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Eight important events in the history of Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis with a rich and fascinating history that spans over 800 years. Here are eight important events that have shaped and defined the city of Amsterdam throughout its colorful past:

The founding of Amsterdam

Amsterdam was founded as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, with the first written mention of the settlement dating back to 1275. The name was received as a dam was built to protect the village from the floods of the Amstel River. The dam was named “Amstelredamme” or “Amsterdam” in Dutch, which is how the city received its name. The dam facilitated the creation of a harbor, which helped Amsterdam grow as a trading center.

The growth of Amsterdam as a trading center

Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, Amsterdam became one of the most important trading cities in the world, thanks to the establishment of the Dutch East India Company and its monopoly on trade with Asia. Its geographical location close to the sea and in the center of Europe boosted the cities status as a center for trading in Europe.

The construction of the canals

In the 17th century, Amsterdam undertook an enormous building project that transformed the city, creating the canal network that is still admired today. The first major canal that was constructed was the Signal Canal, followed by Herengracht (Gentlemen’s Canal), Keizersgracht (Emperor’s Canal), and Prinsengracht (Prince’s Canal).

canal construction in amsterdam

The Golden Age of Dutch art

The Golden Age of Dutch art refers to a period of remarkable artistic and cultural achievements in the Netherlands, particularly in the 17th century. Amsterdam played a central role during this age due to various factors that contributed to its significance as an important artistic hub.

During the Dutch Golden Age, Amsterdam experienced unprecedented economic prosperity, political stability, and a flourishing middle class. These favorable conditions fostered a climate that supported and patronized the arts, leading to a remarkable artistic outpouring in the city.

Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) was the most famous painter from this period. He is considered one of the greatest painters in the history of art. Besides Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) and Frans Hals (1582-1666) were the most important figures of the Dutch Golden Age of art.

The Siege of Amsterdam in 1573

Amsterdam played a critical role in the Eighty Years’ War between the Dutch Republic and Spain. In 1573, the Spanish forces, under the command of General Francisco de Valdez, laid siege to the city in an attempt to regain control over it and suppress the rebellion. The Spanish army surrounded Amsterdam and cut off its supply lines to starve the city into submission. The defenders of Amsterdam, led by a merchant named Jan van der Does, prepared for the siege by fortifying the city walls and organizing a defense force. The Siege of Amsterdam was a turning point in the struggle for Dutch independence.

the siege of amsterdam in 1573

The successful defense of the city boosted morale among the Dutch rebels and strengthened their resolve to fight against Spanish rule. Amsterdam remained a stronghold for the Dutch resistance, contributing to the eventual establishment of the independent Dutch Republic in the following decades. The siege also had a lasting impact on the city itself. The experience of the siege and the resilience displayed by its inhabitants helped shape Amsterdam’s identity as a city that values freedom, independence, and resistance against oppression.

The annexation of Jewish citizens during the Holocaust

Prior to the war, Amsterdam had a vibrant and thriving Jewish community. Jews had been living in the city for centuries, and by the early 20th century, Amsterdam had one of the largest Jewish populations in Europe. Many Jewish families were integrated into Dutch society, contributing to various aspects of culture, business, and intellectual life.

However, with the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany and the subsequent occupation of the Netherlands in 1940, the Jewish population faced increasingly severe restrictions and persecution. Anti-Jewish laws were implemented, targeting Jews with discriminatory measures and stripping them of their rights. Jews were gradually marginalized and isolated from the rest of society, Jewish-owned businesses were forced to close, and Jewish students were expelled from schools and universities.

Systematic deportation and extermination of Jews in Amsterdam began in 1942. The Nazis, assisted by Dutch collaborators, organized raids on Jewish homes and neighborhoods. Jews were rounded up and sent to transit camps, such as Westerbork, before being transported to extermination camps, primarily Auschwitz and Sobibor in Eastern Europe. The vast majority of the city’s Jewish population, estimated at around 80,000 people, were deported and murdered during the Holocaust. Only a small fraction survived.

