Dam Square

The Basics

Once upon a time, this site was a dam on the Amstel River. In the 19th century, the area was filled in with concrete and fashioned into a square. Today, the city’s most important sites sit on the square, including the Royal Palace, the neo-Gothic New Church (Nieuwe Kerk), the National Monument memorializing the Dutch victims of World War II, the upscale department store De Bijenkorf, and the Beurs van Berlage concert hall.

Amsterdam city tours generally all stop at Dam Square along with other major sights like the Rembrandt House Museum, the Anne Frank House, and the Red Light District. You can also see the square on specialized tours that focus on the city’s history or local foods and drinks.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The sights and buildings around the square each have their own opening hours.
• There are a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafés around Dam Square.
• Dam Square is paved with rough cobblestones and can be difficult to navigate for travelers in wheelchairs.

How to Get There

Dam Square is a five minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station down the Damrak, Amsterdam’s main drag. To reach the area, take trams number 4, 9, 16, 24 or 25 and exit at the stop across from the Bijenkorf warehouse.

When to Get There

Dam Square is open all day, year round. National Tulip Day—when the square is filled with 200,000 tulips—is on the third Saturday of January. Amsterdam’s high season is in the summer; for fewer tourists and lovely, mild temperatures, visit between April and May or September and November.

The Damrak

The Damrak is a bustling thoroughfare that runs through the center of Amsterdam, from the central railway station to Dam Square. The street is lined with souvenir shops, hotels, restaurants, and bars. The Damarak was originally a canal, but it was filled in with concrete in the 19th century. The body of water at the stock exchange is all that remains of the original harbor.

Ways to explore

With its role as the geographical and metaphorical heart of the city, Dam Square is hard to miss on a visit to Amsterdam. Amsterdam city tours generally all stop at Dam Square in the course of their sightseeing, giving you the choice to visit on a walking, cycling, Segway, or pedicab tour, among many options. Even tours focused on specific themes, be it Anne Frank or the Red Light District, stop by here. While you can pass through on your own, visiting with a guide makes it easier to learn the square’s rich history and most interesting spots.

Accessibility

Most of Dam Square is wheelchair and stroller accessible as it’s a flat space with modern cobblestones; surrounding businesses may be less accessible.

Age limits

Parents should keep a close eye on children, as there are no barriers between the square and the tram tracks.

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, umbrella

What to wear

Sun hat, layers, comfortable walking shoes

Not allowed

Do not walk in bike lanes around the square, and check for cyclists before crossing them.

Amenities

Bike taxi stand, cafés, restaurants, bars

Address

Dam Square is a 5-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station down the Damrak, Amsterdam’s main drag. Otherwise, cycling or public transportation is the most convenient way to get there.

Driving

Between slow speed limits, traffic exclusion zones, and limited parking, it’s best to avoid driving in the city center of Amsterdam. It’s far better to hail a cab, book a rideshare service, or use public transportation.

Public transportation

Take the #4 or #14 tram to the Dam tram stop on the square, or the #2, #12, or #17 to Paleisstraat, around the corner. Rokin, on the #52 line, is the nearest metro station.

Best times to visit

The square remains busy for most of the day and evening; catch it at its quietest in the early morning.

Best days to visit

Weekends on the square are much busier with locals out of school and work, so go on weekdays if you want to avoid crowds and events.

Best months to visit

Amsterdam’s high season is in the summer; for fewer tourists and lovely, mild temperatures, visit between April and May or September and November.

Special events

Dam Square is involved in many citywide festivals and celebrations, including Christmas and New Year’s festivities, when it hosts a giant Christmas tree.