Seventeenth-century canal ring area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht

The capital of the Netherlands, and the district of Holland, is Amsterdam--a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering and city planning. 

 The city of Amsterdam was build in a swampy area that was very prone to flooding. In order to protect the city from flooding, the Dutch designed a system of canals, drains and dams that would allow to control the water flow and have enough space to build and establish their city.

 Because of its canals and surrounding waters, Amsterdam is known as the "Venice of the North."

 The city is also a great example of architecture. It was built during the 17th and 18th centuries and was used as a world-wide example of city planning.

 The site includes 1550 buildings within the canal system. Here is the main train station, which is located at the very center of the city. Other prominent building within the city include the House of Anne Frank, the Rijks Museum, the Rembrandt House, and several churches.

 Because of the limited land space, bicycles are the preferred mode of transportation for locals. There are more bikes than people, I believe. The weather is mild and provides a romantic atmosphere as the calm waters filter the city sounds.