The legalization of same-sex marriage

In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, with Amsterdam playing a central role in advocating for and embracing this landmark legislation.

The construction of Schiphol Airport

The airport was constructed in the 20th century to meet the growing demand for air travel and serve as the Netherlands’ primary international airport. The origins can be traced back to 1916 when a military airfield called Schiphol Fort was established in the Haarlemmermeer polder, southwest of Amsterdam. Initially, it served as a military base during World War I. In 1920, the Dutch government designated Schiphol as a civilian airport to meet the increasing need for air transportation. The site’s favorable location made it suitable for airport development. The first official passenger flight left the airport in 1920.


These are some of the most important events in the history of Amsterdam. If you want to learn even more about Amsterdam, it might be smart to join a guided tour in Amsterdam or visit one of the many historical museums in the city.

The three museums all history lovers should visit in Amsterdam!

Amsterdam is an extraordinary city and there are a long list of museums worth visiting as you walk up and down the streets of the Dutch capital. But, which are the top three museums in Amsterdam for history lovers? Here you have our top-three list!

To make your itinerary planning easier, we have compiled a list of the top three best museums in Amsterdam for those who love history – including the history of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Europe in general. If you want even more, we even have some bonus recommendations for you!

The top-three museums in Amsterdam for history lovers!

1. Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is one of the Netherlands’ most important and visited museums. The museum is dedicated to Dutch art and history and it houses some of the country’s most famous works, such as “Rembrandt’s Night Watch” and Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid”. Aside from the art, the museum also has an impressive collection of historical objects, relics, and documents from the Dutch history. You can learn about the history of the Netherlands from the Middle Ages to the present day, through objects such as historic ships, furniture, and scientific instruments.

the dutch history in the rijksmuseum

2. Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is one of the most popular museums in Amsterdam and it documents the life of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who hid in a secret annex in Amsterdam during the Holocaust. The museum is located in the building where Anne Frank and her family hid for more than two years and where she wrote her famous diary. Visiting this museum takes you on a journey through the life of Anne Frank, the Nazi persecution of Jews, and the experiences of those living in hiding.

anne frank museum amsterdam

3. Amsterdam Museum

The Amsterdam Museum, formerly known as the Historical Museum of Amsterdam, offers a comprehensive overview of the city’s history. It covers the development of Amsterdam from its humble beginnings as a fishing village to its rise as a major trading hub during the Dutch Golden Age. The museum explores various aspects of Amsterdam’s history, including its architecture, trade, social developments, and cultural heritage. It employs interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and historical objects to engage visitors in the city’s past.

amsterdam museum

Want even more? Here you have some additional recommendations!

Bonus 1: Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is a must-see destination for art lovers and anyone interested in the life of the famous Dutch painter. The museum houses an incredible collection of over 200 paintings, including some of Van Gogh’s most famous works such as “Sunflowers” and “The Potato Eaters”. The exhibit also includes letters he wrote to his family and friends, revealing insights into what inspired him to paint. You can also learn about Van Gogh’s life, emotions, and rise to fame, through interactive exhibits.

van gogh museum in amsterdam

Bonus 2: Museum of Prostitution

Legalized prostitution is one of the things Amsterdam is most known for. Would you like to learn more about the history of prostitution, and also what life is like for a prostitute? At the Museum of Prostitution, you can gain insight into something hidden and banned in most other parts of the world.

Museum of Prostitution - Red Light Secret

At the museum, you will gain information about the Red Light District in Amsterdam, see rooms and what the interior looks like where sex workers do their job, and you can also see what it is like to stand in a window and look at the people passing by as many sex workers on normal days.


No matter what kind of history you are interested in, Amsterdam has fantastic museums waiting for you! If you want more information about programs, activities, attractions, transportation, and about upcoming events in Amsterdam, look around in our Amsterdam Guide.

Kastel de Haar in Utrecht: What is it? How to get there from Amsterdam?

