Know Before You Go: Amsterdam

Amsterdam is pact with history. It was the first country to allow same-sex marriages, its home to the world renowned Anne Frank House, and is more culturally diverse than any other city on the planet. So although Amsterdam may bring a laid back kind of lifestyle to mind, you may just be surprised by these 5 crazy facts about Amsterdam.

1. Museum Happy

Amsterdam boasts an astounding 51 well-known museums. Each is dedicated to a wide variety of topics and places including: the use of marijuana, the Anne Frank House, the history of sex, Van Gogh, and more.

2. A Town Built on Stilts

The every building in the entire city of Amsterdam was constructed on piles. These massive wooden stakes are driven into the ground and are used as a foundation. For instance, Central Station requires a whopping 6,000 piles, and requires regular maintenance to keep the piles in the proper condition to support it.

3. You Can’t Smoke That in Here!

Ironically, although it is legal to smoke marijuana in coffee shops, but as of 2008, tobacco smoke has been banned.

4. More than 80% of the Population Are Polyglots

Polyglots are people who are fluent in more than two languages. Two of the most common language choices for residents of Amsterdam are English and Dutch.

5. The City Could Disappear Forever

Most of the city of Amsterdam is located below sea level. Therefore, if climate changes cause even a small increase in global sea levels, Amsterdam could take a page from the book of the city of Atlantis.