Dam Square

Dam Square
Visit Amsterdam’s lively central square, a venue that’s seen both protests and celebrations.

Dam Square lies right at the heart Amsterdam, and dates back to the 13th century origins of this capital. Today, it is the focus for gatherings and events, including a large fun fair that is held several times a year. Join the crowds, relax and watch the world go by, or enjoy some retail therapy.

You can’t miss the National Monument, a towering white stone pillar, erected in 1956 to commemorate lives lost in World War II. Every year on the 4th of May, crowds gather for a minute’s silence in memory of the war dead, before celebrating Liberation Day on the 5th. If you happen to be visiting on the 30th of April, Queen’s Day (King’s Day from 2014), or during any of the international soccer tournaments, the square turns orange, as it fills with revellers all dressed in the national colour.

On any day apart from Monday, take a self-guided or private tour of the imposing Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace) where you can feast your eyes on the ornately-decorated rooms decked with works by great artists including Rembrandt. Originally built as the City Hall in the 17th century, it was occupied by Napoleon’s brother Louis when he ruled the Netherlands during the French occupation. It’s now a venue for royal and state occasions, including receptions and awards ceremonies.

Next to the Royal Palace, is the 15th century Gothic-style Nieuwe Kerk. Although no longer used for regular religious services, it is the chosen venue of the Dutch royal family for investitures and weddings. It also serves as an exhibition space, and sometimes, you can hear organ recitals here.

The department stores around the square such as De Bijenkorf (The Beehive), are the perfect place to while away a couple of hours. Drop into the café for traditional coffee and cake overlooking the Beurs van Berlage, the old stock exchange. Head to the nearby Peek & Cloppenburg building to see the life-like wax statues of Madame Tussauds.

Dam Square is just a short walk from Central Station, and many tram and bus lines stop here. If you’re driving, it’s probably best to leave your car in one of the Park-and-ride car parks at the edge of the city.

Reviews of Dam Square

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
727
" "5 - Excellent 34.81800766283525%
4 - Good
1046
" "4 - Good 50.09578544061303%
3 - Okay
296
" "3 - Okay 14.17624521072797%
2 - Disappointing
16
" "2 - Disappointing 0.7662835249042146%
1 - Terrible
3
" "1 - Terrible 0.14367816091954022%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Mar 2020

Amsterdam is an expensive city and gets more expensive every visit. A cup of tea and a cake each was £25 ... Pint of lager on average is about £8.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
1 Jan 2020

very busy

3/5 - Okay

Wilma
15 Dec 2019

Watch your bags. Had my purse stolen here.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
2 Nov 2019

Anne Frank Huis is definitely worth a visit, that is why we came.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
29 Sep 2019

It’s very busy here keep your wits about you

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
23 Sep 2019

To dam busy.

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