What is Amsterdam known for? Amsterdam is known for its beautiful canals, charming architecture, liberal attitudes towards drugs and sex, and rich cultural heritage.
What language do they speak in Amsterdam? The official language of Amsterdam is Dutch, but most people also speak English, making it easy for tourists to get around and communicate with locals.
What are the top tourist attractions in Amsterdam? Some of the top tourist attractions in Amsterdam include the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Vondelpark, Red Light District, and the city’s many beautiful canals.
Is Amsterdam safe for tourists? Amsterdam is generally a safe city for tourists, but it’s always important to take the usual precautions such as not leaving valuables unattended and being aware of your surroundings.
Is marijuana legal in Amsterdam? Marijuana is not technically legal in Amsterdam, but it is tolerated under certain conditions. Coffee shops are allowed to sell small quantities of marijuana, and possession of up to five grams is not prosecuted.
What is the legal drinking age in Amsterdam? The legal drinking age in Amsterdam is 18. However, it’s worth noting that many bars and clubs may have their own policies regarding age limits and ID requirements.
What is the best way to get around Amsterdam? The best way to get around Amsterdam is by bicycle, as the city is relatively small and bike-friendly. Alternatively, you can also use the city’s extensive public transportation system, which includes trams, buses, and trains.
What is the currency in Amsterdam? The currency in Amsterdam is the euro.
What is the climate like in Amsterdam? The climate in Amsterdam is temperate, with mild summers and cool winters. The best time to visit is during the summer months of June to August, when the weather is at its warmest and sunniest.
What is the local cuisine like in Amsterdam? Dutch cuisine is hearty and filling, featuring dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables and sausage), bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), and stroopwafels (thin waffle cookies with caramel filling). Amsterdam also has a diverse culinary scene with many international restaurants and trendy cafes.
Top 10 things to see in Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum – One of the most famous museums in the world, the Rijksmuseum is home to a vast collection of Dutch art, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh.
Van Gogh Museum – The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the life and work of the famous Dutch painter. The museum houses the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings in the world.
Anne Frank House – The Anne Frank House is a museum dedicated to the life of Anne Frank and the Jewish community in Amsterdam during World War II. Visitors can see the secret annex where Anne and her family hid from the Nazis.
Dam Square – Dam Square is the heart of Amsterdam, and is home to many important buildings, including the Royal Palace and the National Monument.
Vondelpark – Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest park, and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The park is home to beautiful gardens, lakes, and even an open-air theatre.
Canal cruises – Amsterdam’s canals are one of the city’s most iconic features, and a canal cruise is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
Red Light District – The Red Light District is famous around the world for its legal prostitution and marijuana cafes. While controversial, it’s a unique part of Amsterdam’s culture and history.
Nemo Science Museum – The Nemo Science Museum is a great place to visit with kids. The museum has interactive exhibits that teach kids about science and technology.
The Jordaan – The Jordaan is a historic neighbourhood in Amsterdam known for its narrow streets, cafes, and quirky shops.
Heineken Experience – The Heineken Experience is a tour of the famous brewery, where visitors can learn about the history of Heineken beer and even sample some fresh beer.
10 Lesser known facts about Amsterdam
Amsterdam has more canals than Venice. The city has a total of 165 canals, which stretch over 100 kilometers in length.
The city’s name comes from the river Amstel, which runs through it. The name Amsterdam means “dam on the river Amstel.”
Amsterdam has a very liberal attitude towards drugs and prostitution. The city’s Red Light District is famous for its brothels, sex shops, and cannabis cafes.
The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is one of the most visited museums in the city. It is dedicated to the Jewish diarist Anne Frank, who hid in the house with her family during World War II.
Amsterdam is home to more than 800,000 bikes, making it one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.
The city has a unique architecture, with many of its buildings leaning at an angle. This is due to the fact that Amsterdam is built on a swamp and the ground is unstable.
Amsterdam is known for its cheese, particularly Gouda and Edam. You can find cheese shops all over the city.
The Rijksmuseum is one of the largest and most important art museums in the world. It houses a collection of more than one million objects, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Amsterdam is the birthplace of Vincent van Gogh. You can visit the Van Gogh Museum in the city to see some of his most famous works.
The city’s main airport, Amsterdam Schiphol, is one of the busiest airports in Europe. It serves more than 70 million passengers per year.