is full of surprises, with a rich history and unique culture. From its iconic canals to its vibrant neighborhoods, there’s so much more to discover beyond the well-known attractions. Here are some interesting facts about the city that you might not know! 1. The original name of the city is Amstelredam, which was named after the Amstel River. Formerly, the city was a small fishing village where people relied on the river for agriculture. 2. The city is built on 11 million wooden poles due to its soft and marshy ground. These poles support many of the city’s famous buildings, like canal houses. Many of these poles have lasted for years, showcasing the intellect and artwork of builders in history. 3. The city has the smallest house in Europe, which is 2.02 meters wide and 5 meters deep. In contrast to this, the widest home in the city is 22 meters wide, named Trippenhuis, after the Trip brothers who built it. 4. There are 160 coffee shops in the city, but none of them sell coffee or tea; there people can buy and use cannabis. 5. The Haystack Brewery founded Heineken, the world- popular beer in this city. In the year 2011, roughly 2.7 billion liters of beer were brewed. 6. There are roughly 2,500 houseboats in the city, many of which are 100 years old. These houseboats help people facing home shortages and attract visitors from across the globe. 7. There are more than 90 museums in the city; some of them considered best are the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum of Art and Artifacts. There are also some quirky museums, such as The Cat Cabinet, which is all about cats, complete with cat art, sculptures, and even resident cats. Conclusion Whether you’re a food, art, music, history, or nature lover, Amsterdam holds lots of surprises for you to discover. The city’s beautiful canals, lively neighborhoods, and rich culture invite you to explore its mix of old and new. Plan your next trip to this amazing destination! Foods You Must Try The city offers a variety of delicious local foods that reflect the city’s rich culture and history. From the sweet and crispy stroopwafels to the savory bitterballen, there’s something for every taste. Don't forget to try the famous Dutch cheeses like Gouda and Edam, and indulge in traditional street food like haring. • Stroopwafel: This dish is a famous and loved treat for its sweet, chewy texture and delicious flavor. It consists of two thin waffle layers with a syrup filling in the middle. You can find this food everywhere in the city, from street markets to cafes. • Bitterballen: It is a traditional food made from beef, beef broth, and flour and is often enjoyed as a snack. • Pancakes: It is a popular local food famous for breakfast and available in different flavors. The major ingredients used in it are flour, milk, salt, eggs, bananas, chocolate, and almonds. • Haring: It is a traditional food famous for its fresh and salty flavor. The major ingredients used in it are fresh herring, onions, and pickles. • Dutch Cheese: The Netherlands is world- famous for its cheese, especially Gouda and Edam. They have been symbolizing the rich flavor, long history, and versatility of the city for years. The major ingredients used in preparation are cow’s milk, salt, and rennet. | November 2024 30