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 515 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:

Straight out of a fairytale
Sep. 26, 2024Blue-throated toucanet, Los Quetzales National Park, Costa Rica
From victory to festivity
Jan. 25, 2025Porto, Portugal
Jun. 15, 2025Happy Fathers Day!
Oct. 20, 2025International Sloth Day
Oct. 11, 2024Celtic Colours International Festival
Feb. 3, 2026Emerald Bay and Fannette Island, Lake Tahoe, California, United States
Oct. 24, 2023Füzér Castle in the Zemplén Mountains, Hungary
Spring is the time for billing
Rainbow around the sun
Oct. 25, 2023Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Oct. 23, 2023Corn maze in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania
This lesson is going swimmingly
Mar. 21, 2025Happy International Day of Forests!
Jan. 1, 2024Happy New Year!
Jan. 22, 2026Karlovy Vary, Bohemia, Czechia
Giddy family fun
Nov. 24, 2023Green Friday
Oct. 22, 2023Astoria-Megler Bridge, Oregon
The Big Apple with a foggy topping
Jan. 8, 2026Starling murmuration over the ruins of Brightons West Pier, England
Bright blue lakes and rugged mountains
Happy Mothers Day!
Jan. 6, 2024Vermilion Lakes, Banff
Feb. 27, 2025International Polar Bear Day
Nov. 12, 2023Diwali
Aug. 25, 2024Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Apr. 23, 2025Shakespeare Day
Apr. 22, 2026Earth Day