Want to dazzle your friends with your knowledge of Amsterdam before your vacation there? Or are you merely an adventurous traveller who wants to discover something new? In any case, you’re fortunate since we’ve put together a list of Amsterdam Fun Facts that could surprise you. The boasts a colourful culture and a rich history that is filled with fascinating tales and intriguing details, from the city’s distinctive architecture to its dynamic lifestyle. 

Follow us as we explore some of this lovely city’s most fascinating and unexpected facts. These interesting facts will help you see Amsterdam and everything it has to offer from a new perspective, whether you’re a frequent traveller or a first-time visitor looking for furnished apartments Amsterdam.

  • Rivalling Venice with its canals

The canals of the city were built in the 17th century for both defence and transportation, and they are now a popular tourist destination. The canal system in Amsterdam is renowned for being comparable to that in Venice. Over 165 canals totalling more than 100 kilometres in length run through the city. Additionally Amsterdam Fun Facts, “Houseboats, floating flower markets, and outdoor cafés” can all be found along Amsterdam’s canals, which adds to the city’s distinct charm and personality. Additionally, visitors may take boat trips or wander along the banks to take in scenic vistas, old-fashioned homes, and arched bridges. 

  • The city’s origins

The town of Amsterdam was initially established as a modest fishing community in the late “12th century”. The city receives its name from a dam on the Amstel River, around which it was constructed. “The Dutch Golden Age”; had a period of tremendous growth, making it a significant hub for trade and commerce. Together with many of the city’s iconic structures and monuments, the city’s canals were also built during this time. presently, the city is a dynamic, multifaceted region with a deep cultural history that draws millions of tourists each year.

  • The City of Bridges

One fascinating feature about Amsterdam’s bridges is that many of them are not only practical but also beautifully crafted. The city is famous for its scenic canals and lovely arched footbridge. The “Torensluis Bridge”, which has four stone towers, and the “Magere Brug”, a small drawbridge that is lit at night, are two of the most prominent bridge constructions. Several of the bridges also include humpbacks, which provide a level platform for bikers and pedestrians while still allowing boats to pass over.

  • The famous Anne Frank House

Another of the Amsterdam Fun Facts is that the well-known “Anne Frank House” is located in the city. Currently, it is a museum devoted to the story of a little Jewish girl named Anne Frank, who wrote diaries while hiding from the Nazis during “World War II” with her family. 

The museum’s location in the original home where Anne Frank and her family spent more than two years hiding from the Nazis is an intriguing fact. Visitors may view the family’s underground living quarters as well as authentic journal entries, images, and artefacts. The museum also examines the Holocaust’s larger history and the effects it had on Amsterdam and the rest of the globe. The neighbourhood is popular with international tourists; hence, here you’ll be able to find many furnished apartments, Amsterdam is known for and serve as a perfect place for short or long-term staycations.

  • The Historical Red Light District 

It is one of the most well-known parts of the city, also known as “De Wallen”. The region has a long history that dates back to the “14th century”, when sailors would come to the area for amusement, which is an intriguing fact. The Red Light District is one of the few locations where prostitution is regulated and permitted even though it has been illegal in the Netherlands since 1810. The neighbourhood is now a highly-liked tourist attraction, with tourists visiting to view the red-lit windows, sex stores, and pubs as well as the old buildings and winding lanes.

  • Numerous museums

Museums of Amsterdam Fun Facts- More than 50 museums are located there, including the renowned “Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum”. With a little over 800,000 residents, this city has more museums per person than every other city on the entire globe. Interestingly, “The Van Gogh Museum” is home to the world’s biggest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s works, which includes over “200 paintings and 500 sketches”. Another well-known museum in Amsterdam, “the Rijksmuseum”, houses more than a million items and is open to public visit.

  • Amsterdam Fun Facts- The 3 X’s on the flag

The design of the Amsterdam flag, like many other flags, has a specific significance. The “St. Andrew’s crosses,” which are the three Xs on the flag, are thought to stand for the virtues of “compassion, wisdom, and courage”. Moreover, the precise significance of the Xs is unknown, though. According to a well-liked idea, they stand for the three dangers that Amsterdam experienced in its early days—”flood, fire, and the Black Death”. No matter where they came from, the three Xs have come to represent Amsterdam and can be found all throughout the city on flags, trinkets, and other items.

  • The unique floating market of the city

The Bloemenmarkt, a floating flower market in Amsterdam, is well-known. On the Singel Canal, the market has been a well-liked destination since the 19th century. Tulips, daffodils, and roses are among the assortment of flowers available at the market. It also sells bulbs, seeds, and trinkets. The Bloemenmarkt is special since the sellers operate from houseboats anchored alongside the canal. Tourists from all over the world flock to the market, which is always open, to appreciate the lovely blossoms and take in the distinctive ambience of a floating market.

  • Amsterdam Fun Facts about its Bicycle Culture

Interestingly, with over 880,000 bicycles present in the city, It is known for its love of cycling. Interestingly, there are more bicycles than humans within the confines of the city. Amsterdam is one of the most cyclist-friendly cities in Europe. A little over 48% of all city journeys are performed on bicycles. A network of designated bike lanes and traffic lights in Amsterdam enhances the city’s riding culture by making it simple and secure for cyclists to get about. In addition to being more economical and sustainable than both vehicles and public transit, bikes are a great option.