Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, and is a creative, historic, and quite liberal city. It is the largest and most famous city in the Netherlands, despite the fact that it is not the capital. Amsterdam has a rich history which can be seen not only in the museums and cathedrals around town, but also in the architecture of the townhouses and the general layout of the city. It's best known for the canals that intertwine the city. Houseboats line the canals offering a great and unique experience when you're in the city. If you're particularly interested in the houseboats, there is a houseboat museum you can visit, housed in an actual houseboat. If you plan ahead, and book well in advance, it is also possible to stay in a houseboat during your visit. Amsterdam is also famous for its red light district, which is surprisingly located in close proximity to a large church. During the early evening, tourists feel the streets around the red light district, but as night falls, it becomes less of a tourist attraction and more functional.