25 WEIRD AND WONDERFUL THINGS I'VE DISCOVERED
A popular travel destination with UNESCO listed sites and a vibrant culture, the wonderful city of Amsterdam, capital of The Netherlands, is probably on your bucket list of places to visit. Here I’ll give you some fun facts about Amsterdam that may surprise you. Along the way I’ll provide some suggestions, tips and links for planning your trip as well.
So, let’s jump into these 25 weird and wonderful things I’ve discovered about the amazing city of Amsterdam during my recent travels there.
1. Amsterdam has roughly as many canals as Venice. Taking a cruise around the canals is one of the best things to do in the city to appreciate the extensive canal system.
2. There are more bicycles in the city than people, hence why Amsterdam is commonly known as the bicycle capital of the world.
3. Many bicycles end up in the canals, stolen or discarded by residents, which barges have to pull out regularly.
4. Amsterdam has the world’s oldest stock exchange, since 1602, formed by the Dutch East India Company.
5. The city has the most museums in the world. There is a museum for almost everything. Cat lovers will want to visit the Cat Cabinet Museum. Those fascinated with the human body need to check out Museum Vrolik.
6. The only floating flower market in the world is in Amsterdam, the Bloemenmarkt, on boats moored in the Singel Canal.
7. There is a floating palace smack in the centre of the city, The Royal Palace, on Dam Square, and it is often open to visitors.
8. The first wooden clogs were discovered in Amsterdam in the 1200’s, used on farms to protect feet in the field.
9. Famous artists who lived in Amsterdam were Vincent Van Gogh and Rembrandt.
10. Amsterdam has crooked buildings called ‘dancing houses‘ that were built in soft soil and thus are sinking or tilting, on the Damrak canal and the Amstel River.
11. Many people live in boathouses on the canals in the city. There are about 2,500 boathouses in Amsterdam, some purpose built, others repurposed boats.
12. There is a Tulip Museum in the city dedicated to the history of the country’s iconic flower.
13. The tallest skyscraper in Amsterdam is the Rembrandttoren, at 150 metres.
14. Bicycles have right of way over cars and pedestrians. They must use dedicated paths only, helmets are not required, and there are many laws to be aware of. Take a bicycle tour around Amsterdam with a local to learn the ropes.
15. Heineken Beer is Amsterdam’s most famous export, which commenced brewing in 1864.
16. The oldest building in the city is Oude Kerke, Old Church, built 1213.
17. There are 8 windmills in Amsterdam, which were essential tools for water management, land reclamation, and some were used as flour mills. These days many are tourist attractions open to visitors.
18. Coffeeshops sell and permit cannabis smoking, and are not to be confused with normal cafes. Coffeeshops are not exactly legal but are tolerated by the police. The Bulldog The First was opened in 1975 with a psychedelic mural out front painted by an Australian artist.
19. There is a Hop-On/Hop-Off Boat Service around the canals for sightseeing attractions around Amsterdam.
20. The city has a medieval castle called Muiderslot, built in 1285, which is a tourist attraction and reception venue.
21. There is a huge forest on the outskirts of Amsterdam called Amsterdamse Bos, covering 2,500 acres, with walking routes, gardens, swimming, rowing, and animals.
22. A unique bike ride share scheme commenced in Amsterdam called Yellow Backie, a free ride for tourists by simply hailing down a bike rider with a yellow luggage rack and jumping on the back.
23. Raw Herring (a small silver fish) is a traditional dutch dish popular in Amsterdam, consisting of salt-cured or pickled herring served with raw onions or gherkins.
24. There are more bridges here than in Venice, over 1,200 of them. Thus, Amsterdam is sometimes called the city of bridges.
25. This is the last of my fun facts about Amsterdam.
Arguably the most impressive building in the city, Amsterdam Centraal Station dating from the 1880’s, is an architectural gem of Gothic and Dutch Renaissance styles, which was built standing on wooden piles and on man-made islands.
Handy Links For Visiting Amsterdam
Arrange your Amsterdam Airport transfer by car here
Get a rental bike here
Obtain a ‘Go City’ Amsterdam Pass here
Book a guided Walking Tour here
Discover tulips here
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