The Most Famous Landmarks in Amsterdam

Are you looking to visit Amsterdam? Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands and a popular tourist attraction site in North Holland. It has a lot of attractions and beautiful landmarks that you should visit when in the city. Let’s explore Amsterdam’s fascinating heritage.

Dam Square

Located on River Amstel’s mouth, the large dam was constructed in the 13th century and a sight to behold. Not only does it demonstrate state-of-the-art engineering skills, it also stands out as a national monument and landmark. You can walk from Central Station and enjoy viewing the settlements on either side of the river. Carry a camera and take photographs of the pigeons that pitch at Dam Square.

Weeping Tower

Popularly known as the Schreierstoren, the Weeping Tower is the remains of Amsterdam’s stone city from the middle ages. It is among the oldest monuments in the city and is famous as it is where Henry Hudson begins his journey to discover Northern America. 

At the same place, the sailors’ wives watched them leave, and they wept. For this reason, the place earned the name Weeping Tower. Today, the Weeping Tower has a few cafes and outdoor terraces where you can take some snacks and beverages with your friends and family. Find it on Prins Hendrikkade 94-5.

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is a crucial landmark in Amsterdam. Besides the historical heritage it holds, the palace has a beautiful sight to behold. It was used as a city hall for magistrates in medieval times and had all the ancient furniture. 

While at the palace, you will see King Napoleon’s bedroom, the Magistrates’ chamber, the Secretary’s office, and the Citizen’s hall. While on the balcony, you can see the medallions and other beautiful features of the ancient palace. It is located at the Dam, Amsterdam 1012 RJ.

Anne Frank House

While it began as the most departed residences, Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam’s heritage. There is a statue of Anne Frank outside dated 1929 to 1945. It would be a perfect place to take some photographs. 

Anne Frank hid in this house together with her family during the Second World War. They hid from the Nazis with her family, and Anne began writing her diaries. They stayed there for two years, and this is now among the respected places. 

Today, it is a museum and attracts a lot of tourists. In the museum, you will get Anne Frank’s diaries and other notebooks. The landmark is located in Westernmarkt 20, 1016 GV in the Netherlands.

Van Gogh Museum

The museum was opened in 1973 in honour of Vincent Van Gogh, a famous Dutch post-impressionist artist. It contains the largest collection of Vincent’s original work. While visiting the facility, you get to see over 200 paintings, more than 500 drawings, and over 750 letters that he wrote in his life. 

The artist’s work is hung in a perfect arrangement for five periods. Besides the museum’s beautiful architectural plans, the museum is the most popular one in the Netherlands and attracts over 2.1 million visitors every year.

Conclusion

These are but a few landmarks that should be on your Amsterdam bucket list. These landmarks also have a couple of activities that you can have fun with your friends and family. Most of these landmarks are museums, parks, canal belts and galleries.

By Max Lang Orsini

How Ethnically Diverse Is Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is one city that has a unique and definitive character in terms of its culture among other European cities. Many people have chosen it as a home and it has over 180 nationalities from across the world. This has made it the most diverse city in Europe as it accommodates different cultures with a large number of people coming from Morocco and Turkey.

Many ethnic minorities move to Amsterdam thus make it one city with the highest diverse groups. They have made the capital their home city and introduced their cultures. Thinking about moving to Amsterdam? Currently, you have to present a COVID-19 test that shows you safe to relocate to the Netherlands.

Diversity in Amsterdam

Maximilian Lang –Orsini, an artist living in Amsterdam describes the city to be quite ethnically diverse. Besides, the great diverse culture gives a market to his artwork. Also, there has been an influx in the number of ethnic groups that move here making the city incredibly well-rounded. Consequently, there is a good chance that over the next few years most people in Amsterdam will be born abroad and will have their grandparents overseas.

Community

Amsterdam has different communities that have their way of life. This is what makes Amsterdam vibrant and multi-faceted. 

There is unlimited freedom to join any community you want and make friends with. People here have a rich cultural heritage in arts, food and music. Be part of any community and enjoy the culture.

Social life

Ethnical diversity brings about a huge variety of social life habits. There are different food joints, cafes and bars that offer a different kind of stuff. Maximilian Lang-Orsini finds the city good to promote his Dutch artwork by interacting with the tourists and expats who travel to Amsterdam.

Attractions

Amsterdam is a jovial city that rich in culture and bursts with a lot of attractions in the world. Additionally, the beautiful artwork is worth it. For instance, if you love Dutch art then there is a range of artwork to view from different ethnicities. 

You can get souvenirs or buy exhibits to take to your country. This diversity makes it a perfect place for all people from different countries.

Queer groups

This capital boasts as the best go-to place for any sexuality. Bisexuals can thrive freely as there are also laws that protect same-sex partnerships. Besides, this means there is zero discrimination against anyone and you can enjoy your life your way.

Anti-discriminatory measures

Amsterdam has people of different races, sexuality and social background. Therefore, as a capital that values diversity in society, there are policies in place regarding migrants. It has a firm stance regarding discrimination that protects each person and goes as far as funding the ethnic minorities. Furthermore, the extensive cultural life gives room for a socially fulfilled life for whichever community you choose to partake in.

Bottom line

Different ethnic minority groups move to Amsterdam making its ethnical diversity be at its peak. There are over 180 nationalities in this capital and it is attracting more due to the quality of life there. Moreover, don’t miss out on the great lifestyle and lot of culture in Amsterdam.

By Max Lang-Orsini