Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam (ˈæmstərdæm, ˌæmstərˈdæm, ɑmstərˈdɑm) is the capital and most populous municipality of the Kingdom of the Netherlands although it is not the seat of the government, which is The Hague.The city is located in the province of North Holland in the west of the country. It comprises much of the northern part of the Randstad, one of the larger conurbations in Europe.

As the commercial capital of the Netherlands and one of the top financial centres in Europe, Amsterdam is considered an alpha world city. Amsterdam’s name derives from Amstelredamme indicative of the city’s origin as a dam of the river Amstel. Originating as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age (17th century), a result of its innovative developments in trade. During that time, the city was the leading center for finance and diamonds.In the 19th and 20th centuries the city expanded, and many new neighbourhoods and suburbs were planned and built. The 17th-century canals of Amsterdam and the 19–20th century Defence Line of Amsterdam are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Europe.

Panoramic view of Amsterdam city across the Amstel river which runs through the city of Amsterdam. The river’s name is derived from Aeme-stelle, old Dutch for “water-area”, namely, an area abounding with water. Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Europe.

Tram in front of Amsterdam, Centraal Station. Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe.

View across the Amstel river which runs through the city of Amsterdam. The river’s name is derived from Aeme-stelle, old Dutch for “water-area”, namely, an area abounding with water. Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Europe.

Rijksmuseum: 19th-century building housing Dutch Golden Age painting masterpieces & vast European art collection. Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Europe.

Kissing boy and girl porcelain statue at the flower shop at Stins Flower Market, Singel, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe. This is the only floating flower market in the world, and one of the most fragrant places.

Elephant Parade® at Shopping Centre Magna Plaza in Amsterdam, Netherland. Elephant Parade® is a social enterprise and runs the world’s largest art exhibition of decorated elephant statues. Created by artists and celebrities, each statue Elephant Parade is a unique art piece. The life-size baby elephant statues are exhibited in international cities and raise awareness for the need of elephant conservation. Limited edition, handcrafted replicas and a select range of products are created from the exhibition elephants. 20% or Elephant Parade just Profits are Donated to elephant welfare and conservation projects.

Platform inside Amsterdam Centraal train station. Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe.

Girls and others riding cycles in the streets of Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe.

Stins Flower Market, Singel, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe selling cannabis, tulip bulbs and other flowers. This is the only floating flower market in the world, and one of the most fragrant places of interest of Amsterdam – in all seasons. The flower stalls stand on the houseboats. You will find there all sorts of tulips, narcissus and other bulbs and flowers. The bulbs are ready for export, so you can enjoy them at home too.

Lady fortune, Vrouwe Fortuna, Amsterdam. The statue is made by the sculptor Hildo Krop, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe.

Rembrandtplein (Rembrandt Square) is a major square in central Amsterdam, the Netherlands, named after the famous painter Rembrandt van Rijn who owned a house nearby from 1639 to 1656.

The sculptures of the Night Watch in 3D at the Rembrandtplein in Amsterdam in 2006-2009. As part of the celebration of the artist’s 400th birthday in 2006, a bronze-cast representation of his most famous painting, The Night Watch, by Russian artists Mikhail Dronov and Alexander Taratynov was displayed around the Royer work. This bronze-cast representation of the famous painting was on display for three-years.

Dutch houses and their reflection. Volendam, Netherlands near Amsterdam.

Walk way at the water front at Volendam, Netherlands near Amsterdam. Volendam Marina where you board the Volendam-Marken Express.

Boats at the water front at Volendam, Netherlands near Amsterdam.

King’s Day (formerly Queen’s Day) in Amsterdam at the Sarphatipark.

Party revelers enjoying in the streets on King’s Day (formerly Queen’s Day) festivities in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe.

Party revelers in orange enjoying on the streets on King’s Day (formerly Queen’s Day) festivities in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe.

On King’s Day (formerly Queen’s Day) festivities in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe. Celebrations everywhere including on the water.

King’s Day (formerly Queen’s Day) festivities invite locals and visitors alike to soak up Amsterdam’s open-air fun. In the streets, canals, parks and everywhere in between, the city is bursting with orange as Amsterdammers enjoy the biggest street party of the year. Electric atmosphere amidst orange-pride, live music, DJs, parties and a citywide street market. Throughout the city, professional street performers vie for attention. There are pick-up bands, aspiring opera singers, teenage rappers and street discos. Rio-style drum bands have been very popular the past few years. Huge concerts are organized at various locations in the city, such as Dam square, Rembrandtplein and Museumplein.

Party revelers groups partying and enjoying on the streets on King’s Day (formerly Queen’s Day) celebrations in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe.

Amsterdam, Centraal Station panoramic view. Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Europe.

 

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