Amsterdam, the captivating capital of the Netherlands, is a city that frequently graces travel brochures and bucket lists. But beneath its iconic canals and liberal reputation lies a depth waiting to be explored. This charming European city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and quirky charm that will surprise and delight even the most seasoned traveler.
I think Amsterdam is one of the most charming cities in Europe. It’s not a secret that I love the Netherlands and after reading this article, I’m sure you’ll love it too.
Here are 8 things you probably didn’t know about the city:
- Did you know Amsterdam has a nickname? Locals affectionately call it “Mokum,” derived from Hebrew and meaning “place.”
- Did you know more than 2,500 houseboats are floating on Amsterdam’s canals? These unique dwellings offer a glimpse into alternative lifestyles and add to the city’s whimsical charm.
- Amsterdam boasts more canals than Venice! These watery arteries, stretching over 100 kilometers, weave through the city and have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010.
- The ‘IAmsterdam’ sculpture has been captured on camera countless times. It is the city’s most photographed object. However, most photographers don’t know the purpose of the sculpture. In 2005 Amsterdam decided to start a campaign to rebrand the city. ‘Iamsterdam’ is one of the actions they took. The sculpture is located right in front of the Rijksmuseum.
- Amsterdam counts more bridges than Paris.
- Unlike many European countries, the Dutch royal family doesn’t reside in the capital. The Netherlands might be a kingdom, but the royals call The Hague their home. Yes, for the smartypants among us: The Netherlands is a kingdom.
- The smallest house in Europe can be found in Amsterdam. It is 2,02 meters wide and 5 meters deep! The tiny house is located at Oude Hoogstraat 22.
- Amsterdam’s name has a simple origin story. “Amstel” refers to the river the city was built upon, and “dam” translates to, well, dam!
If you liked my article about A’dam, make sure to check out the city’s biggest rival: Rotterdam!
