Amsterdam is in the nominal capital of the Netherlands (otherwise known as Holland). It was founded in 1200 as a fishing village. The name Amsterdam was derived from the fact that it was built around the Amstel River. It was built around semi-circular rings of canals and it is famous for these canals to this day. It also boasts approximately 400 bridges over the canals. In fact, Amsterdam is fondly referred to as "the Venice of the North."

Amsterdam is known to be a welcoming city. It has people living there of all colors, races, religions and ages. It is a city that contains contrasts, but that all fit together in a harmonious way.

Amsterdam has an abundance of sights to see and museums to visit. In fact, it is famous for its museums and houses over fifty of them. If you visit Amsterdam in the summer, be sure to visit the Royal Palace as it is open to the public during the summer months. It is a 17th century building that is still used for official functions by the Queen. By the Palace, you will find Dam square. It is the center of Amsterdam and is always busy. The Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are popular areas. They are crowded by day with street performers, acrobatic arts and music and are crowded by night with people visiting the theatres, cinemas and clubs in the area. The Jordaan was built in 1612 and today is a village within Amsterdam that contains many restaurants and bars. The Red Light District is a cozy area that is always vibrant where you easily can find a nice place to eat and have some fun.

If you are looking for culture, spend some time in Museum Quarter. The main museums can be found in this area, such as Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum. The Concert Building is in this area, as are many of the exclusive shops that can be found in the city. The Botanical Garden is a teat to behold. Built in 1682, it is the oldest Botanical Garden in the world.

There are a number of holiday accommodation options available to visitors to Amsterdam. You can choose to stay in a hotel. These range from luxurious large hotels to small boutique style hotels. It is possible to find a rental apartment in most areas of the city. These self catering accommodation options are ideal for families or for people who are staying more than a few days in the city. Youth hostels are typically located near the center of the city and these are ideal for those traveling on a tight budget. Campgrounds are open during the summer months and these are a popular choice at that time of year.