AKA “Fun Facts About Amsterdam: From Whipped Cream to Houseboats”
Amsterdam is a city brimming with fascinating history, quirky traditions, and unique architectural features. Whether you’re visiting for its iconic canals, world-class museums, or vibrant culture, the Dutch capital offers something intriguing at every corner. Here are some fun facts that reveal more about this charming city!
Slagroom: The Dutch Word for Whipped Cream
Did you know that the Dutch word for whipped cream is “slagroom“? It’s a fun little tidbit to impress your friends with the next time you’re at a café ordering dessert—or when you’re making your own whipped cream at home!
Amsterdam: A City of Dams and Bridges
The name “Amsterdam” actually comes from the Amstel River and the dam that was built to control it. This dam allowed people to manage the river’s flow, preventing flooding and making the land more habitable. It’s no surprise that many other towns and cities in the Netherlands feature names that end in “dam”—a nod to the country’s expertise in water management. Amsterdam’s historic center is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to an intricate network of over 12,000 hand-built bridges, adding to its picturesque charm.
Bicycles: Amsterdam’s Missing Pedals
Cycling is a huge part of Amsterdam’s culture—so much so that thousands of bicycles disappear into the canals every year! It’s estimated that between 12,000 and 15,000 bicycles end up in the water each year, whether due to accidents, theft, or other mishaps. But don’t worry—there are dedicated boats that fish these bikes out of the canals for recycling and scrap metal purposes.
Amsterdam Turns 750 in 2025
Amsterdam is gearing up to celebrate a milestone in 2025: its 750th birthday! What began as a small fishing village along the Amstel River has evolved into one of Europe’s most iconic cities. This long and rich history is woven into its canals, streets, and buildings, each telling its own story of growth and transformation.
Narrow Houses and a Tax on Width
One of the most distinctive features of Amsterdam’s architecture is its narrow houses. These tall, skinny buildings were designed to minimise the space that was taxed by the city. In the past, households paid taxes based on the width of their property, so it was in residents’ best interest to build upwards rather than outwards. This gave the city its unique skyline of towering, slim houses.
Spice Hooks: A Creative Solution to Space Constraints
Many of Amsterdam’s houses feature hooks or pulleys at the top of their facades, known as “spice hooks.” Historically, these were used to hoist goods—often spices—up to the upper floors where storage space was limited. The houses often lean slightly forward or to the side, a practical design choice to prevent goods from damaging the fragile building facades when being lifted.
Why Do Amsterdam’s Houses Lean?
Many of the buildings in Amsterdam lean to the left or right, and this isn’t just for aesthetic purposes. One-third of the Netherlands is below sea level, and much of Amsterdam was built on swampy, marshy ground. Over time, the wooden poles that were used to support the foundations of these buildings have rotted, causing the houses to shift and tilt. Today, engineers replace the old wooden supports with concrete ones to prevent further subsidence, but the houses still maintain their crooked charm. Inside the homes, you’ll find that the floors are just as slanted as the walls.
Hello Heineken
If you’re visiting Amsterdam, the Heineken brewery is a must-see. The company, founded in 1864, offers an interactive tour that gives you a brief history of the beer brand, showing how it evolved from a small, local brewery into one of the largest beer producers in the world. Along the way, you’ll learn about the brewing process and the company’s role in shaping Amsterdam’s international reputation.
Things I learnt from a canal cruise
It’s common to hear people refer to the whole country as “Holland,” but this is a misnomer. Holland refers to just two provinces in the western part of the Netherlands—North Holland and South Holland. Historically, most of the Dutch sailors came from these provinces, and over time, their name became synonymous with the entire country. So while it’s incorrect to call the whole country “Holland,” it’s understandable how the confusion arose!
Amsterdam is famous for its houseboats, and a fascinating history lies behind this floating community. After World War II, there was a severe housing shortage in the city. As a result, many people began living on boats permanently, and “Houseboat Alley” was born. Today, over 2,500 boats are used as residences, and the area has become some of the priciest real estate in Amsterdam. It’s a perfect example of how necessity can breed innovation—and how something born out of crisis can turn into a coveted luxury.
Delicious Dutch Snacks
No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without trying some local Dutch snacks. Bitterballen, a deep-fried snack filled with meat ragout, is a favorite for many. Paired with a cold beer, it’s a great treat for any time of day. For a sweet indulgence, try poffertjes, fluffy, mini pancakes typically served with powdered sugar and butter. These delicious bites are sure to satisfy your cravings. But my absolute favourite, hands-down, is the stroopwafel. A stroopwafel is a thin, round cookie made from two layers of sweet baked dough held together by syrup filling. First made in the city of Gouda in South Holland, stroopwafels are a well-known Dutch treat popular throughout the Netherlands and abroad. I am now a number one fan of these layered concoctions of caramelised goodness. I had the Snickers and Nutella topping and am still smiling.
Reflection
As we finish our time in Amsterdam, I reflect on how utterly captivated I was by this city, with its quirky architectural features, fascinating history, canals, and the tasty local food and drinks! Amsterdam did not disappoint with its charm and surprises. From its upcoming 750th anniversary to its long-standing traditions of innovation and culture, this vibrant city is one I would definitely return to.
My favourite photo sure was tough to pick today, but I had to go with this stunning shot of one of Amsterdam’s iconic canals.
Hubby’s was this montage of his Heineken beer at the factory tour.
By Sarah 