Amsterdam, the capital of Netherlands, is situated on the shore of Hei gulf and the Shore of Amstel River. A small fishing community that appeared at the end of the XII century expanded and turned to be the biggest city of the country and it's financial and cultural centre. The population of Amsterdam reaches the number of 1.5 million people, considering suburbs. Amsterdam is the capital of Netherlands, though the capital of the province, where it is situated, is another Dutch city - Harlem. But the government of the country is situated in Hague.

The carefree and liberal Amsterdam never lost its reputation of heaven for hippies, even though the economy of the city has been denying it for a long time already. Surprising is the fact that a lot of people consider Amsterdam to be a city stuck in the times of free love, free drugs and other free pleasures, after all the reckless legendary time of 60's and 70's step-by-step concede the place to the realities of the new millennium. A walk in the prosperous business suburbs can obviously show the new priorities. City authorities worked hard to convert Amsterdam in a international business centre, and their efforts were successful. Many foreign companies aim to form here their main offices and to use the priority of the central placing of Amsterdam in the European Union. In general, the capital of Netherlands represents a careful mix of new and old: here the radical artistic constructions of squatters hang above the 17th century eaves, BMW-s offer the way the to the bike riders, and strong beer, made by monks, is sold in flickering, reflecting the light minimalist cafes.

In comparison with other European cities, the historic centre of Amsterdam occupies the biggest space. Its building up mainly refers to the 17th century; the golden Century in the history of The Netherlands, precisely here took place the main events. In that time there were drawn a number of semicircular channels around the old city centre, that are defining the shape of the city till nowadays. A lot of beautiful houses and cottages are built along the channels, most of them being residential houses, the rest being reserved for social buildings and offices. Some narrow brick houses slowly overflow as they were built on stilts that drown in the swampy soil.

Amsterdam charms its visitors very quickly. During night a lot of 1200 bridges that capital has are illuminated by small lights that give the bridges a fairy-tale look. But in a foggy morning one can watch the city slowly appearing through the scattering smoke, uncovering its treasures. The old arched buildings, the powerful streets, the channels with trees planted along and the wonderful parks that brings its contribution to the special atmosphere of the city.

The capital of the Netherlands is remarkable not only due to its style, but also due to its content: There are a lot of considerable museums here, among which the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelick museum, the Rembrandt house-museum, Anna Franck House; the city is also famous for its world-class symphony orchestra. And of course, the liberal Amsterdam attracts due to its Area of Red Lamppost and the numerous "coffee-houses” that sells marijuana and hashish.