It’s steeped in history
Amsterdam was first settled in the 13th century AD. The city’s name was officially recorded in 1275, and it received its city rights from the Bishop of Utrecht, Gwijde van Henegouwen, in 1306.
A city of bridges
Amsterdam is often referred to as the “Venice of the North” due to its network of canals. While Venice has 12 more canals than Amsterdam, Amsterdam boasts over 800 bridges, surpassing Venice in that regard.
Cycling culture
Amsterdam is renowned for its bike-friendliness, with dedicated bike lanes found throughout the city. In fact, a significant portion of the daily commute in Amsterdam is done by bicycle. However, it’s worth noting that over 30,000 bicycles end up in the city’s canals each year.
An urgent visit
Amsterdam is a popular destination on many people’s travel bucket lists. Part of its allure is due to its geographical situation, as a large portion of the city lies below sea level. With the threat of rising sea levels due to global warming, Amsterdam may face challenges in the future, making it a must-visit destination before it potentially becomes an underwater city akin to Atlantis.
Image Source: Kaleem Ali / Shutterstock