Kastel de Haar is one of the most visited attractions in the entire Netherlands. It is located near the city of Utrecht, one of the most popular and best cities in the Netherlands. The distance from Amsterdam Centraal to Kastel de Haar is approximately 40 kilometers. How is it possible to travel between Amsterdam and Kastel de Haar? Is it worth the trip?

Many people coming to the Netherlands have read and heard about Keukenhof. That is a place everyone should visit, but you should definitely visit the magnificent Kastel de Haar as well. Why is that?

kastel de haar entrance

Why visit Kastel de Haar?

Kasteel de Haar, also known as De Haar Castle, is a medieval-style castle located in the Netherlands, near the city of Utrecht. The castle was originally built in the 14th and 15th centuries, but it wasn’t taken good care of. In the end of the 19th century and in the start of the 20th century, the castle was restored and expanded by the wealthy van Zuylen family, who owned the property at the time.

Today, Kasteel de Haar is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Netherlands, attracting visitors from all over the world. The castle features a stunning array of medieval architecture, including turrets, towers, moats, and drawbridges. Inside, visitors can explore a variety of rooms and halls, including the grand ballroom, the library, and the kitchen.

The castle is surrounded by a large park and gardens, which feature a variety of sculptures, fountains, and other decorative elements. Visitors can take guided tours of the castle and its grounds, and there are also a number of events and activities held here throughout the year, including concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. As you visit the area, you can buy a ticket that allows you to visit the park only, or you can buy a ticket that will give you entrance to the castle itself, in addition to the park. No matter which option you choose, you will witness one of the most beautiful areas in all the Netherlands.

the fantastic kastel de haar

How to travel from Amsterdam to Kastel de Haar with public transportation?

The easiest way to visit Kastel de Haar is with a car. You can then drive straight to the castle, park your car, and enjoy the park, the castle, and the surroundings. But if you do not have a car and don’t want to pay for a taxi, then you can use public transportation. That is, however, a little bit complicated and quite time consuming, meaning you should consider joining an arranged trip instead.

If you still want to use public transportation, this is the best way to travel from Amsterdam (or other cities in the Netherlands) to Kastel de Haar.

  • Travel by train to Utrecht Centraal.
  • Travel from Utrecht Centraal to Vleuten by train.
  • Ride with bus 127 from Vleuten Station to “Haarzuilens, Eikslaan/Kasteel”.
  • Walk from the bus stop to the castle.

Haarzuilen is a beautiful little village next to the castle, so it is a perfect location for lunch, a cup of coffee, or for a delightful dinner.

The bus connecting Vleuten Station with Kastel de Haar doesn’t ride too often (normally once per hour), meaning that you should plan this beforehand if you don’t want to end up waiting unnecessarily. This is also true about your return ride to Vleuten Station as you finish your trip to Kastel de Haar.

What to eat near Kastel de Haar?

Are you looking for something to eat near Kastel de Haar? There are places within the castle-area where you can find something to eat and drink. Would you like to eat in something reminding more of a normal restaurant? You will find several restaurants a few hundred meters from the castle in the village of Haarzullens. This is a fantastic village with a great atmosphere, making it an ideal solution if you want to eat a warm lunch or a nice dinner.

If you want to eat a delightful Italian pizza instead, travel back to the center of Vleuten. Close to Vleuten Station you can find the Italian restaurant Cucina Elena. Here you can eat one of the best pizzas in the Netherlands (that is our subjective opinion) making it worth a stop if you are in the area.

Where to live near Kastel de Haar?

Are you looking for a place to live near Kastel de Haar? Here you have a few suggestions.

  • The Lodge: You don’t get closer to Kastel de Haar than this. This farm-like accommodation is approximately 1000 meters from the castle, making it an ideal solution for a fantastic sleep in a peaceful environment near the castle.
  • Brasserie de Brouverij: This accommodation is in the center of Vleuten. It is “only” 2.6km from Kastel de Haar. You can easily walk from this location to the castle in a peaceful environment making it a good solution if you want to live a bit more central than what you do at “The Lodge.” You will find grocery stores, restaurants, and the train station close to this accommodation.

