Amsterdam is a popular destination for tourists and business travellers alike, with 20 million people visiting in 2019. The Dutch capital is renowned for its picturesque canals and bridges, as well as its many bicycles, Renaissance art and of course iconic Dutch tulips. Although the city is globally famous, we have put together a list of 16 surprising facts about Amsterdam you probably never knew about.
1) Bikes Outnumber People in Amsterdam
The population of the city is around 820,000, but there is estimated to be around 880,000 bikes in Amsterdam. Locals ride over two million kilometres per day on the 767km cycle paths that surround the city. This extensive cycle network makes Amsterdam much easier to explore by bike rather than by public transport. Amsterdam is packed with cyclists, so be sure to lookout when wandering around the Dutch capital. Remarkably, around 15,000 bikes end up being fished out from Amsterdam canals annually!
2) Amsterdam Is Built on Poles
Most buildings in Amsterdam are built on wooden poles, with 11 million poles supporting buildings in the city. With a quarter of Amsterdam (and even Schiphol Airport) being below sea level, this is essential. The typical house in Amsterdam stands upon poles that a between 15 and 20 metres in length. Amsterdam is in fact built on clay, with poles having been put in place to stop buildings sinking. The Royal Palace Amsterdam is built on 13,500 wooden poles and are even in place at Vondelpark.
3) Amsterdam Has More Canals Than Venice
With 165 canals flowing through the Dutch capital, Amsterdam has more canals than the famous Italian city. The waterways of Amsterdam total 100km in length, with the city earning the nickname ‘Venice of the North’. Most canals are between two and three metres deep and were constructed in the 16th and 17th centuries. Many Amsterdammers live on the 2,500 houseboats that are docked in the city. Finally, with 1,281 bridges in Amsterdam, the city has triple the number of bridges than Venice.
4) Amsterdam is the Museum Capital of the World
The Dutch capital has more museums per capita than any other city in the world. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, and the Rembrandt House Museum are some of the most renowned. Amsterdam is arguably one of the most cultural cities in the world, with the city boasting a collection of exceptional museums, whilst also being famous for musical theatre. Ahead of visiting Amsterdam, be sure to read our insightful guide which highlights eight things to see in the Dutch capital.
5) Amsterdam is the Gay Capital of Europe
Back in 2001, The Netherlands became the first country to legalise same-sex marriage. Subsequently, Amsterdam is very popular amongst the LGBTI community and is often considered the Gay Capital of Europe. The annual Amsterdam Gay Pride brings draws a massive international crowd, with the event brining street parties, sporting events, debates, Pride Walk and the world-renowned Canal Parade. Amsterdam will host World Pride 2026, marking 25 years since gay marriage was legalised.
6) Heineken Was Founded in Amsterdam
Heineken, one the largest breweries in the world, was founded in Amsterdam in 1864. The Dutch brewery produces 200 million hectolitres of Heineken annually and owns several international brands. Amstel, Birra Moretti, Sol, Red Stripe, Tiger, Krušovice and Desperados are all owned by Heineken. One of the ultimate things to do in Amsterdam for any visitor is visit the Heineken Experience. Visitors can learn the story behind the world’s most famous beer and taste a Heineken or two!
7) The King Does Not Live in Amsterdam
King Willem-Alexander resides in two palaces in The Hague: The Noordeinde Palace and Villa Eikenhorst. Official residences of the Dutch royal family include the Royal Palace Amsterdam and Huis Den Bosch. Although the King regularly receives guests in Amsterdam, he typically resides in The Hague. Likewise, the Dutch government is centred at The Binnenhof in The Hague and not Amsterdam. The Hague was capital of The Netherlands until 1983, when Amsterdam was declared capital.
8) Dutch People Are the Tallest in the World
One fact about Amsterdam that certainly does not go unnoticed is that Dutch people are the tallest in the world. The average Dutch person is 5 feet 7 inches tall, with men on average 5 feet 11 inches and women 5 feet 6 inches. Scientists have attributed this height advantage to a diet that is rich in dairy products. In fact, the average Dutch person is a whopping 25cm taller than the average Indonesian!
