Amsterdam is known for its historical attractions, for its collections of great art, and for the distinctive colour and flavour of its old sections, which have been so well preserved. It is easy to describe Amsterdam, which is more than 700 years old, as a living museum of a bygone age and to praise the eternal beauty of the centuries-old canals, the ancient patrician houses, and the atmosphere of freedom and tolerance. Amsterdam is the financial and business capital of the Netherlands. Amsterdam is ranked fifth best of European cities in which to locate an international business, surpassed by London, Paris, Frankfurt and Barcelona. As the commercial capital of the Netherlands and one of the top financial centers in Europe, Amsterdam  is considered an alpha world city by the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) study group. The city is also the cultural capital of the Netherlands.

Amsterdam's main attractions, including its historic canals, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, Royal Palace, Hermitage Amsterdam, West Church, the Anne Frank House, Rembrandt House Museum, Dam Square, the Amsterdam Museum, Maritime Museum, Vondelpark, Bloemenmarkt, Canals of Amsterdam, red-light district, Port of Amsterdam, and its many cannabis coffee shops draw more than 5 million international visitors annually It is also the world's most multicultural city with at least 177 nationalities represented.