Amsterdam: The Venice of the North

• HelloHallo
  [hah-loh]
• GoodbyeTot ziens
  [toht zeens]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNee
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeAlsjeblieft
  [ahls-yuh-bleeft]
• Thank youDank je
  [dahnk yuh]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [soh-ree]
• How are you?Hoe gaat het met je?
  [hoo gaht het met yuh]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [khoot. en met yow]
• Do you speak English?Spreek je Engels?
  [sprayk yuh eng-els]
• I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ik buh-grayp het neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIk wil graag de menukaart zien, alsjeblieft
  [ik wil khrahg duh menu-kahrt seen, ahls-yuh-bleeft]
• I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ik ayt khayn flays]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIk wil graag betalen, alsjeblieft
  [ik wil khrahg buh-tah-luhn, ahls-yuh-bleeft]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Ga weg!
  [gah vekh]
• Call the Police!Bel de politie!
  [bel duh poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Bel een dokter!
  [bel ayn dohk-tur]
• I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [ik ben vuhr-dwahlt]
• I'm illIk ben ziek
  [ik ben zik]

• I'd like to buy...Ik wil graag kopen...
  [ik wil khrahg koh-puhn]
• I'm just lookingIk ben alleen aan het kijken
  [ik ben ayl-uhn ahn het kee-kuhn]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hoo-vale kost het]
• That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [daht is tuh dur]
• Can you lower the price?Kun je de prijs verlagen?
  [koon yuh duh prays vur-lah-ghun]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hoo laht is het]
• It's one o'clockHet is een uur
  [het is ayn uhr]
• Half past (10)Half elf
  [hahlf elf]
• MorningOchtend
  [ohk-tuhnt]
• AfternoonMiddag
  [mid-dahkh]
• EveningAvond
  [ah-vohnt]
• YesterdayGisteren
  [khis-tur-uhn]
• TodayVandaag
  [vahn-dahkh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-khun]
• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [tvay]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [veer]
• 5Vijf
  [vayf]
• 6Zes
  [zehs]
• 7Zeven
  [zay-ven]
• 8Acht
  [ahkht]
• 9Negen
  [nay-khun]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is een/de...?
  [vahr is ayn/de]
• What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vaht is het ah-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kun je het me laten zien (op de kaart)?
  [koon yuh het muh laht-uhn seen (op duh kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?
  [vahn-er is duh fohl-huhn-duh (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Een kaartje (naar ....)
  [ayn kart-yuh (nar)]

Amsterdam began as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, situated on the banks of the Amstel River. The name 'Amsterdam' is derived from 'Amstelredamme', indicative of the city's origin as a dam on the Amstel River. The city was granted city rights in either 1300 or 1306, marking its official recognition as a city.

During the 17th century, Amsterdam experienced its Golden Age. It became one of the wealthiest cities in the world, thanks to its strategic maritime location. The Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie or VOC) was headquartered in Amsterdam, propelling the city to the forefront of global trade. The iconic canals and gabled houses that characterize the city were built during this period.

In the early 17th century, Amsterdam was the center of the 'Tulip Mania', one of the first recorded speculative bubbles. Tulip bulbs became extraordinarily valuable, and their prices soared before dramatically collapsing in 1637. This event is often cited as a classic example of the risks of economic speculation.

Amsterdam played a key role in the dissemination of Enlightenment ideas. The city was a haven for free thinkers, scholars, and writers from all over Europe. It was during this period that Amsterdam became known for its tolerance and intellectual vibrancy. The University of Amsterdam, founded in 1632, became a center for learning and debate.

Amsterdam was occupied by French troops in 1795 and later incorporated into the Napoleonic Empire. This period brought significant administrative changes but also economic hardship. The French influence left a lasting impact on the city's architecture, administration, and legal systems.

Amsterdam was occupied by Nazi Germany from 1940 to 1945. The city was heavily affected by the Holocaust, with a significant portion of its Jewish population being deported and killed. The Anne Frank House stands as a poignant reminder of this dark chapter in the city's history.

After World War II, Amsterdam underwent significant reconstruction and modernization. The city expanded with new neighborhoods and infrastructure projects. The post-war period also saw the rise of Amsterdam as a cultural capital, with the establishment of numerous museums, galleries, and cultural institutions.

In the 1960s, Amsterdam became the center of the Provo movement, a countercultural protest movement that advocated for social change, environmentalism, and individual freedom. The movement had a lasting impact on Dutch society, influencing various social policies and contributing to Amsterdam's reputation as a progressive and liberal city.

Today, Amsterdam is known for its vibrant cultural scene, historical architecture, and progressive values. It is a global city that attracts millions of tourists each year, drawn by its rich history, diverse culture, and picturesque canals. The city continues to evolve, balancing its historical heritage with modern innovation.

Amsterdam is accessible through various means. The primary gateway is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, one of Europe’s busiest airports, offering flights from multiple international destinations. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Amsterdam Central Station, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, buses and taxis are available. Amsterdam is also well-connected by train from many European cities, including Brussels, Paris, and Berlin. For those traveling by car, the city is accessible via major highways such as the A1, A2, and A4.

Amsterdam boasts an extensive public transportation network, including trams, buses, and metro lines managed by GVB. OV-chipkaart, a rechargeable smart card, is used for all public transport. Biking is a popular and efficient way to get around; there are numerous bike rental shops. Taxis and ridesharing services like Uber are also available, though they are more expensive. Canal boats offer a scenic way to see the city. Walking is another great way to explore the compact city center.

The official currency is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa and MasterCard. However, some smaller shops and cafes may only accept cash or Dutch bank cards, so it’s advisable to carry some cash. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. Contactless payment via smartphones is also becoming increasingly common.

Amsterdam is generally safe, but like any major city, it has areas where tourists should exercise caution. Pickpocketing can be an issue in crowded areas like Dam Square, the Red Light District, and public transport. It's advisable to avoid poorly lit areas and parks at night. The Red Light District, while a tourist hotspot, can be risky after dark. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious when approached by strangers.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, and medical services. Amsterdam has several hospitals and medical clinics, including OLVG and AMC. Pharmacies (apotheek) are widely available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For lost or stolen items, report to the nearest police station or the Lost & Found office at Amsterdam Central Station.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and shoes, especially if you plan to walk or bike a lot. Don't wear overly flashy jewelry. Religion: Do respect all places of worship. When visiting churches, dress modestly. Public Transport: Do validate your OV-chipkaart. Don't forget to check out when you leave. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly 'Hallo.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like stroopwafels and raw herring. Don't eat on public transport, as it is generally frowned upon.

To experience Amsterdam like a local, visit the Jordaan neighborhood with its narrow streets and cozy cafes. Rent a bike and explore the city’s extensive cycling paths. Visit local markets like Albert Cuyp Market for fresh produce and Dutch treats. Take a stroll in Vondelpark, especially during summer. Enjoy a boat tour through the lesser-known canals. For a unique experience, visit a 'brown cafe,' traditional Dutch pubs that offer a cozy atmosphere.