Sue Lamb

Amsterdam at 750: Still the City of the Future

In 1275, no one could ever have imagined that a simple dam on the Amstel River would become a city that pioneered so many elements of modern life in the 21st century. As Amsterdam marks ¾ of a millennium, travel lovers with 20/20 hindsight can celebrate the European capital’s contributions to shaping our world today, as well as what continues to make it a beacon for visitors. 

The Dutch capital marks its official start by that 13th-century document granting it city rights and allowing local residents to build a dam to manage the flow of the Amstel river without paying tolls. This pivotal moment was the foundation of transforming a tiny fishing village into a thriving urban center. 

And it didn’t take long for Amsterdam to become a hub for trade, culture and innovation. 

Cradle of Modern Commerce – with the Architecture and Culture to Match

Key features of the modern Western World’s economic structure harken back to the 17th century when Amsterdam became the center of global finance and commerce:

The Dutch East India Company, founded in 1602, imported spices, textiles and precious metals from the Far East. It was the first company in the world to offer publicly traded shares. 

And said to be the most valuable company EVER: valued at its peak at over $8.2 trillion in today’s dollars – far more than even today’s mega corporations. (Today’s most valuable companies are Microsoft, Apple and Nvidia, each worth less than half that.) 

The Amsterdam Stock Exchange, also founded in 1602, was the world’s first modern stock market (the city was also home to the first-ever international bond market and other banking and insurance innovations). 

Immense trade fortunes translated into cultural and architectural riches, including: 

Social Innovation, Technology, Sustainability: The Birth of Modern Lifestyle Trends

Not only was Amsterdam the cradle of modern capitalism. 

In its eminently practical, ‘live and let live’ way, the city has also been at the vanguard of ways of life other places have – often slowly – followed: 

The combination of historic culture and architecture, and leading-edge modern lifestyles, makes Amsterdam a magnet for visitors, 750 years after permission for that first dam.

Amsterdam 750 Celebrations

The city’s celebrations run through October 2025, featuring a diverse array of events that highlight Amsterdam's cultural heritage, artistic achievements, and vibrant community spirit. 

For a comprehensive list of events and activities, visit the official Amsterdam 750 website: amsterdam750.nl

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By: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert. 

Images: Lynn Elmhirst

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by Lynn on 05/22/2025 in Culture & History