In Amsterdam we also saw The Anne Frank House, which was magnificent. It was very somber and depressing, but probably one of the highlights of the spring break trip because it was immensely interesting and very well-preserved.
We also checked out the Van Gogh museum, which contains the largest Van Gogh collection in the world - however, not Starry Night. Wah wah wah. It was definitely worthwhile, regardless, seeing as we spent 3+ hours there.
We went on a "Free Europe" tour, which actually was amazing and though it took around 4 hours it never felt like it was dragging or reached a lull point. It was probably one of the best tours I've had so far. (It's hard to imagine the tour being too boring if it starts off going through the Red Light District).
Other interesting facts about Amsterdam:
- Amsterdam Stock Exchange is the oldest stock exchange in the world. It is located in the city centre. (Nerdy fact, but we found it interesting).
- Amsterdam is home to more than 200 coffee shops, which are legally allowed to sell up to 5 gm of cannabis per person (even though selling drugs is illegal, apparently the authorities turn a blind eye to this?)
- Amsterdam has more than 150 canals and 1,200 bridges within its bounds. (and the water is replaced thoroughly every 3 days, so there's no bad stenches! haha)
- If the sea level rises even slightly, Amsterdam would be one of the first cities in the world to drown, as its altitude is below sea level.
- Amsterdam has one of the most famous Red Light Districts in the world with window prostitution.
- Some of the worlds narrowest houses are in Amsterdam. When houses were built, they were charged highly by their width.
- Amsterdam has over 1 million bikes but only 700,000 Amsterdammers. Hm.
- Every Dutch person has at least one bike and there are twice as many bikes as cars.
- Amsterdam was the first capital to allow gay marriage (the Netherlands allow this since 2001).
- 75% of the entire worlds flower bulb production comes from Netherlands
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