How to get to Amsterdam's Dam Square
Walk from Central Station a mere five minutes down Damrak Avenue, to get to Amsterdam’s Dam Square. This is one of the busiest hubs in the city, teeming with visitors from morning until night.
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Lana de Wit
Walk from Central Station a mere five minutes down Damrak Avenue, to get to Amsterdam’s Dam Square. This is one of the busiest hubs in the city, teeming with visitors from morning until night.
The history of Amsterdam’s Dam Square begins in century XIII. The city’s citizens built a dam around the Amstel river to prevent seawater from the Zuiderzee from overflowing the river. The square quickly evolved into a central marketplace.
In the late 1960s, this lively area attracted artists and hippies, who created a cool, laid-back and friendly vibe. Today, it’s still a busy, happening place, filled with restaurants, shopping stalls and street entertainers.
This is a great destination for people-watching, as Amsterdam’s Dam Square attracts visitors of all sorts. Enjoy the colorful periodic carnivals, attend concerts during warm spring months, or step into the famous Royal Palace, built in the XVII century. The Neo-Gothic Nieuwe Kerk (“New Church”) is located just next to the Royal Palace, which it in fact pre-dates, having been constructed in the XV century. It is not used for religious services anymore, but hosts exhibitions and organ recitals, and even offers a cafe. The interior is well-preserved, so be sure to check out the original pulpit and organ.
When visiting Amsterdam’s Dam Square, you’ll certainly notice the city's National Monument, a memorial erected in 1956. This important sculpture commemorates fallen Dutch soldiers and resistance fighters who served during World War II. Elsewhere on the square is Madame Tussaud's, where you can get up close and personal with celebrities in wax figure form. For concerts and exhibitions, pay a visit to Beurs van Berlage, a former stock exchange now used as a cultural hub.
From this central spot, you can easily visit other parts of Amsterdam, or just enjoy the day eating and drinking at the square's many busy cafes, bars and restaurants.
Planning your trip to Amsterdam? Check out our best city center hotels in Amsterdam.
Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
My name is Lana de Wit, Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. Together with the Guest Relations and Guest Services team we are making sure that all guests are having the best experience at our hotel and look after their special requests, celebrations and expectations. I get energy out of solving problems and striving for the best there is possible and I love the fact that every day is different and full of surprises. I always wanted to work at Krasnapolsky since I was a little girl, so being able to work here the past years has been a dream together with my fantastic colleagues. My biggest mission is to let every guest leave with extraordinary stories and unforgettable memories to take home. I look forward to welcoming you here in Amsterdam to give you the true Anantara experience!
The 5-star Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam is on Amsterdam’s main square with views across to the Royal Palace. You’re well-placed for some of the city’s finest shops, while a lotof tourist attractions are just a short stroll away.
The NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace hotel is right in the center of Amsterdam. We’re by the main train station and close to the museums and shops. The building itself is a highlight too, dating back to the 17th century.
The Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam Hotel, formerly known as NH Amsterdam Museum Quarter, is located just outside the center of Amsterdam, in the vibrant ‘De Pijp’ neighborhood. Due to the hotel’s excellent location, many of the city’s famous cultural attractions are within walking distance. For example, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Moco Museum are all within a kilometer of the hotel’s front door. Similarly, the scenic canal and the main shopping street P.C. Hoofstraat are within a five-minute walk.
The Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel, formerly known as NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen, is the oldest and most famous in Amsterdam. Dating back to the 17th century, and completely renovated in 2016, this beautiful building sits on the banks of the Amstel river in the heart of the city’s historic center. Small wonder that everyone from Queen Victoria to the Beatles have stayed here.
With its extensive network of canals, iconic architecture and wide variety of historical and cultural attractions, Amsterdam provides visitors with much to discover across a rewarding weekend visit.
Listed as a Dutch national heritage site (rijksmonument), the Smallest House in Amsterdam resembles a miniature Dutch canal house and stands proudly in the old city centre, welcoming curious visitors.
When many think of Holland, images of windmills and row upon row of colourful tulips come to mind. Just as characteristically Dutch are the nation's famed wooden shoes or clogs, known locally as Klompen.
Inaugurated as Amsterdam's Town Hall in 1655, the Royal Palace was originally intended to be the powerhouse for Amsterdam's magistrates who believed their city to be the new Rome of the North.
There is a macabre yet fascinating story behind the world-famous waxworks museum. It takes its name from Madam Anna Maria Grosholtz Tussaud, who made head sculptures of aristocrats executed during the French Revolution.
The Rijksmuseum is an acclaimed art museum in Amsterdam. One of Holland's top galleries, the museum contains an extensive collection of paintings, artefacts and sculptures from Holland and around the world.
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