9) The Narrowest House in Amsterdam is Just 2 Metres Wide
One distinct feature of the beautiful houses that line the streets of Amsterdam is that they are incredibly narrow. This is with good reason. Back in the 17th century, the building tax required by law was calculated by the width of a property. The locals subsequently decided to build their houses tall and thin. Although there is some debate surrounding which houses are officially the narrowest in Amsterdam, the most famous examples are displayed at Oude Hoogstraat 22, Singel 7 and Kloveniersburgwal 26.
10) Coffeeshops Serve More Than Just Coffee
Before visiting Amsterdam, it is important to know the difference between a koffiehaus and a coffeeshop. If you fancy relaxing with a coffee and a pastry, then a koffiehaus is where you will want to visit. Coffeeshops are legalised premises where people can smoke cannabis privately and safely. There are around 200 coffeeshops in Amsterdam which sell multiple types of marijuana. Coffeeshops are not allowed to advertise but are distinctly noticeable by their green and white stickers.
11) Amsterdam is the Sex Capital of Europe
Prostitution in The Netherlands is legalised and Amsterdam has the largest Red-Light District in Europe. Amsterdam is an international sex tourism destination and prostitution is almost as old as the city. De Wallen is the oldest Red-Light area in the world and the sex industry is entirely regulated in Amsterdam. The district is packed with row upon row of glass fronted rooms brightly illuminated in red. The ‘Ladies of the Night’ are mostly foreign and sell their services completely legally and even pay tax.
12) Parakeets Inhabit Vondelpark
Taking in a stroll through Vondelpark often highlights one of the most spectacular sights in Amsterdam. Despite parakeets being indigenous to Australia where they habitat in the outback, there are an estimated 4,000 of the green-feathered parrots living in Amsterdam’s Vondelpark. There are contradicting tales as to how parakeets came to live in Amsterdam. One theory is that a truck carrying exotic birds overturned, with another suggesting that an elderly lady released a pair of mating parakeets!
13) There Are Over 1000 Bars in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of the most popular cities for nightlife in Europe, with the Dutch capital boasting over 1,000 bars. There is arguably no greater city to relax with an ice-cold beer after a day working in the city. Dutch people often refer to bars as cafés, with the most famous type of café in Amsterdam being the Brown Café. The oldest bar in Amsterdam is Café Karpershoek, which was established back in 1606.
14) The Amsterdam Stock Exchange is the World’s Oldest
Founded in 1602 by the Dutch East India Company, the Amsterdam Stock Exchange is the oldest in the world. The stock exchange is based on Beursplein in central Amsterdam and is still going strong today. In 1774, the Amsterdam Stock Exchange established the world’s first investment fund to avert a stock market crash, and in 2000, it merged with the Brussels and Paris stock exchanges to form Euronext.
15) The Symbol of Amsterdam is XXX
Despite Amsterdam being famed for its Red-Light District, the symbol of the city does not stand for what you might think. The three black crosses on display throughout the city and on Amsterdam’s coast of arms are St Andrew’s Crosses and represent St. Andrew, a fisherman who was martyred on the cross in the first century AD. The symbol dates to the 16th century when Amsterdam was a small fishing town.
16) Bloemenmarkt is the Only Floating Flower Market in the World
Bloemenmarkt is the only floating flower market in the world, located between Koningsplein and Muntplein on the Singel Canal. Founded in 1862, Bloemenmarkt has 15 souvenir and gift shops, with some selling fresh flowers. The beautiful colours create a fine artistic display worthy of seeing when visiting Amsterdam. Bloemenmarkt is open all year round and is the perfect place to buy world famous Dutch tulips.
That concludes our list of surprising facts about Amsterdam. Planning on travelling to the Dutch capital? Be sure to check out our insightful guides to Art and Culture in Amsterdam - 8 Things To See In The Dutch Capital and of course, the best Amsterdam city centre apartments for business travellers. Make an enquiry and our booking agents will find the perfect serviced apartment in Amsterdam for your trip.
