LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Amsterdam: Cities
built 656 days ago
Known as the 'Venice of the North', Amsterdam is built on ninety islands. Thirteen hundred bridges (four hundred of which are stone) link the islands across 100 kilometres (62 miles) of canals, which fan out from the heart of the old city. The first settlement on the banks of the river Amstel, Amstelredam, was founded in 1275 following the construction of a dam to offer protection from the IJ to the north.
Source:
Amsterdam's position changed dramatically in the course of the Dutch Revolt. Initially loyal to the Spanish king, the city was blockaded for years before it decided to join the rebel side in 1578. Then, in 1585, Antwerp was reconquered by the Spaniards, and in retaliation the rebels cut off shipping on the River Scheldt. Antwerp's merchant community dispersed, with many eventually settling in Amsterdam. Together with the local merchants they initiated a remarkable boom. Already in the 1590s Amsterdam merchants fitted out ships to explore various routes to the East Indies.
Source:
A most cosmopolitan cauldron of multicultural migrants, the Amsterdam's easy-going lifestyle is one that tourists find hard to leave behind! There are wide range of hotels in Amsterdam, providing luxurious and budget accommodations. Experience the alfresco freedom of bicycling around the city's canals or hop onto one of the numerous trams and enjoy the sights and smells of this vibrant, green city. Traditional 'brown cafes' where legalised smokes are offered along with your cappuccino are dotted all over the city. An abundance of varied Amsterdam cuisine is always available for tourists. from French to Chinese and local Dutch specialties, everything is practically walking or biking distance away!
Source:
A major port, Amsterdam is ... the seat of one of the world's chief stock exchanges, a center of the diamond-cutting industry, and one of the great commercial, intellectual, and artistic capitals of Europe. Its manufactures include clothing, printed materials, and metal goods. Amsterdam is connected with the North Sea by the North Sea Canal (opened in 1876), which can accommodate large oceangoing vessels, and by the older North Holland Canal (opened 1824). The Amsterdam-Rhine Canal connects the city with the Rhine delta and thus with industrial NW Germany, with which there is considerable transit trade. Amsterdam is a major road and rail hub and is served by nearby Schiphol airport. Tourism is an important industry.
Source:
Amsterdam is many things to many people. It is a city that is flexible to your needs and desires. It can be trendy, hippie, cozy, conservative, commercial, busy, innovative, aristocratic, historic, trashy, accessible, tolerant and inviting. All kinds of opportunities are available here. You can find traditional museums with historic and world renowned collections, but you can ... find a myriad of smaller, more particular museums. The list of places to visit seems endless.
Source:
Amsterdam is called the gay capital of the world for good reasons. Ever since the city started to flourish in the 17th century, it has been a safe haven for everybody who's been considered "different." Whatever your religion, political affiliation, nationality or sexuality, Amsterdam has built a reputation for welcoming pretty much everybody. And since 2002, gays can marry legally. Looking to plan a honeymoon?
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Cities