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Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands with impressive architecture, lovely canals that criss-cross the city, great shopping, and friendly people who nearly all speak English well. There is something for every traveler’s taste here, whether you prefer culture and history, serious partying, or just the relaxing charm of an old European city. Amsterdam has over a million inhabitants in the urban area, and is in the Province of North-Holland. It has no seat of government, but is the biggest city and the cultural and creative center of the Netherlands. For a great study abroad experience be sure to grab your student airfare and head to Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Pictures

Things to do in Amsterdam

Canal cruises are very popular in Amsterdam, with each one usually lasting from one to two hours. The best companies are the Canal Bus, Lovers Canal Cruise, and Amsterdam Jewel Cruises. Other places like the Canal Company rent two-seater canal bikes that are a cheap way to get away. Smoking cannabis in public is something enjoyed by most tourists who are otherwise prosecuted at home. This doesn’t come without a warning- cannabis is still technically illegal in the Netherlands (although all authorities look the other way), and you should use your better judgment such as only smoking where it would be appropriate to smoke a cigarette, such as not in a house or around children. Buying and eating cannabis is commonly available in most coffee shops, with Grey Area and The Bluebird the best places to go. For all you cinema people Amsterdam features the Rialto Cinema, with all films shows in their original language with Dutch subtitles. They have late night and classic showings, and are only a short walk from the Albert Brouwery.

Nightlife in Amsterdam

Amsterdam features “brown bars”, bars that have gorgeous wood paneling and booths. For a great bar with the Netherlands experience be sure to check out Feijoa, a cocktail bar with a lovely atmosphere, pleasant music, and friendly staff. Also, at night people in Amsterdam, you guessed it, smoke cannabis in cafes and their homes. It is a common thing to do on a weekday night. There’s also tons of bars and clubs throughout the city, go check it out!

Colleges and Classes in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has two universities, both of which offer summer courses and other short courses. The VU University, founded in 1880, is located southwest of the city, and the only Protestant university in the Netherlands. There’s also the Universiteit van Amsterdam. Founded as the Athenaeum Illustre in 1632, in 1877 it became the University of Amsterdam. With about 25 000 students, the UvA is on three separate campuses in the city center, plus smaller sites scattered over Amsterdam. Both universities have a great reputation and price tag, something every college student can appreciate.

Travel From Amsterdam

Direct trains connect Amsterdam to Paris, to major Belgian cities like Brussels and Antwerp, and to German cities like Cologne, Frankfurt or Berlin. The ticket machines sell tickets to nearby destinations in Belgium and Germany. Almost everywhere in the Netherlands can be reached within 3 hours travel from Amsterdam, by public transport. Haarlem is the closest of the historic cities, and only 15 minutes by train.

Amsterdam Study Abroad Tips

• Understand that prostitution is legal and licensed in the Netherlands, and it is noticeable around the city.
• Crime rates are very low in the city.
• Prices of items are relatively low in the city.