Those were some suggestions if you want to spend the night in a hotel or something reminding you of a hotel near Kastel de Haar.


Do you have any further questions or comments? Write them below!

Can I watch HBO Max in the Netherlands?

Are you tired of COVID-19? Are you fed up with having be in lockdown? Are you looking for a great movie to stream, but you have seen everything available on Netflix in the Netherlands? Is there a way to get access to HBO Max and other streaming services in the United States while living in the Netherlands? Yes!

It is actually quite easy to watch HBO Max in the Netherlands. If you want a very easy guide showing you how it works, take a look at the following article in the IP Address Guide. There you can see it step by step how you can access HBO Max in the Netherlands and how you can pay for your HBO Max subscription without a payment card issued in the United States.

HBO Max in the Netherlands
HBO Max in the Netherlands

If you follow those instructions, you can also watch content on American Netflix (there are lots of TV series and movies available there that you cannot find on Netflix in the Netherlands), and you can even watch content on ITV and BBC in the United Kingdom, and free content on the websites of FOX, NBC, and CBS. Isn’t that cool? That should cheer you up a little bit, even if you are fed up with COVID and working from home.

Which is the best VPN for HBO Max?

To watch HBO Max in the Netherlands, you need to use a VPN. There are lots of VPN services on the market, but I believe the best might be ExpressVPN or SurfsharkVPN (based on this article). Check it out to find more information.


Let us just hope that the vaccine will help us get rid of COVID-19 as quickly as possible, and that life will turn back to normal quickly. When it does, we will once again be able to watch Wonder Woman 2, James Bond, and other blockbusters in the cinema, instead of watching it all on our screens at home! It might be cheaper to watch movies at home, but it doesn’t give you the same feeling as sitting in a cinema with a big screen and feeling the smell of popcorn from the people surrounding you!

Formula 1 – returning to the Netherlands in 2020

Those in love with speeds are really happy to see that the Formula 1 racers will come to the Netherlands to race in 2020. Dutch Grand Prix Zandvoort will be arranged on May 3rd in 2020, so get ready for action and fun if you come to the Netherlands in this period.

More information about the event can be found right here.

Ready for Ajax – Real Madrid on February 13th

In less than a week, it will be time for the fantastic match between Ajax and Real Madrid at Amsterdam Arena in Amsterdam. Are you going to be there in person?

The people of Amsterdam weren’t to happy about getting Real Madrid as their opponent in the first stage of the knockout part of the Champions League in 2018-19. But, with an Ajax team in great shape and with lots of good results behind them, what better team to beat than Real Madrid?

Ajax will play against Real Madrid on February 12th
Ajax will play against Real Madrid on February 13th

The first match between the teams will be played at Amsterdam Arena on February 12th and it will start around 21.00. It will be an amazing game, and we truly cheer for Ajax to beat the crap out of the team from Madrid. But, it isn’t going to be easy as Real Madrid has been playing fairly well recently, and they just played 1-1 against Barcelona at Nou Camp. In addition, Karim Benzema seems to get a hold of hitting the net, so the team from Amsterdam might want to watch especially out for him.

What to expect at the Amsterdam Arena

The fantastic venue in Amsterdam has space for more than 50,000 people, and it will for sure be packed on February 13th. Did you know that this amazing stadium actually has a retractable roof, and it takes around 20 minutes to open or to close it. That is kind of cool, isn’t it? It was the first stadium in Europe to have such a roof above their stadium.

None of the players at the Real Madrid team now were present at the stadium in 1998, but back then, Real Madrid won a Champions League final against Juventus at this very stadium (1-0).

Where to watch Ajax – Real Madrid?

You can watch the match at the actual stadium (instructions on how to get there will come later). But, if you cannot be there at the stadium, the match will be shown at all the sports pubs and restaurants around town. If you’d rather just sit on your own and watch it on your computer or tablet, you can read more about how and where to stream Ajax – Real Madrid online in this article.

