The first inhabitants of Amsterdam were farmers and fishermen that settle on the banks of the Amstel river. When the city gets toll privilege and becomes a true harbor in 1275, the settlement expands rapidly. Amsterdam acquires city rights in 1300. In the first half of the 15th century the population continues growing and becomes a well-know place for skippers. They find entertainment in the bars and the red light district, that still exists nowadays. After the fall of Antwerp as a trading harbor, Amsterdam becomes the biggest harber in the world and the Dutch fleet rules the waves.
In this Golden age Amsterdam also becomes the financial center of the world and due to the religious freedom a lot of wealthy immigrants from all over Europe come to Amsterdam. Because of these immigrants, Amsterdam becomes the beating heart of the art world, trade world and scientific world. In the 17th century the expansion forces the inhabitants to build the famous canals, to control the water and to be used for transport. In 1672 Amsterdam is at war with England and France, but remains wealthy because of the Amsterdam Stock exchange. From all over Europe money is borrowed to finance wars. The prosperity ends when Napoleon takes over the Netherlands and Amsterdam becomes isolated. Amsterdam becomes empty, because most of its inhabitants leave the city to find their luck elsewhere.
When the industrial revolution sets in, Amsterdam gets its comeback and the city starts expanding in a steady way. In 1839 the first steam train runs from Amsterdam towards Haarlem and the city gets a direct connection to the North sea. The expansions stops when World War II hits the Netherlands and Amsterdam suffers a harsh winter of hunger. The population is set back because of the winter and the deportation of Jews. After the war, Amsterdam obtains its well-known face as a hippie city. The city where everything goes becomes a place of legalized drugs and freedom of speech. During the last period of this area, Amsterdam becomes further expanded by the flood of immigrants from around the world. Nowadays Amsterdam is still the city of tolerance.
The Ajax Experience - With the Ajax Experience you will learn more about the history and philosophy of the Dutch football club Ajax.
Official website: Ajax.nl/Ajax-Experience
Address: Rembrandtplein, Utrechtsestraat 9 (entrance), 1017 DA Amsterdam
Red Light District Tour - The experienced Amsterdam guides will guide you through the Red Light District. In this two hour tour you'll learn more about the Word's first Sex Theater, Sex Shops, Coffeeshops and a lot more.
Official website: Newamsterdamtours.com
Dinner Cruise through the canals and harbor of Amsterdam - Enjoy the 4 course dinner while cruising two hours through the canals and harbor of Amsterdam.
Official website: Lovers.nl
Address: Prins Hendrikkade 25, Amsterdam
De Oude Kerk - It's the oldest building in the city which is located in the heart of Amsterdam. Previously fishermen repairing their nets here and now it serves as a place of worship, concert hall, wedding venue and as an exhibition and reception space.
Official website: Oudekerk.nl
Address: Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam
The Royal Palace - The Royal Palace is located on the Dam square and serves as official residence when the Royal Family is in Amsterdam.
Official website: Paleisamsterdam.nl
Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, 1012 RJ Amsterdam
Anne Frank Huis - In this house Anne Frank lived in hiding during World War II.
Official website: Annefrank.org
Address: Prinsengracht 263-267, Amsterdam
Strand Zuid City Beach - On this city beach you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner on the terrace or in the lounge.
Official website: Unlimitedlabel.com
Address: Europaplein 22, 1078 GZ Amsterdam
More facts in numbers of Amsterdam can be found here.
