Nowadays the diamond trade attracts millions of tourists and buyers from around the world. Most diamond polishers as well as diamond traders give demonstrations in diamond cutting.

When the diamond trade was introduced to Amsterdam in the 16th century, this city developed into one of the world’s most important diamond centers. During the War more than 2000 Jewish diamond polishers disappeared from Amsterdam into concentration camps in Germany and Poland. After the war the diamond trade was in part returned to its former glory due to the efforts of the diamond merchants and help from abroad.

The most popular diamond shops can be found in Amsterdam such as: Gassan Diamonds, Amsterdam Diamond Center and Coster Diamonds. Many famous diamonds were cut and polished in Amsterdam. For example, the “Cullinan”, the largest diamond ever found. But also the “Koh-I-Noor”, which means Mountain of Light, was cut for the British Crown Jewels in 1852. Furthermore, the world’s smallest diamond, just 0.00012 carat, but with 57 facest, was also cut in Amsterdam.

Research performed last year shows that Amsterdam needs more hotel rooms in order to serve continued growth in the tourism.

According to the same report, the entire Amsterdam region can support up to 13.000 extra rooms.

There is a disproportionally high concentration of hotels in downtown Amsterdam and in the nearby Oud Zuid (Old South) borough.

Last year, Amsterdam hotels, hostels and B&B’s received almost 4,9 million guests, who filled 8,8 million beds (each night spent in town is counted as ‘one bed’).

Most visitors came from Great Britain (20%), followed by the Dutch (16%), Americans (14%), Germans (6%), French (6%), Spanish (5%), and Italians (5%). (duchamsterdam.com)

Living along the canal in Amsterdam is nothing suprising…

With over 75 km of canals and 1400 bridges the city is one of his kind.

It`s unique character and charm give you opportunity to forget about

everything and feel the atmosphere of the city.

Despite of the scenic character, The Canals of Amsterdam are efficient sort of transportation.

Houseboats are plenty of boat tours, but the best is to explore evertyhing wandering through the bridges.

Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District to be cleaned up.

Plans to upgrade the 750-year-old neighborhood over the next ten years include banning window prostitution. By closing most of the windows the city hopes to curtail both human trafficking and the white-washing of money by criminal gangs.

According to Els Iping, window prosititution will allowed only in the direct vicinity of the Oude Nieuwstraat and the Oudezijds Achterburgwal — and then only under strict new rules.

Amsterdam is renowned as the most important modern and experimental art center in the North of Europe. This reputation is based primarily upon a large number of remarkable art galleries, because the only important modern art museum in Amsterdam – De Stedelijk, (The Municipal museum) is since years under rebuilding, and should open only in 2009. Amsterdam art galleries present artists from all over the world, focussed on abstract and experimental art as well as photography. Interesting realistic paintings from so called New Dutch Realism movement, as well as realistic paintings from Italy, Spain, UK and the US are always on offer. Prices often are moderate, starting as low as € 150,- for a small painting or a print, but works of the well-known living artists tend to reach last years the record prices.

Amsterdam's NEMO is a green building shaped like a ship. It  is the biggest science centre in the Netherlands and offers the chance to take a voyage of discovery into the world of science and technology. This place is perfect for children aged four to 16 and their parents.

A visit can reveal fascinating facts about a variety of things including sound, light, genes and DNA, water, metal, chemicals and the human mind.

The centre covers a broad range of subjects including natural science, human behaviour and information and communication technology. As well as the permanent exhibition, there is also a full programme of temporary shows. Before you leave, don't forget to check out the centre's upper deck, which has a magnificent view over Amsterdam and is transformed into a beach during the summer.