How to get to Amsterdam Arena?

Are you going to the match between Ajax and Real Madrid, but wonder how you can actually get to Amsterdam Arena? It is very easy!

The fastest way to get to the stadium is by taking a train from Amsterdam Central to the station named Bijlmer ArenA. This is a ride that takes around 15 minutes, and you will be just by the stadium as you leave the train.

If you want to use the metro instead, travel with metro 54 from the center of Amsterdam to the stop with the same name, and you will get to the stadium quickly (though a little bit slower than you would taking the train).

The exact address of the venue is ArenA Boulevard 1, 1101 AX Amsterdam.

Go for it Dusan Tadic, Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Hakim Ziyech, Donny van de Beek and Kasper Dolberg!

These are the guys who have scored most goals for Ajax so far this season. Dusan Tadic has a total of 22 goals so far, while Huntelaar has scored 15 goals, and Ziyech following with 14 goals. That is a lot of goals, meaning that Ajax is a team that should be watched out for.

As we wrote earlier, Karim Benzema is the Real Madrid player with most goals so far this season (18 in total). Behind him comes Gareth Bale (11), and then the defender Sergio Ramos (10).

Amsterdam Marathon 2018

TCS Amsterdam Marathon is the biggest running event in the Netherlands every year. In 2018, the marathon will be arranged on October 21st.

Are you a runner? Maybe you have been practicing for a while, but still, feel incapable of running an entire marathon? There are several possibilities if you want to take part in the TCS Amsterdam Marathon in 2018.

Amsterdam Marathon 2018

On October 21st there will be a total of five races arranged in Amsterdam. The main event is, of course, the TCS Marathon. This is open for 16,500 participants. Then comes the Mizuno Half Marathon (which is available for 18,500 people). If running a half-marathon seems scary as well, maybe the 8K run is more like something for you. This race is open for 8000 participants.

For the younger generation, there will be two different races arranged. There is a so-called kids-run, and then there is the mini-marathon.

There should be something for every generation, and something for all kind of athletes, so make sure to join in if you want to discover Amsterdam while running.

If you want to take part, make sure to register as soon as possible because it will most likely get full very soon. Registration has been open since November last year.

Want to read more about other events and happenings in Amsterdam? Read through our Amsterdam Guide at www.guideamsterdam.org to find ideas, inspiration, and useful travel information.

Bitcoin in Amsterdam

Would you like to spend Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in Amsterdam? It ain’t gonna be easy, but there are a few places that can help you get rid of some digital currency.

Bitcoin payment in Amsterdam
Bitcoin payment in Amsterdam

There are quite a lot of articles on the Internet presenting places in Amsterdam accepting Bitcoin. We have, of course, read through those articles, and then contacted the places mentioned in those articles to see if they still accept Bitcoin as a payment method. It is a well-known fact that Bitcoin is expensive to use and it is slow, and for that reason, it isn’t really working well as a payment method if you want to buy two cups of coffee. One year ago it was quicker and cheaper, now it is slower and more expensive, and thus we had a feeling that places that once accepted Bitcoin, might have stopped since then.

We sent out emails to quite a lot of places that once accepted Bitcoin in Amsterdam, and these are the answers we got.

Cocomama Hostel: “We used to accept bitcoin payments, although not anymore. Now we only accept card payments.”

Labeled with Trust:No, unfortunately, we no longer accept Bitcoin as there was no demand for it. “

Filmhuis Cavia:Yes, we still accept Bitcoin.

We are still waiting for answers from more places, and we will update this article as soon as we receive them.

Places accepting Bitcoin in Amsterdam

  • Filmhuis Cavia – website
    Watch interesting movies that you cannot see in a standard theater.
  • Bitcoin Embassy – website
    A place to learn about Bitcoin, drink a cup of coffee, buy crypto-gadgets, eat a steak, and to spend your Bitcoin.

Do you want to know more about Bitcoin while in Amsterdam? There is a monthly meetup in Amsterdam named “Bitcoin Wednesday” and it has been going on for years. Find out more about these meetups at https://www.bitcoinwednesday.com/.

