Make it a Lifestyle not a duty
Don’t be fooled by Amsterdam’s village-like charm: It’s a European capital and as such offers an exciting art, music, film museums and theater scene. Amsterdam is great for going to gigs: legendary venues make Amsterdam a popular stop for almost all major touring pop, rock bands and acts. But Amsterdam is also packed with options for museum and theater lovers – even if you don’t speak any Dutch. Make also sure to look at the productions by the world-class performance of the Dutch National Opera, which also collaborates with leading international companies.
The Dutch are famous for how tolerant they are. A large part of their history involves welcoming foreigners to the country and allowing them to continue living lives as they chose (in old times this being freedom in religion, and nowadays in cultural background, sexual orientation etc.). Maybe, because 30% of Amsterdam is foreigners; it’s one of the strongest expat communities in the world. So much so that you can live in the city for years, and learn no Dutch.
Even to this day, the Dutch sense of community / living together has great respect for an individual’s freedom to live life as he or she chooses; much more so than in other countries, including those that claim to be the freest in the world. Amsterdam can look back on a long history of different nations. Today it prides itself on rich culture life and diverse population. The people who live, work, study and visit here, are the people who make Amsterdam vibrant and give it a multicultural mix with different Lifestyles. This means that many Dutch people have no problem speaking to you in English.
Dutch people are incredibly friendly and would always ask with genuine curiosity what are you doing in the Netherlands and asked many interesting and intelligent questions. A fear of strangers just isn’t Dutch. They are encouraged to get out of the house and do things as much as possible. As a result of this, they are generally way more at ease in social situations than other cultures and are great at making conversations in a relaxed manner.
Amsterdam offers a culinary melting pot reflective of the city itself. Whether you’re looking for international cuisine or a cozy local dish, you’ll find plenty to please your palate in Amsterdam.
The Xpats-Service Relocation Service Team is looking forward to welcome you in Amsterdam.
Cool & Unusual Things to Do:
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is a museum dedicated to the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, on the Paulus Potterstraat and the Museumplein in Amsterdam, in the district
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is one of the sixteen national museums in the Netherlands. The collection offers an overview of Dutch art and history, including works by 17th-century Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Hals
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Amsterdam Boat Tours & River Cruises
Visit Museum of the Canals and get to know Amsterdam from then to now. Buy your tickets online. Interactive. History of Amsterdam. Amenities: Weelchair Accessible, Free Audio Tour, Audiotour in 8 languages.
Amsterdam Local Tours
Welcome to Amsterdam! This charmingly walkable Dutch city oozes centuries of character and history. A local guide is waiting to take you on a private Amsterdam tour to uncover the best the city has to offer. Experience Amsterdam through the eyes of a local private guide! Browse our tour ‘suggestions’ – each can be customized just for you.
Keukenhof
The history of Keukenhof dates back to the 15th century. Countess Jacoba van Beieren [Jacqueline of Bavaria] (1401-1436) gathered fruit and vegetables from the Keukenduin [kitchen dunes] for the kitchen of Teylingen Castle. Keukenhof Castle was built in 1641 and the estate grew to encompass an area of over 200 hectares. Landscape architects Jan David Zocher and his son Louis Paul Zocher, who also designed Amsterdam’s Vondelpark, redesigned the castle gardens in 1857. That park, in the English landscape style, still constitutes the basis of Keukenhof.
In 1949 a group of 20 leading flower bulb growers and exporters came up with the plan to use the estate to exhibit spring-flowering bulbs, signaling the birth of Keukenhof as a spring park. The park opened its gates to the public in 1950 and was an instant success, with 236,000 visitors in the first year alone.
Amsterdam Food & Gourmet Tours
Amsterdam’s food scene has something for everyone. So no matter your budget, dining style or craving, you’ll find the perfect restaurant. Whether you’re looking for Michelin standard cuisine or a cozy local joint, you’ll find plenty to please your palate in Amsterdam.