to hide our personal life behind thick curtains, away from prying eyes. And the locals thus talk about their full openness. However, the almost complete absence of curtains and curtains does not mean that you need to look into each window.
4. And the tallest people live here.
You can see in Amsterdam not only the sights, but also the people. Undoubtedly, you can distinguish the local population from visitors and tourists. The average height of men here reaches 1.85m. At this time, women are not far behind the stronger sex. Their height is 1.7 m. Real giants 🙂
5. Amsterdam almost “presented” its name to New York.
Originally, New York had the Dutch name New Amsterdam (New Amsterdam). But, to our happiness, in 1664, the only legal owner of the name remained the capital of the Netherlands.
6. Bicycle in Amsterdam – the main means of transportation.
Moreover, it is the most common transport. The bike here does not ride just lazy. And in general, the population leads a healthy lifestyle. Take at least a categorical ban on smoking cigarettes.
7. Amsterdam is a city that keeps on stilts.
Thousands, tens of thousands of piles … Amsterdam is entirely built on piles that are immersed in the water column. These facilities support all buildings. However, over time, architectural structures and houses begin to bend, therefore they are called “dancers” here.
8. In Amsterdam, more than fifty museums.
But not only the number of museums makes tourists wonder. But rather their unusual subject. Here there are museums for every taste and color, ranging from the centers of contemporary art and ending with the Museum of Horror. So there is something to see in Amsterdam. On this occasion, do not worry.
9. There are more canals in Amsterdam than in Venice.
The capital of the Netherlands is even called the “Venice of the North” – this is its official title. The length of the channels of Amsterdam – hundreds of kilometers. Such a number of watercourses has already become part of the culture of this city.
10. Amsterdam is a multicultural capital.
Only here you can feel part of different cultures. After all, such a variety of national cuisines can be found far from everywhere. In this European capital, you can try real culinary delights from around the world. In addition, the population here speaks many languages.
What you need to see in Amsterdam and where to go to feel the spirit of the city?
Of course, in this city you can not do without shopping. Therefore, you can go to Kalverstraat – the main street for this activity. Museums. An integral part of the trip to Amsterdam. They are here, as we have mentioned, countless. Everything to your taste and color, for example, Madame Tussauds, the Museum of Tattoos, or the Van Gogh Museum. You also need to try the local cuisine – the famous herring or popular Amsterdam snacks, which are served in almost any institution. At any time, you can arrange a tour of the canals and just admire the unusual architecture and houses, clinging to each other. In crowded but not mad! But mountains of trinkets, toys and rarities can be found at the flea market on Waterloo Square, which is very popular among tourists. Clothes, shoes, bags, souvenirs … What is there just not!
Cons, or that would be worth improving:
1. Weather
This is the first, but not the least. In addition, weather conditions are beyond human control. Therefore, the only thing that remains for the local population and tourists is to accept it. By the way, here it can rain suddenly, and the temperature in March can be about 5 degrees with a piercing wind.
2. The number of people
Tourists, in particular from other European countries, believe that there are too many people in Amsterdam. They are everywhere: in catering establishments, transport, on the streets. Ecology also depends on the number of people.