Do you know more places accepting Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies in Amsterdam?

Do you know a place in Amsterdam that accept Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, please write a comment beneath. We will update this article regularly, and hopefully, it will become an up to date list presenting locations in Amsterdam accepting different cryptocurrencies as payments methods.

We thank you already for your help!

 

Shakira concert in Amsterdam

Shakira concert in AmsterdamOn a sweet Thursday in Amsterdam, Shakira will perform in the fantastic Ziggo Dome? Which Thursday? November 14th! Would you like to be there?

Shakira will only visit a couple of cities in Europe in 2017, and one of those cities is Amsterdam. When she comes to the Dutch capital, she will arrive after one concert in Cologne, two in Paris and one in Antwerpen. As she leaves Amsterdam, the singer will head towards Montpellier in France.

All the mentioned cities are nice places to visit, but why not visit Amsterdam on November 14th? You can start the day on your bicycle, discover the city, look at some art in one of the beautiful art museums, and then head towards the Ziggo Dome in the evening after eating a nice meal in an Amsterdam restaurant? Sounds nice, doesn’t it?

Would you like to be there at the Shakira concert in Amsterdam? You can buy tickets for the event using the ticket link beneath.

Shakira Amsterdam 2017

Ziggodome
November 14th, 20.00

Tickets: Viagogo

Would you like to know more about the city of Amsterdam? Look around here in our Amsterdam Guide!

Ajax vs. Rosenborg, Europe League qualification

Last year Ajax Amsterdam got all the way to the Europe League final. This year they can play in the Europe League again, but first, they have to beat Rosenborg in the last qualification round.

A couple of days ago both Ajax Amsterdam and Rosenborg played for a spot in the Champions League. Neither of the teams succeeded, as Rosenborg lost 1-0 to Celtic (after two matches), and Ajax played 3-3 against the French team Nice. As Nice scored two goals in Amsterdam, they won based on more away-goals scored than Ajax.

Ajax was close at beating Nice. Ten minutes before the second match finished, they were in the lead with 2-1. But, that was when Vincent Marcel scored a goal for Nice, and thus they qualified for the last stage in the qualification round for Champions League, while Ajax was “relegated” to the Europe League qualification.

Ajax vs Rosenborg
Can Ajax beat Rosenborg on August 17th? By Ververidis Vasilis – Shutterstock

Ajax vs. Rosenborg

The first match between Ajax and Rosenborg will be played at Amsterdam Arena on August 17th. Ajax is major favorites in front of the game, especially considering Rosenborg’s poor results lately, and not being able to score goals. They once were a giant in Europe, but that is history. In their team, they have the Danish super-striker Nicklas Bendtner, who once was one of the best in Europe, but those days are history. If Bendtner, however, would get back some of his old greatness, he could be a guy able to give RBK a victory in this match, against all odds.

The return match will be played in Trondheim one week later, on August 24th. The winning team will qualify for the Europe League group stage, while the loser will look forward to an autumn with football only in their domestic league.

If Ajax loses these matches, it will be a total disaster for the club fighting to get back among the top teams in Europe. Are you eager to watch the match between Ajax and Rosenborg on August 17th? Read more about Ajax Amsterdam and where to buy tickets for their matches here.

Would you like to watch the different Europe Leagues matches online? You can find more instructions on how to stream Europe League online here. Those instructions will first turn valid during the group stage.

What else to do in Amsterdam?

What are you gonna do in Amsterdam before and after the match? There are lots of exciting activities in Amsterdam. If you like art, then the Van Gogh and the Rembrandt museum should be considered real candy. Some people might think that a typical football-fan doesn’t care about art, but that is a false stereotype, that isn’t true at all. So why not visit an art museum before the match? And when you are finished, why not enjoy a canal cruise on the canals of Amsterdam?

Read more about cool programs, activities, and attractions in Amsterdam here in our Amsterdam Guide.