Dam Square, Amsterdam
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Dam Square - by Nelson Joanine on Google
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.
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
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:0h 45m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo