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Amsterdam is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse and creative culture and high quality of life. Ultimately, the city's strongest appeal is its people: the people who live here, work here, study and visit here.
History
From its humble beginnings as a 13th century fishing village on a river bed to it's current role as a major hub for business, tourism and culture, Amsterdam has had a strong tradition as a centre of culture and commerce.
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Society
Traditionally, Amsterdam was a trading city. In order to be successful in trade, good social networks were indispensable. Furthermore, it was crucial to the city and its inhabitants that land and water were developed and maintained. A tolerant and open society as such, attracts people from every corners of the world; and these in turn must feel that their place in the city is protected.
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Communication and money matters
What currency is used in the Netherlands and where can you change or withdraw money? How much should you tip a taxi driver? How can you call home? And where can you surf the web?
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Education
Amsterdam is home to 2 universities with some 3500 lecturers and 37,000 students, 17 higher vocational institutions with some 29,000 students, and secondary education is provided by over 60 schools and school communities
Active population
Amsterdam is an active city, with the majority of the population leading an healthy lifestyle, regularly incorporating activity into their daily lives, read more
Check out a list of international sports groups
Facts and Figures
Founded in the late 12th century, Amsterdam's name started from a dam on the Amstel River. The city's nickname Mokum comes from the Hebrew word Makom, which means place. Due to the many canals the city is also called Venice of the North.
How many inhabitants does Amsterdam has? 747,290
How many nationalities? 175
Interested in more numbers?
The weather
Amsterdam has a moderate climate with mild winters, cool summers and a fair bit of rainfall.
Check out the temperatures this week
Language
The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch. The majority of Amsterdam's residents speak English well and are often fluent in one or two languages on top of that. One can usually get by effortlessly in Amsterdam without a knowing word of Dutch. For those keen to try, learning a few words or phrases will always go a long way with the locals.
Helpful words and phrases
Do you speak English? - spreekt u Engels?
Hello - hallo
Good morning - Goedemorgen
Good afternoon - Goedemiddag
Good evening - Goedenavond
Goodbye - dag or doei (pronounced dowee)
Excuse me - pardon
Thank you - dank u
Please - alstublieft (pronounced alst-u-bleeft)
Yes - ja (pronounced yah)
No - nee (pronounced nay)
Tasty - lekker
Lovely - mooi
Cosy - gezellig
Entrance - ingang
Exit - uitgang
Open - open
Closed - gesloten
Ticket/s - kaart/en
How safe is Amsterdam?
Someone who's never been to Amsterdam may assume that such a bustling city and popular tourist destination would be predisposed to regular crime. Residents and repeat visitors know differently. Many travellers will be pleasantly surprised to find a comfortably secure atmosphere amid the lively buzz and tolerant nature of our city. In fact, Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in the world.
But ofcourse , as in almost any bustling city in the world, pickpockets and petty thieves doe exist in Amsterdam.
The best defence against them is common sense
- Do not leave your bags and belongings unattended
- Do not walk around with loads of valuables
- Pay attention in crowded areas
- When it comes to wandering at night, most Amsterdam neighbourhoods are safe for doing so
- But while it is filled with all types of people during the day, the Red Light District does attract seedier
visitors and vagrants at after sunset
- Better avoid walking alone here or in parks at night
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Disability?
Amsterdam is a hospitable city, and as such, the accessibility of public buildings, public transport and parking facilities for visitors with various forms of disability is taken very seriously.
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Neighbourhood markets
Visiting open-air markets is one of the best ways to soak up authentic culture in a travel destination. Amsterdam's markten (markets) are alive with the colours, smells and sights that define the local flavour here. Discover our village of neighbourhood markets, most of which are open year-round, rain or shine
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Nightlife
The nightlife in Amsterdam is versatile, cosmopolitan and never sleeps. Enjoy an intimate dinner or dance to top DJs until 5:00. From night theatre to lounge bars; coffeeshops to clubs; cosy pubs to grand cafes, Amsterdam offers something for every taste.
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