At Global Alliance, we take the “Worldwide” in our company name very seriously. We pride ourselves in offering premium limousine services to our clientele not only in our home base of Toronto but around the globe. Through our sophisticated network of trusted worldwide affiliates, Global Alliance can provide professional chauffeured services in hundreds of international cities. We will discuss many of the major worldwide destinations served via our affiliate network on this blog.  Today, we stop by the charming and historic Dutch city of Amsterdam.

The official capital city of the Netherlands (as opposed to the seat of government, which is in the Hague), Amsterdam is also the most populous urban area in the small northern European country with over 1.3 million residents. Originally a dam and surrounding fishing village on the Amstel River, Amsterdam was built on land reclaimed from the North Sea, as is much of the modern territory of the Netherlands. Although it was granted city rights at the start of the 14th Century, Amsterdam was clearly established prior to that (historical records are sketchy), though much later than most major Dutch cities and towns.

Amsterdam was a flourishing trade centre from that point on, becoming the world’s wealthiest city during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th Century. Although Amsterdam’s fortunes declined in subsequent centuries through war and economic changes, it has emerged as a beautiful, vibrant, livable modern city that still displays its unique architectural heritage.

Famous for its canals and the lovely gabled houses facing onto them, Amsterdam has become a popular tourist destination. Canals cruises, strolls along historic streets and squares, bicycle rides throught the protected centre, and visiting historic sites and museums are among the most popular activities in the city. Its rich architectural and cultural heritage is reflected in institutions such as the Rijksmuseum, which displays Dutch artistic masterworks by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, and many more. The Van Gogh Museum in the city has the largest collection in the world of the Dutch painter’s work.

Amsterdam, like all of the Netherlands, display its attitude of liberal tolerance in the famous red light district and its marijuana cafes. Amsterdam becomes more modern outside of its historic centre, especially in the office towers of the Zuidas business district. Amsterdam’s main airport is Amsterdam Schiphol, the largest in the nation and Europe’s fourth largest air hub.

Please feel free to contact Global Alliance Worldwide Chauffeured Services for all of your transportation needs in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.