Located in the heart of Amsterdam, Dam Square is a bustling public plaza named after a dam on the Amstel River. It’s watched over by some of the city’s most prominent architectural landmarks, including the Neoclassical Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk and the upmarket department store of De Bijenkorf.
Dominating Dam Square is the Royal Palace Amsterdam, a lavish residence that has hosted royal receptions since the early 19th century. It stands alongside the Gothic-style Nieuwe Kerk, which dates from the 15th century and is now used to host art exhibitions and organ recitals. The church features beautiful stained glass windows and an intricately decorated pulpit by Albert Jansz Vinckenbrinck.
On the other side of Dam Square is the National Monument, a 22-metre-high cenotaph designed by Jacobus Oud in the wake of World War II. You can see realistic recreations of royal figures, political leaders and celebrities at Madame Tussauds Amsterdam, together with prominent individuals from the Golden Age of Dutch history.
Getting there
Dam Square is around 25 minutes’ drive from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and is 10 minutes walk from the Central railway station. Both buses and trams connect to Dam Square, which is easily explored on foot.