Amsterdam

Amsterdam has always had a vibrant and varied cultural scene but over the last few decades it has blossomed.

Amsterdam became a metropolis since the second half of the sixteenth century. Amsterdam now hosts more than 750,000 residents from 175 different countries. 37% of the population belong to an ethnic minority. There is an open and tolerant atmosphere in the city.

In Amsterdam’s Centrum you will of course find the magnificent canals, but there is so much more besides. The inner city, for instance, is bursting with interesting museums, sometimes hidden behind beautiful canalside façades. In the city you can discover something new each time, did you know that aside from 6 windmills there are 600,000 bicycles? In one of the 51 museums is very much to see and enjoy.

There are also wonderful markets to stroll round, such as the Noordermarkt, where many a stylist buys his clothing for photo shoots. At any rate shopping is a treat as soon as you stray from the beaten track. Get lost in the Jordaan or in the Negen Straatjes (‘Nine Streets’) – lanes that link the canals and where the most exclusive and original shops can be found, just like in the Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk.

In 1971, the world-famous wax figure museum, Madame Tussaud’s opened an establishment in Amsterdam – the first branch outside of the United Kingdom.

The Anne Frank Huis at Prinsengracht 263 in Amsterdam is where a young Jewish girl, Anne Frank lived in hiding with her family for more than 2 years during World War II.

A visit to Amsterdam means a visit to the Rijksmuseum. Situated near the city centre you will find this extraordinary museum with an amazing overview of Dutch art and history. The Rijksmuseum is especially known for the large collection of paintings from the Golden Age.

Amsterdam is notorious for its Red Light District. Amsterdam has three of these districts, but ‘De Wallen’ in the city center is the largest and best known. During daytime you may notice that it is one of the oldest parts of Amsterdam with beautiful canals and houses. But as night falls, excited and curious crowds wander along the many sexclubs and window prostitutes in the glow of red lights.

The nightlife in Amsterdam is versatile, cosmopolitan and never sleeps. Enjoy an intimate dinner or dance to top DJs until 5:00. From night theatre to lounge bars; coffeeshops to clubs; cosy pubs to grand cafes, Amsterdam offers something for every taste.

Amsterdam is one of the most important cultural centres of Europe. Amsterdam’s position as a Festival City plays an important role in this. As Amsterdam hosts around 75 festivals annually, Amsterdam fully deserves its reputation as a Festival city.