Quezi

Sunshine from Amsterdam - courtesy phault - CC-BY

Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands.

The earliest known use of the name “Amsterdam” is from a document dated 27 October 1275, when the inhabitants, who had built a bridge with a dam across the Amstel River, were exempted from paying a bridge toll by Count Floris V. Amsterdam was granted city rights in either 1300 or 1306. From the 14th century  Amsterdam flourished, largely because of trade with the Hanseatic League.

Amsterdam is also a city of tolerance and diversity. It has all the amenities of a big city with culture, nightlife, international restaurants, and good transport. But is quiet, and largely thanks to its canals, has a little road traffic.

Amsterdam is the financial and cultural center of the Netherlands. Many large Dutch institutions have their headquarters there, and 7 of the world’s top 500 companies, including Philips and ING, are located in the city

Amsterdam has a temperate climate influenced by its proximity to the North Sea. Winter temperatures are mild, seldom below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers are moderately warm but rarely hot.

The Amsterdam canal system is the result of deliberate city planning. In the early 17th century a comprehensive plan was developed that was based on four concentric half-circles of canals.

Amsterdam is the 5th busiest tourist destination in Europe with more than 4.2 million international visitors.

Amsterdam is served by Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.  Public transport in Amsterdam mainly consists of bus and tram lines. In the city center, driving a car is not prohibited, but strongly discouraged. Parking fees are expensive and a number of streets are closed to cars or are one-way.  When one thinks of Amsterdam, one thinks of bicycles.

Amsterdam’s population is 751,000.

+31 is the international dialing code for Netherlands and
20 is the area code for Amsterdam

For more information about Amsterdam