Last updated on at 07:44 am
Amsterdam is my second favorite city in Europe. Next to Paris, it’s the place I most want to go back to again and again. In fact, on some days when I’m feeling particularly nostalgic, it could even bump off Paris from its number one spot and claim that coveted “Most Favorite European City of Mine” title. Ha.
Simply put, Amsterdam is amazing, and below are twelve reasons why I’m absolutely in love with it.
1. Cityscape
Amsterdam has one of the most gorgeous cityscapes in Europe. I can’t even think of any place that rivals it. Carefully constructed and meticulously manicured canals intersperse the city’s landscape that’s peppered with 300-year-old picturesque tall gabled houses. Again, there’s nothing quite like it anywhere in Europe, or, maybe, even in the world. Amsterdam is a class of its own and wandering along its beautiful waterways past elegant hump bridges is quite a happy experience.
2. Canals
Although I mentioned Amsterdam’s canals briefly in the previous number above, I believe they need the proper homage they deserve by giving them a separate spot as one of the things to love in the city.
With more than 160 canals and more than 1,700 bridges, Amsterdam is a city of canals and bridges. It doesn’t hurt that they’re beautiful, charming, and such sights to behold. They’re the things that give Amsterdam that distinctive original flavor that no other European city can claim; they make Amsterdam unique and… well… simply, Amsterdam.
It is worth noting that while Venice has canals, too, and is just as gorgeous, it is that in a charming old-world way. On the other hand, Amsterdam is gorgeous in that eclectic kind where the ancient meets the modern.
3. Architecture
Dominating much of Amsterdam’s skyline and Canal Ring are historic 300-year-old long and narrow houses sporting picturesque, interesting-looking gables.
Gables are the top and the center portion of the wall between the pitched roofs. Amsterdam went beyond the ordinary by making their house gables functional and, oftentimes, fanciful. Ranging from the Step kind to Dutch to Cornice and everything in between, they sometimes serve to identify what was being stored inside the house (coffee, grain, etc.) or, usually, act as a decorative piece like containing the family crest or some drawings.
Either way, all these townhouses have hooks attached to their gables to which a pulley may be fastened. The pulley is used to carry big and heavy objects that are otherwise difficult to haul up these houses’ steep and narrow staircases. Uncommon and practical, this feature is one of the fascinating things about Amsterdam.
4. Sights
Amsterdam offers a plethora of varied sights to see and things to do. The city itself is a huge museum with its picturesque canals and exquisite architecture. Beyond that, there are many museums and other historical places to spend hours on. If museums and history are not your things, however, you can have fun instead at entertaining cafés, eating interesting delicacies and drinking Dutch beer like Heineken and Amstel.
5. Art
It may be said that art is one of the pride and joys of the Dutch culture taking into account their roster of highly illustrious Dutch artists that includes names like Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Jan Vermeer, and Piet Mondrian. Museums in the city displaying their works abound, so if you’re a lover of the arts, you’re definitely in for a treat.
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6. Bike Culture
Nowhere in Europe can you find such enthusiastic bicyclists as the Dutch. 17 million people call the country home, yet close to a whopping 23 million bicycles are in residence.
Well, Amsterdam didn’t get the title “Bicycle Capital of the World” for nothing, eh? There you will find lanes devoted solely to bikes, complete with stoplights. They’re as busy as the lanes for motor vehicles, maybe even more, with many ardent Amsterdammers pedaling away with gusto in different directions. Trust me, the sight is spellbinding and awe-inspiring.
A word of caution, though: be careful when in those bike lanes as Amsterdammers like to go fast and furious through them. Treat them the way you would a street filled with cars, so be similarly careful to avoid getting knocked over, and you’re good to go.
7. Transportation
While Amsterdam is a city made for exploring on foot (such a lovely experience to stroll along the canals!), it is quite great to find that it has one of the most efficient systems of transportation in Europe. Getting around is a breeze with their trams (street cars), Metro (subway), and buses. The interconnection and interplay of these transports are reliable and make everything accessible.
Sightseeing can also be done atop a bike (like a local would) or via a scenic ride on a canal boat. Bikes for rent are available all over the city and glass-roofed boats with commentary are as well.
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Activities in Amsterdam
These guided tours around Amsterdam would help you explore the city better.
8. Facilities
Exploring a place with good facilities is a traveler’s delight and Amsterdam does deliver on that aspect. Paying for things is easy as the majority of establishments accept credit cards (as opposed to some parts of Europe). Water closets that you need not shell out (substantial) change is considerably more. And best of all, getting yourself connected online is no trouble since wifi seems everywhere: on buses, trains, and even on the streets. They certainly do not scrimp on wifi, that’s for sure.
9. Communication
Communicating isn’t a problem as well. Many Nederlanders (how the Dutch refer to themselves in their language) speak good English. So rest assured, you won’t be resorting to hand signals when there.
10. People
I like the Nederlanders. They’re approachable, easygoing, and quite straightforward. They’re not intimidating to talk to, comfortable to be with, and you get this feeling that what you see from them is what you will get. It does away with needless guesswork and is quite refreshing.
11. Food
Amsterdam offers a varied selection of restaurants to suit everyone’s palate, so finding something to eat wouldn’t be a problem. From hearty Dutch cuisine to some exotic Indonesian fare, and everything in between, there’s just something for everyone. In any case, don’t forget to try a glass or two of Dutch beer like Heineken, Amstel, or Grolsch.
12. Day Trips
Amsterdam is one of those few cities that offer such nearby yet amazing day trip excursions. In only just a few minutes car or bus ride, you can leave the big city of Amsterdam behind and get transported to a fascinating quaint Dutch countryside and experience Dutch country life. Close by are several Holland villages that are worthy of a visit. Check out our post on the 5 awesome day trip destinations from Amsterdam for more details.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
For places to stay in Amsterdam, check out these highly-rated accommodations.
What is Amsterdam best known for?
Amsterdam is best known for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The city is celebrated for its museums, including the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, as well as its liberal attitude, reflected in the famous Red Light District and cannabis cafés.
Final Thoughts
In closing, Amsterdam is one of the best Europe has to offer, so we hope you include it in your bucket list. We hope, too, that you’ll love it as much as we do, or, even better, find even more things to love about it.
As always, happy travels! Don’t forget to share this post or save it for later!
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I’m planning on moving to Amsterdam, and this just made my move much more exciting. I cannot wait and thanks for sharing.
That’s wonderful! Amsterdam is beautiful, so I’m getting excited for you, too! Hope you have a great time there. Thank you for visiting and you’re welcome.
This a very handy post in case you visit the city. Thanks for sharing
Glad you find it helpful. You’re welcome.