Amsterdam, New York City: Sister Cities Across the Pond

Many draw comparisons between the people and culture of Amsterdam and New York Cities. Both homes of bustling ports and a colourful history of immigration and acceptance, the comparisons are not surprising. But taking a closer look at the history of these two cities shows a background as strong as family.

New York City actually went by another name in the 17th century: New Amsterdam. Founded in by Henry Hudson and his crew who sailed the Hudson River aboard the Half Moon. Arriving at what is today's New York Bay, Hudson sent news to the Netherlands of a possible booming fur trade that could be dominated in the New World.

Soon after, the Dutch East India Company, one of the most famous world trade leaders of all time, set up shop on Manhattan Island. Establishing business trade with the local American Indian population, the company grew. So too did the Dutch population in the area.

A people who, much like today, valued trade and economic benefit over differences of religion or heritage, the Dutch were a tolerant people. They fostered a booming fur trade and tobacco industry, built churches, forts and established basic infrastructure and services. Historical evidence also shows that Dutch slave owners were some of the most compassionate of their times, allowing freed slaves to live amongst them and even providing them with a cemetery of their own.

By the late 1600s, however, bitter fighting between the Netherlands and England - the world's two trading superpowers - ended the Dutch reign in New York City. The country famously traded the city for a handful of coins and control of a little known South American country, Suriname. Rich in sugar cane, the deal seemed a business man's dream at the time, today, however, Dutch people still hang their heads at the loss of one of the world's most important cities.

The Dutch may have lost ownership of NYC, but their legacy remains in the American city. Travellers and locals alike can recognize the bits of Dutch there, in the cobblestone streets, famous brownstone buildings and - above all - the tolerant, multi-cultural community that lives there. Combined with their world renowned museums like the Guggenheim and MOMA, and landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, it is still an unmissable destination. The city also boasts some of the world's greatest hotels and accommodation. With all of this, it is obvious why this city on the other side of the ocean is called Amsterdam's little sister.