Dam Square Amsterdam
The heart of Amsterdam in the historic centre of the city
Located in the historical centre of Amsterdam, Dam Square is a vibrant bustling place for both locals and tourists. It is a five minute walk from Centraal Station and is full of attractions, cafes and shops.
Brief history of Dam Square
In the 13th Century a dam was constructed in this spot on the River Amstel, it later became the official city centre, with the Town Hall being constructed on the site, unfortunately this tragically burnt to the ground in 1652.
It was replaced by the construction of the Royal Palace, the official reception Palace of the Dutch Royal family. In 1956 the National Memorial Statue was built to commemorate the memory of Dutch soldiers and the resistance who died in the second world war.
Dam Square is a meeting place, shopping place, memorial place and Royal place. It is the heart of the city and a place every visitor and local will spend time in.
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Attractions in Amsterdam Dam Square
As a public Square this part of Amsterdam is open 24-hrs. The attractions, shops and cafes have their own opening and closing times. Some of the attractions of note are:
Royal Palace
Nieuwe Kerk (new church)
National Monument
Madam Tussauds
Ripley’s Believe it or not
Things to do in Dam Square
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is the official reception Palace of King Willem-Alexander and is one of the most important buildings in the Netherlands. This is where Royal weddings take place, lavish gala dinners are hosted and award ceremonies held. The Palace is open to visitors when not hosting Royal events. Doors open between 10am – 5pm. Visitors must book tickets in advance.
Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam
Nieuwe Kerk or New Church is located next to the Royal Palace on Dam Square. Outside of hosting Royal ceremonies, official gatherings and cultural events it is well known for its high-profile exhibitions which focus on art, photography, individuals who inspire and cultures. Over 200,000 people visit Nieuwe Kerk every year and it is an important historical monument for Amsterdam.
The National Monument, Amsterdam
on 4 May every year, a remembrance ceremony is held at this cenotaph in Amsterdam. This is to commemorate the casualties of World War II and subsequent conflicts. It is a monument of incredible significance for the Netherlands. It stands in the centre of Dam Square and reaches up 22 metres into the sky.
Madame Tussauds, Amsterdam
The well known chain-museum has buildings throughout many of the worlds major cities. Having it’s attraction in Dam Square, Amsterdam is a master stroke, as so many visitors will pass through Dam square at some point on their visit. Madame Tussauds is a wax museum with many popular figures from past and present represented, but to keep visitors entertained there are interactive and amusement park style attractions too.
Book tickets to Madame Tussauds in Amsterdam
If you have been to London’s Madame Tussaud’s then Amsterdam’s version may not feel like anything new, but if you have never been to a Madame Tussaud’s before then you’ll have a great time in this one. You can discover the other Amsterdam attractions here.
As Madame Tussaud’s is at the top of the Peek & Cloppenburg building, you are gifted a glorious view of Dam Square from above.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not
A five story museum all about the world of weird and wonder. You’ll discover the people who made it into the Guiness World Records books, see over 500 exhibits and artifacts and learn about Mr Ripley and his travels collecting the obscure in the world.
Book tickets for Ripley’s Believe it or not
Shopping
The famous Dutch shopping mall De Bijenkorf (The Beehive) has stood in an historic building in Dam Square since 1914. Here you will find designer brands, fashion, shoes, cosmetics, toys and homeware. There are other souvenier based shops, cafes and bars dotted around Dam Square too.
Body Worlds
Not strictly within Dam Square, Body Worlds is a popular attraction focussed on how the human body works inside and out and is just a minutes walk away. It is often combined with visits to the attractions in Dam Square.
Learn more about Body Worlds Amsterdam.
Hotels in Dam Square
The famous NH Grand Krasnapolsky sits on the eastern side of the square and Hotel TwentySeven is on the south-east side. Both hotels are highly rated as some of the best in Amsterdam.
Fairground in Dam Square
At New Year there is fairground set up in Dam Square which can give wonderful views from the ferris wheel. This fairgound also appears around Easter and during the summer.
Begijnhof in Amsterdam
If you want to escape from the busyness of Dam Square for a little bit, then a short 5-minute walk away is Begijnhof. A historic and beautiful courtyard inside the Singel Canal. It is the perfect place to relax and recharge your batteries.
