Amsterdam Overview
Amsterdam Attractions
Amsterdam Canals Pictorial
Hermitage Amsterdam
Rembrandt House
Rijksmuseum
Stedelijk Museum
Van Gogh Museum
Rotterdam cruise port
Amsterdam Attractions
Amsterdam Canals Pictorial
Hermitage Amsterdam
Rembrandt House
Rijksmuseum
Stedelijk Museum
Van Gogh Museum
Rotterdam cruise port
Amsterdam is a world class city. A leading financial center and a leading diamond center, it is also the home of several of the world's largest companies. The city is also rich in cultural and historical attractions that include several leading art museums. In addition, its city center has been largely preserved and consists of quaint traditional buildings surrounded by charming canals. As a result, Amsterdam attracts some 17 million visitors each year.
The city is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. However, it is not the seat of government - - that is in the Hague. More than 851,000 people live within the city limits with about 1.3 million living in the greater Amsterdam area. Younger than most Dutch cities, Amsterdam was given city status in the 14th century. However, it blossomed into one of the world's wealthiest cities during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century. It then went thorugh a period of decline, which reached its nadir when it was occupied by the French during the Napoleonic wars. After Napoleon's fall, Amsterdam's fortunes improved and by the end 19th century it was experiencing a new Golden Age, which included the construction of some new public buildings. It also began to expand, absorbing various surrounding communities. Amsterdam did not suffer the devastating bombing that destroyed Rotterdam at the beginning of World War II. However, the city had to endure a Nazi occupation and 60,000 of its Jewish citizens were deported to Nazi death camps. In addition, the city was cut-off from food and fuel supplies towards the end of the war causing widespread starvation. Perhaps not surprisingly, after the war, Amsterdam grew into a progressive and tolerant city. The most well-known manifestation of this attitude is the legalized prostitution in the city's De Wallen district. Also well-known are Amsterdam's “coffee shops” where the attraction is cannabis rather than latte coffee. The historic part of the city radiates out like an open fan from Amsterdam Central railroad station, which has its back to IJ bay. Since it is built largely on reclaimed land, this area is flat and not difficult to walk. Canals divide the area but Amsterdam has some 1,200 bridges. However, pedestrians must always be mindful of the city's numerous fast moving bicycle riders. Alternatively, there are trams, buses and taxis for getting around. Many visitors also take one of the canal boat tours. The official language in Amsterdam is Dutch. However, most people speak some English and signs in the city center are commonly in English as well as Dutch. The currency is the Euro. Major credit cards are widely accepted. |
Cruise PortAmsterdam is the Netherlands' second largest port and the fourth largest in Europe. Naturally, it also serves as a cruise port attracting some 150 cruise ships a year.
The Amsterdam Passenger Terminal is on the Heit IJ and serves both ocean-going cruise ships and river cruise ships. It is near Amsterdam Central railroad station and thus is convenient for exploring the city center during port visits. However, larger cruise ships have begun to favor Rotterdam, which is about an hour and a half away. (See separate article on Rotterdam cruise port). |
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Cruise destinations - Netherlands - Amsterdam - Overview