Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands and lies on the banks of two bodies of water, the IJ bay and the Amstel River. Founded in the late 12th century, as a small fishing village on the banks of the Amstel, it is now the largest city (pop.750,000) in the country and is a financial and cultural centre.

Amsterdam has a large historic city centre, dating largely from the 17th century. At that time, a series of concentric, semi-circular canals ("grachten") were dug around the old city centre along which houses and warehouses were built. The canals still define Amsterdam's layout and appearance today, with many fine houses and mansions situated along the banks. Some of the narrow brick houses are gradually sinking because they are built on wooden piles to cope with the marshy subsoil.

Amsterdam is famous for its free-spirited liberalism, diversity and tolerance. There are many outstanding museums, including the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum, the Rembrandt House Museum, and its world-class symphony orchestra, the Concertgebouworkest, the home base of which is the Concertgebouw. The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings in the world, and Anne Frank House is also a popular tourist attraction as well.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is less than 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam Central Station. Holland is served by excellent public transport at national and local level and is usually the preferred way to get around.

View SilverDoor's Amsterdam serviced apartments