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Dam Square, Amsterdam

Dam, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland

Description

Dam Square is Amsterdam's main town square and is flanked by three monuments: the Royal Palace, the 15th century gothic Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and the National Monument (a white stone pillar commemorating the victims of WW2). Its shape is quite rectangular, stretching 200m from east to west and 100m from north to south. The name of the square is linked to its original function: a dam on the Amstel River built in 1270 - this also gave the city its name: "Amstel dam". With the advent of the 20th century, the main transport node of the city shifted from the square to the Central Station. Nowadays it is used for public gathering, demonstrations and celebrations at both the city and national level.

Access & Transport

There is no easier place to go besides Central Station with trams 1, 2, 5, 13, 17, 4, 9, 16 stopping there as well as several bus services; no metro station though but Nieuwmarkt is only 800m away and Central Station 900m.

Instructions & Recommendations

We would recommend combining sightseeing at Dam with the Royal Palace (covered under a separate review) and De Nieuwe Kerk.

Meta review

Dam is a mainstay of travel guides, magazine and bloggers and for most reviewers it is indeed a must see even though it is far from being one of the most spectacular city squares in Europe. Visitors enjoy the architecture of the surrounding buildings, the Royal Palace in particular, and the variety of things to see and do within walking distance. The main drawbacks are the crowds during the peak tourist season and the pricey bars and restaurants.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally, there is no data at the neighbourhood level, but it is mostly concrete with few green spaces. Part of the city's cultural and architectural heritages.

Conclusion

Dam Square has a historical significance that places it literally at the center of Amsterdam's old quarters. It is impressive and worth checking out, but it doesn't quite have the same wow factor as some of the most famous city squares of Northern or Southern Europe.

Key positive

Surrounded by a few impressive buildings

Very central and easy to get to (walk or tram)

Key negative

A bit crowded and pricey F&B / stores in the area

Suitability

Suitable for all ages. The square is accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:0h 45m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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