Amsterdam is a vibrant and culturally rich city, known for its beautiful canals, historic architecture, and liberal attitudes. From its famous museums to its lively nightlife, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this charming city. With a fascinating history and unique character, Amsterdam has something to offer everyone. So, let’s take a closer look at 25 Amsterdam facts that will make you fall in love with this beautiful city.
1-5 Fun Facts About Amsterdam
1. Amsterdam, the largest city and capital of the Netherlands, is often informally called Holland and is home to the Dutch people and language.
2. With a population of 921,500 people, Amsterdam is the 18th largest capital city in Europe, with a metropolitan population of 2.5 million.
3. If you’re a fan of waterways, Amsterdam is the place to be! Comparable in size to Austin, Texas, Amsterdam is a bustling city that is home to over 160 canals, more than Venice itself!
4. Amsterdam’s Prinsengracht, or Prince’s Canal, is the longest of its canals and is similar in length to Venice’s famous Grand Canal.
5. The Canals of Amsterdam are not only picturesque, but they are also protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, highlighting their cultural significance.
6-10 Surprising Facts About Amsterdam
6. Amsterdam boasts the highest density of museums and cultural attractions of any city in the world, making it a popular destination for travelers.
7. In 2019, Amsterdam welcomed a whopping 8.84 million tourists, making it the 26th most visited city in the world.
8. Anne Frank House, located on Amsterdam’s Prinsengracht canal, is where the young girl and her family hid during WWII, and where she wrote her now-famous diary.
Read More: 20 Shocking Facts About Anne Frank That Surprise You
9. The Dutch East Company, the world’s first stock exchange and multi-national corporation, was founded in Amsterdam in 1602 and was headquartered there.
10. Poverty is relatively low in Amsterdam, with only 0.3% of people living below the poverty line.
11-15 Unique Facts About Amsterdam
11. One of Amsterdam’s most well-known tourist attractions is the Red Light District, also known as De Wallen. This area is famous for its legal brothels, sex shops, and sex museums that attract curious visitors from around the world.
12. Prostitutes often showcase themselves in the district’s narrow alleys and behind windows, including Trompettersteeg, the city’s narrowest alley, measuring just one meter wide. De Wallen even has a statue named Belle, erected in honor of the district’s sex workers.
13. In Amsterdam, marijuana dispensaries – referred to as “coffee shops” – are legal and popular. The Red Light District alone has over 60 such cafes, adding to the area’s unique and often controversial character.
14. Louise and Martine Fokkens, believed to be Amsterdam’s oldest prostitutes, claim to have had approximately 355,000 sexual partners between them in 50 years. It’s an impressive feat that has earned them a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
15. Amsterdam has a Night Mayor whose job is to promote creative and safe nightlife. It’s a unique position that helps ensure that the city’s vibrant nightlife is enjoyable for everyone.
16-20 Interesting Facts About Amsterdam
16. Amsterdam has a unique way of encouraging cleanliness – by paying alcoholics with beer for collecting rubbish. It’s a creative solution that provides a social activity for those struggling with addiction while also helping keep the city clean.
17. Amsterdam’s population is diverse, with around 50% of city residents being immigrants. Some of the largest non-Dutch groups include Indonesians, Moroccans, and other Europeans.
18. Amsterdam is a cyclist’s paradise, with three times more bikes (800,000) than cars. The city’s bicycle-friendly infrastructure is considered one of the best in the world, although bicycle traffic congestion is sometimes an issue.
19. In Amsterdam, the departed are never forgotten. Even if there are no loved ones to attend their funeral, a poet will pen a heartfelt tribute to honor their memory.
20. Did you know that the early modern Olympics used to feature an art competition? Yep, The Amsterdam Olympic Stadium is a gold medal winner for architecture.
21-25 Awesome Facts About Amsterdam
21. Tram line number 8 in Amsterdam has a haunting past. It was once used to deport Jews during the war, and as a tribute to their memory, the number 8 will never be used for a tram line again.
22. Amsterdam has a floating cat sanctuary where you can pet the cats. It’s a unique way to interact with feline friends while enjoying the beauty of the city’s canals.
23. The narrow windows of Amsterdam’s houses were originally designed to avoid high taxes. Later, taxes were based on the width of the house, which is why many of the city’s houses are so narrow.
24. The city of Amsterdam has been a pioneer in LGBTQ+ rights for centuries, with homosexuality decriminalized over 200 years ago. The first gay bar opened in the city a century ago, and the Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage.
25. Amsterdam’s openness and acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights make it a popular destination for the community, with thousands of people attending the annual Amsterdam Gay Pride event.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 25 Interesting Amsterdam Facts.
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