The capital of the Netherlands is situated in the northwestern part of the country, along the Amstel River, which meanders through the heart of Amsterdam, creating numerous canals. Due to this unique water network, poetic travelers have often likened the city to the Venice of the North, while some skeptics have humorously referred to it as a city on stilts or even a city on herring bones.
Amsterdam has a population of just 800 thousand people, representing a remarkable 177 (!) nationalities. Here, you'll find residents who speak not only Dutch and English but also French or German.
Founded in the 13th century, it's no coincidence that Amsterdam is often regarded as one of the freest cities in the world. This goes beyond the legalization of prostitution and marijuana. Amsterdamers cherish freedom in all its forms, fostering a harmonious coexistence of people from diverse nationalities and beliefs.
Amsterdam has a long history of being a refuge for those persecuted, dating back to the Middle Ages. It provided sanctuary for people fleeing the fires of the Reconquista, escaping the imposition of Protestantism, and hiding from Nazism and censorship. In the 1960s, Amsterdam also became a highly sought-after city for hippies.
And today, thanks to the successful realization of the sexual revolution, brothels in Amsterdam peacefully coexist with temples, while the streets and squares regularly host large-scale gay parades. Amsterdam, the main city of the Netherlands, continues to be one of the most cultured European capitals. It is home to renowned museums like the Van Gogh Museum, Rembrandt Museum, Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank Museum, the Hermitage on the Amstel, and several dozen others.
