Oud-West neighbourhood, Amsterdam, Netherlands Dec 29, 2023

Welcome to Amsterdam! The capital of the Netherlands intrigues visitors from all over the world with its historic canals, versatile architecture, and laidback atmosphere. The city"s history can be traced back to the 12th century, when it was a fishing village on the banks of the Amstel River. Today, it boasts institutions like the Van Gogh Museum, the Eye Film Museum and the National Maritime Museum, which offer insights into the country"s history and arts legacy. Amsterdam"s canal ring area, built around the turn of the 17th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also home to its fair share of restaurants, vintage shops and outdoor markets, especially in neighbourhoods like Oud-West, pictured in today"s image. Get ready to pedal because Amsterdam"s cycling culture is ubiquitous. With approximately 514 kilometres of bike lanes, it"s one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.

© George Pachantouris/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

The butterfly effect
Dec 29, 2024Borobudur temple, Java, Indonesia
Dec 29, 2025St. Gregory Church in Ani Ruins, Kars, Türkiye

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Pretty in pink
Apr 25, 2025World Penguin Day
Mar 30, 2025Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
Walking a rocky rainbow
Tomb of the Golden Pharaoh
What are these ancient animals?
Sep 30, 2025Koala in the Great Otway National Park, Australia
Feb 11, 2025Yungang Grottoes, Datong, China
Jun 17, 2025Maritime forest in Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia, United States
Jan 17, 2025Brown pelican, San Diego, California, United States
Nimble and stealthy
Where the rainbow ends
An underwater paradise to explore
Mar 16, 2024Giant panda eating bamboo
Oct 10, 2025Fiji Day
Jul 17, 2025Lavender fields in Plateau de Valensole, France
Apr 30, 2025International Jazz Day
Jun 16, 2024Happy Fathers Day!
Sep 12, 2024World Dolphin Day
Nov 9, 2025Interstellar clouds in the Lagoon Nebula
Ever seen garlic bloom?
Jan 5, 2026A herd of impalas, Londolozi Game Reserve, South Africa
Jan 24, 2026Andermatt village in the Alps, Switzerland
The last living fort in India
Mar 7, 2024Roques de Benet, Els Ports Natural Park, Catalonia, Spain
Sep 2, 2023Allens Hummingbird
Apr 15, 2025World Art Day
A magnificent place of worship
Jan 30, 2025Rolands Breach, Spain
An apex predator