The center of Amsterdam, Netherlands, is Dam Square. Unlike in the past, Dam Square is currently a rather calm space that is home to a large number of pigeons and street performers. Here are reasons why you should not miss this place in Amsterdam.
1. Dam Square: Unmissable place in Amsterdam
From Central Station, you can reach this central Amsterdam square in about five minutes by strolling down the Damrak. Both locals and visitors are frequently present both day and night. Whatever the weather, something is always happening.
Damrak Street, which runs from Central Station to Dam Square, now divides the square in half, just as the Amstel formerly cut through it. Dam Square grew gradually and had nothing in the way of architectural consistency, unlike many other large squares in Europe.
2. A violent past took place here
The square served as the setting for the Anabaptists’ rioting in 1535. An uprising started less than a century later as a result of the silver fleet’s loot. This square was also at the center of the problems caused by the reduction of job benefits in 1935. Here, during a horrific shootout near the end of World War II, German forces murdered innocent civilians.
Student protests and anti-Vietnam War demonstrations both took place here in the 1960s and 1970s. In recent years, Dam Square has been rather calm. The most recent rioting happened in 1980 during HRH Queen Beatrix’s investiture in Nieuwe Kerk.
3. Dam Square today
In order to stop the Zuiderzee sea from flooding the city, a dam was constructed around the Amstel river in the thirteenth century. The Dam Square hippies made the area famous in the 1960s. It is currently a popular tourist destination, so there will be plenty of entertainment.
There might be a carnival in the spring, or you can ride the vibrant Ferris wheel. During the summer, mimes and other street artists perform in front of curious bystanders.
4. Why do you have to visit Dam Square in Amsterdam?
Many historical landmarks around here
But without question, the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Palace) is the crowning glory of Dam Square‘s attractions. Even though the Dutch Royal family no longer resides here, this magnificent 17th-century structure is still used to host official ceremonies.
Other attractions worth visiting in Dam Square include Madame Tussauds, the renowned wax museum, the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk), frequently the site of significant art exhibitions, and Beurs van Berlage, a former stock exchange that is now a music venue and an exhibition space (located behind the Bijenkorf department store).
Famous national monument
Built-in honor of Dutch soldiers and resistance fighters who lost their lives in World War 2, the controversially phallic National Memorial statue is located on the south side of Dam Square.
The monument, which was unveiled in 1956, contains soil from all of the Dutch provinces as well as from the Dutch East Indies. The crests of the provinces are located at the back of the obelisk tower.
Don’t miss shopping!
There are several food stands, eateries, and stores, including the hip Magna Plaza and Bijenkorf. Additionally, the Amsterdam Diamond Center. Dam Square is so well-liked that there may even be a wait for a table at one of the many cafes and bars there.
A lot of Amsterdam’s attractions near Dam Square
Other attractions in the area include the Magna Plaza shopping center, the red light district, and Singel 7, which is home to Amsterdam’s narrowest house.
