Oud-West, Amsterdam, Netherlands Dec 29, 2023

Welcome to Amsterdam! The capital of the Netherlands charms visitors with its historic canals, versatile architecture, and laid-back vibe. 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. Institutions like the Van Gogh Museum, the Eye Film Museum, and the National Maritime Museum offer insights into its history and arts legacy. Amsterdam"s canal ring area, built at 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 in neighborhoods like Oud-West, pictured in today"s image. Get ready to pedal because Amsterdam"s cycling culture is ubiquitous. With approximately 320 miles of bike lanes, it"s one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.

© George Pachantouris/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Dec 29, 2018When science looks like magic
Dec 29, 2019Helloooooo, Innsbruck
Dec 29, 2020Where the glow of the holidays lingers
Dec 29, 2021Mountain goats
Dec 29, 2022Silver-studded blue butterflies
Dec 29, 2024Borobudur Temple, Java, Indonesia
Dec 29, 2025St. Gregory Church in Ani Ruins, Kars, Türkiye

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Dec 30, 2018Adorably evolutionary sea sheep
May 3, 2020World Laughter Day—it s a hoot
Sep 19, 2025Thousand Islands region, St. Lawrence River, US-Canada border
Nov 29, 2025Red deer stag in De Hoge Veluwe National Park, Netherlands
Oct 5, 2021A day to celebrate teachers
Jul 9, 2020High alpine color in Colorado
Jul 5, 2019Peel Castle on St. Patrick’s Isle with the Isle of Man in the background
Jun 7, 2024World Oceans Day
Oct 7, 2019From the mind of Frank Gehry
Apr 9, 2020Hooray, hooray, it s Unicorn Day!
Nov 27, 2024Tombeau du Géant in Bouillon, Belgium
Oct 27, 2025Thick-billed raven, Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
Sep 15, 2021It s National Hispanic Heritage Month
Dec 16, 2022Atlanta Botanical Garden
Jan 15, 2023Aura River in Turku, Finland
Oct 18, 2019Fall color sweeps across the West
Nov 22, 2023Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Mar 18, 2023Gamboa Crater, Mars
Dec 13, 2025Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California
Nov 8, 2021Polar bears
May 10, 2021An ancient sailing tradition takes to the water
Apr 18, 2023International Day for Monuments and Sites
Mar 9, 2022Flower of Life symbol drawn in snow
Aug 13, 2021Fight for your lefts
Mar 23, 2022World Meteorological Day
Dec 23, 2021Festivus
Oct 27, 2021Pumpkin patch
Jan 27, 2020Thomas Edison s bright idea
Oct 17, 2019Red-leaf hunting in Japan
Nov 5, 2020A medieval Moorish gem