Search
Close this search box.

FACTS ABOUT THE CITY

About Amsterdam

People of Amsterdam

The people of Amsterdam are diverse, open-minded, and welcoming. As the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is home to over 850,000 people from all over the world, making it one of the most international cities in Europe.

Amsterdammers are known for their relaxed and tolerant attitude towards different lifestyles and beliefs. The city has a long history of being a haven for free thinkers, artists, and creatives, and this spirit is still evident today.

Amsterdam is famous for its vibrant nightlife and liberal attitude towards drugs and sex work, which may surprise some visitors. However, it’s important to note that the city is also home to a thriving cultural scene, with world-class museums, galleries, and theaters.

Bikes in Amsterdam

One thing that unites the people of Amsterdam is their love for cycling. Bikes are a ubiquitous mode of transportation in the city, and most Amsterdammers own at least one bike. 

Bikes along the canals in Amsterdam
Cycling is a way of life in Amsterdam, and the city has an extensive network of bike paths and lanes, making it easy and safe to get around on two wheels.

Spirit and startup culture

Amsterdam is also known for its entrepreneurial spirit and startup culture. The city has a thriving tech industry and is home to a number of innovative startups and creative hubs. Amsterdammers are known for their entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to take risks, making the city a hub for innovation and creativity.
In summary, the people of Amsterdam are diverse, open-minded, and forward-thinking. They are proud of their city’s history and culture and are always looking towards the future. Whether you are a local or a visitor, you are sure to feel welcome in Amsterdam and experience the city’s unique and vibrant spirit.

explore amsterdam

See which museums there are to discover, which activities are fun to do and what else you can see and do in Amsterdam.

flag of amsterdam

The flag of Amsterdam is a symbol of the city’s rich history and culture. The design of the flag is simple but bold, with three horizontal stripes of black, red, and white crosses. The black stripe in the middle represents the dark waters of the Amstel River, which runs through the heart of the city.

The red stripes symbolizes the courage and determination of the people of Amsterdam. The meaning of the white crosses you can read below.

The flag of Amsterdam

The flag of Amsterdam has been used for centuries and has undergone a few changes over time. The current design was officially adopted in 1975, but the use of the black and red colors can be traced back to the 14th century.

The flag is a common sight throughout the city and is flown from many buildings, including the city hall and the royal palace.

The flag of Amsterdam is not just a symbol of the city’s past, but also of its present and future. It represents the city’s resilience, creativity, and progressive spirit, making it a source of pride for the people of Amsterdam.

So, when you are in Amsterdam, keep an eye out for the black, red, and white flag, and let it remind you of the rich history and vibrant culture of Amsterdam.

The three crosses of Amsterdam

The three crosses of Amsterdam are another iconic symbol of the city, found on the city’s coat of arms, flag, and many other official emblems. The crosses consist of three St. Andrew’s crosses, which are diagonally oriented in the shape of an X. The crosses are all of equal size, with the top cross located slightly higher than the other two. The three crosses are set against a black background, which gives them a striking and bold appearance.

3 crosses of Amsterdam

The origins of the three crosses can be traced back to the 13th century when Amsterdam was a small fishing village.

The crosses were originally used to represent the three dangers that the city’s inhabitants faced: fire, flood, and pestilence.

Over time, the crosses became associated with the city’s resilience and determination to overcome these challenges. Today, the three crosses are seen as a symbol of the city’s strength, unity, and sense of community.

Attractions in Amsterdam

Amsterdam Poles

Amsterdam poles, also known as Amsterdam street poles or Amsterdam bollards, are a distinctive feature of the city’s streets. These decorative poles serve several purposes, such as traffic management, bike parking, and as barriers to prevent cars from driving on pedestrian areas.
An Amsterdam pole in the street

The Amsterdam poles are made of cast iron and come in various shapes and sizes. Some of the poles are adorned with decorative elements such as crowns, flowers, or the iconic three crosses of Amsterdam.

They are painted brown, black and white, with sometimes a reflective strip to increase visibility at night. The poles are often used to create designated bike lanes and to prevent cars from entering certain areas.

One of the unique features of Amsterdam poles is their ability to serve multiple functions. For example, some of the poles have built-in bike racks that can accommodate multiple bicycles, while others have hooks for hanging bags or umbrellas. Some poles even have solar panels that power LED lighting to illuminate the area at night.

The Amsterdam poles are a testament to the city’s commitment to sustainable transportation and pedestrian-friendly spaces. They add to the charm of Amsterdam’s streets and are a popular spot for you to take a photo.

BUY THE AMSTERDAM CITY CARD

Photo of the Amsterdam City Card

The Amsterdam City card provides you with a very convenient way to use the public transport in Amsterdam, free entrance to museums and discounts on several attractions and selected restaurants.

First visit to Amsterdam?

For sure you will have some questions. We have put togehter the most common questions about your first time visit to Amsterdam.

A music organ in the Kalverstraat

Weather In Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s weather can be described as mild and temperate, with four distinct seasons throughout the year. Each season offers its own unique weather patterns and outdoor activities, making Amsterdam a great destination to visit no matter the time of year.

Spring in Amsterdam (March - May)

Spring in Amsterdam is characterized by mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Average temperatures range from 5-15°C (41-59°F), with plenty of sunny days.

However, it is also a time of frequent rain, so it’s important to bring an umbrella or rain jacket. In the spring, the famous tulip fields near Amsterdam are in full bloom, making it the perfect time to take a scenic bike ride or boat tour to see the colorful flowers

Summer (June - August):

Summer season in Amsterdam

Summer in Amsterdam is warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F).

The long days and pleasant weather makes it the perfect time to explore the city’s many outdoor attractions, such as Vondelpark and the canals.

It’s also a popular time for festivals and events, such as the Amsterdam Pride Parade and the Uitmarkt cultural festival.

Fall (September - November)

Fall season in Amsterdam

Fall in Amsterdam is characterized by cooler temperatures and changing leaves.

Average temperatures range from 10-15°C (50-59°F), with occasional rain and wind. It’s a great time to explore the city’s museums and cultural attractions, such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.

It’s also a popular time for food festivals, such as the Amsterdam Coffee Festival and the Amsterdam Food Festival.

Winter (December - February)

Winter holiday season in Amsterdam

Winter in Amsterdam is cold and damp, with average temperatures ranging from 0-10°C (32-50°F).

Snow is rare, but rain and wind are common. However, Amsterdam’s Christmas markets and holiday lights make it a magical time to visit.

It’s also a great time to try some traditional Dutch winter foods, such as stroopwafels and erwtensoep (pea soup).

Overall, Amsterdam’s weather is relatively mild and offers something for everyone throughout the year.

Whether you prefer the warm summer sun or the blooming flowers of spring, there is always something to do and see in this beautiful city.

Share this page

Scroll to Top