Amsterdam occupies a low-lying area bounded by dikes and an inland lake known as IJ, while an intricate system of dams, canals, pumps, and ditches prevent floodwater from inundating both its own region and nearby countryside.
Explore the streets like a local before stopping off at one of the neighborhood favorites for a delicious traditional Dutch meal.
History
Since the Middle Ages, Amsterdam has flourished into an economic and cultural powerhouse. Its wealth was generated through trade with cities of the Hanseatic League; at the same time it became a place of pilgrimage – this year marks 1345’s Eucharistic miracle with Stille Omgang (Silent Procession in Civil Dress). Additionally, history changed drastically with war with England over Eighty Years War, which eventually resulted in Calvinism becoming state religion.
Although Amsterdam has long been exposed to flooding, much of its canal system remains. This achievement can be credited to intentional city planning from the 17th century onwards: four concentric half-circles with ends resting on IJ bay were constructed forming what became known as ‘Grachtengordel’ (canal district). Three canals have even been designated World Heritage sites: Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht.
The Dutch Republic was blessed with economic success that fostered an artistic and scientific “Golden Age.” Berlage designed large buildings in classic Palladian style; painters such as Rembrandt excelled; while many other famous artists made Amsterdam home. Amsterdam also became an important centre for publishing and printing services.
At the same time, Amsterdam saw its population expand rapidly due to immigration from Spain and Portugal; wealthy Jews, merchants from Antwerp and parts of the Low Countries still under Spanish control in particular; Huguenot refugees fleeing France all found sanctuary here. While some interpret this open-door policy as evidence of tolerance on part of its ruling class; it was ultimately driven mainly by economic considerations.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, population growth increased further and required another expansion of Amsterdam. Working-class neighbourhoods were constructed outside its historical city centre – such as de Pijp and Vondelpark – while large housing estates such as Slotermeer/Nieuwendam in the west, Buitenveldert in the south, and Bijlmermeer in the east created further cities of settlement, along with increasing traffic volumes.
Architecture
Amsterdam is widely known for its canals and traditional houses, yet also offers much in terms of modern architecture. Many new buildings and renovations have been completed over recent decades that deserve further investigation – Benthem Crouwel Architects designed the North-South Metro line which features 18 stations that each tell their own unique tale about Amsterdam while serving as landmarks themselves.
At the turn of the 19th century, a group of architects and designers known as the Amsterdam School created a distinct architectural style inspired by historical elements of Amsterdam’s historical architecture. One notable building constructed under this influence is ‘Het Schip’ or The Ship – a landmark housing block intended for working class families at the beginning of 20th century and which now hosts a museum dedicated to their style.
In the 1920s, Amsterdam School architecture came under attack from proponents of functionalism who denounced it as antiutilitarian and defiantly aesthetic; however, today this movement is seeing renewed appreciation. Michel de Kerk’s dwellings for workers’ housing societies (Eigen Haard) in Spaarndammerbuurt near Amsterdam’s city center as well as Zwanenhof in Noord are two key examples that still stand.
Other significant buildings include the Beurs van Berlage (1897-1903) in Amsterdam’s central business district, which draws upon medieval motifs, the theories of Gottfried Semper and E.E. Viollet-le-Duc, as well as H.P. Berlage’s search for an inclusive building language; one example of which can be seen at American Hotel (1900-1902) on Dam Square with its corner towers contrasting yet complementing one another.
Renzo Piano’s Muziekgebouw (2000), home to two separate music institutions and designed in accordance with Amsterdam School principles, stands as another landmark from that period. Clad with green oxidized copper panels, its magnificent structure along the waterfront stands out. Another important structure from that period was Central Station by Jordi Boer, completed in 1985 as an eye-catching red brick structure complete with an amazing rooftop terrace.
Culture
Amsterdam’s status as a cultural mecca is well deserved. Its population represents diverse nationalities from around the globe, which reflects in everything from cuisine to art.
Amsterdam is a city of stark contrasts, where world-renowned art and history institutions coexist alongside seedy alleyways of its Red Light District. Amsterdam’s rich heritage is intrinsically tied to its vibrant contemporary culture.
Industrialization flourished economically throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries in Amsterdam, which led to residential expansion; town city neighborhoods like de Pijp and Vondelpark emerged, as did large enlargements in the west, south and east of the city. A proactive economic policy encouraged commerce and industries including breweries, petrochemicals and diamond polishing companies while the government offered loans and training courses to help create jobs.
Amsterdam was an ideal environment for avant-garde movements, including architecture. No movement left as strong an impression as the Amsterdam School of architecture – one notable example being a red brick complex near Amsterdam West that now serves as home to a museum dedicated to this movement.
After World War II, Amsterdam continued to experience rapid population growth and became the center of Dutch postmodernism through the Stedelijk Museum’s bath-shaped extension, featuring works by Kazimir Malevich, Piet Mondrian and Yves Klein among many other artists.
Immigration has had a lasting effect on Amsterdam since the 17th century. Today, an estimated 44% of residents are foreign-born; major groups hailing from Surinam, Netherlands Antilles, Morocco and Turkey. Cultural diversity combined with longstanding traditions of tolerance and openness has helped shape Amsterdam into what it is today; but maintaining this balance has become more challenging with inequality, segregation and extremism still prevalent; which have tested tolerance levels in response to extreme extremist groups posing threats against society and laws being broken by extremist groups acting against others who break laws or simply disregard laws against those breaking these regulations. Amsterdam has responded accordingly through social dialogue, tolerance measures against those breaking laws;
Nightlife
Amsterdam’s welcoming attitude extends to its nightlife scene – from laidback cocktails and boutique wine bars to some of Europe’s top clubs. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein/Red Light District are two main hotspots, but there’s always plenty happening elsewhere across the city.
The Dutch are famously high-spirited people and will ensure you can find plenty of places to drink and dance the night away in this vibrant city. Most bars & clubs have casual dress codes; just be sure your preferred venue is open before heading out – jeans paired with either a T-shirt or tank top should typically suffice!
Amsterdam’s nightlife can be found around Leidseplein with an abundance of bars, clubs and cafes to choose from. Music venues such as Paradiso and Melkweg can also be found here as well as theaters, restaurants, cinemas and attractions such as Madame Tussauds & Royal Palace.
Near Amsterdam Central station you’ll find a selection of bars such as Hoopman’s Irish bar and Bulldog Grand Cafe, for an authentic feel visit Bitterzoet nightclub which boasts sleek designs with quirky stained glass windows & an ever-rotating roster of DJs & bands playing everything from hip hop to throwback trance music.
At Waterkant, located further up the canal, they feature an inviting terrace to overlook the water & serve local draught beers, colorful pitchers of cocktails & no-frills Dutch and Suriname dishes without frills or fuss. Inside they have an intimate bar featuring a cool blue interior section.
Attracting locals looking for waterside entertainment, ‘t Aepjen is one of the oldest buildings in Amsterdam. This traditional brown bar features nautical decor such as tools used on ships.
Take a short ferry ride across the Ij to reach NDSM, home to an abundance of waterfront bars serving drinks & snacks as well as DJ sets, live music performances, and football game broadcasts.