Amsterdam: Access to the old and the new

An interesting mixture of rich history and contemporary culture, this city opens your eyes to a vibrant world.

Much has been said about Amsterdam, but one thing is for sure: it is the perfect place to discover the old-world charm of Europe and the dynamism of a modern society. The capital of The Netherlands, Amsterdam is the country’s largest city. It used to be a 13th-century fishing village on a river bed and has progressed over the years as a financial, cultural and creative center.

Amsterdam is known as Venice of the North, owing to its lovely canals that surround the city amidst a backdrop of beautiful architecture and over a thousand bridges. These canals were an important part of trade relations for Amsterdam. The right to free passage was instrumental for its economic development. From its earliest days as a trading city, Amsterdam has forged relationships with other cultures.No wonder that this city has become a melting pot of cultures and one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Whether you want to immerse yourself in culture and history, simply want to experience its delectable varieties, or just to indulge in the high of discovering troves of great shopping finds, this lovely canalside city offers just about anything to suit your European getaway.

Discover Amsterdam’s scenic sights.

Explore the city and you will bump into a number of magnificent attractions that reveal Amsterdam’s heritage and culture, as well as its modern charm.

Canal cruise. Amsterdam has more canals than Venice and its watery maze canals are considered its most distinguishing and most charming feature. See tree- lined channels, luxurious canal houses and architectural structures such as the tower of Westerkerk (Western Church), the tallest in Amsterdam, or Anne Frank’s house as you cruise along the city’s winding waterways.

Learn about Dutch art and history. Make sure to drop by the city’s worldfamous museums, such as the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum. Or spend an afternoon visiting one of its many art galleries where you can see old and contemporary art collections.

Bring the kids to an awesome adventure. Amsterdam also boasts of attractions that will surely delight families. See the wax figures of celebrities and historic figures at the Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, see the city in a different light atop the Science Centre NEMO, or get acquainted with animals at Amsterdam’s Zoo.