Venice of the North

Amsterdam is one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. Known as "the Venice of the North," the city has something for everyone. With 700 years of history and development, it is a culturally rich city, brimming with architectural marvels and historical landmarks. The tourist industry has generated hundreds of sites that allow you to plan an entire trip - hotels, organized tours, shows, whatever - online.

Partly because of its liberal reputation, Amsterdam has enormous appeal among young people, and the city offers a wide range of types and locations of places to stay. The public transportation system seems like it was designed for American backpackers, who can always be seen riding the buses, trams, and subways. The nightlife is one of Europe's finest, with countless pubs, dance bars, comedy clubs, and live shows all in walking distance of hotels and hostels.

Because the Amsterdam airport is an airline hub, airfare is often relatively affordable. The peak of tourist season is July and August. Still, many experienced travelers choose to visit Amsterdam in late spring or early fall when the weather is pleasant but the tourist sites are not overflowing with tourists from all corners of the earth.