AMSTERDAM

Geographical location
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, with a population of approximately 7 million.
Language and currency
Dutch is a spoken language in the Netherlands as well as an official language of
the country. However, most of Dutch people speak at least one foreign language,
mostly English that is taught at school during the basic education. Many Dutch
people speak also German, which is in many aspects similar to Dutch language
and some of them speak French. In the North of the country in Friesland, a Frisian
dialect is spoken and taught at school. People from the Muslim population speak
often Turkish or Arabic.
In Amsterdam, as well as in all the Netherlands and many other countries of
European Community the accepted currency is Euro (EUR, ), no other currencies
are commonly accepted, so you will have to change your dollars, sterling, yens,
etc. to Euros. Credit cards are widely accepted too, though in some small shops or
hotels, there might an extra charge (2-6%) if you pay by a credit card, passport
may be required. Generally, the most preferred payment method is Euro cash with
the banknotes up to 50 Euro bill.
Main attractions
There is a broad spectrum of recreational and cultural sights in Amsterdam that
range from fascinating old buildings, like the Oude Kerk, to oddities such as the
Hash Marihuana Museum.
The main tourist attractions are Amsterdam museums. Everyone knows the
Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, but there is much, much
more. Amsterdam has over fifty museums which attract many millions of visitors
every year.

Gastronomy

Transportation means
Transportation within the city of Amsterdam is characterized by bicycles and public
transportation. Large freeways only exist around the city, terminating at
the A10 Ringroad. Navigating by car through the city Centre is discouraged, with
the government sponsoring initiatives to reduce car usage.
Famous people
Johan Cruijff
Eduard Douwes Dekker
Willem Drees
Baruch de Spinoza
Freddy Heineken
Hendrik Verwoerd
Other Famous People From Amsterdam
Some famous people from Amsterdam who weren't actually born in the city, but
have lived there during an important part in their lives are the famous 17th century
painter Rembrandt van Rijn, jazz musician Nina Simone and author and Holocaust
victim Anne Frank.

Shopping
Travel tips
Peculiar facts