Cosmopolitan and multicultural Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. Its origins date back to the thirteenth century when it was a fishing village built on the banks of the river Amstel (Amsterdam, hence the name, which means "dam in"). Also known as the "Venice of the North" for the abundance of channels and the beauty of luxurious buildings along them, Amsterdam invites you to stroll through its streets or turn them over by bicycle, Dutch style. But the city is also famous for shopping and nightlife, with its coffee shops and red light district.
