Dam Square
Dam Square in Short:
- Age: All ages
- Time needed to visit: (If you only want to see the square and take some pictures) 20 minutes
- Where in Amsterdam: Dam, 1012 NP Amsterdam
- Discount possible?: Not applicable, it is free!
- Can you use the Iamsterdam pass?: Not needed, visiting the Dam Square is free.
- Neighborhood: Amsterdam City Center
- Close to: Royal Palace Amsterdam, Kalverstraat, Nieuwendijk, Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
The Dam Square (De Dam) in Amsterdam is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in the city. Located in the heart of the Dutch capital, it is the main public square in Amsterdam and is home to many iconic buildings and monuments. The square itself has been around since the 13th century and was originally an area of reclaimed land in the middle of the Amstel River.
Famous monuments and buildings on Dam Square
The Royal Palace
The most famous landmark on the Dam Square is the Royal Palace, which is located on the east side of the square. The palace was originally built as a city hall in the 17th century and was later converted into a royal palace for the Dutch royal family. The palace is a popular tourist attraction and is home to various stately rooms.
Nieuwe Kerk
Other buildings on the square include the Nieuwe Kerk, a 15th century church, and the New Church, a 17th century Protestant church.
The Dam Square also has a number of monuments and statues. The most famous of these is the National Monument, a large stone monument dedicated to the victims of World War II.
The National Monument on Dam Square
The Dam Square is also home to a number of shops, cafes, and restaurants. The two major shopping streets, Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk, can also be found next to the Dam Square.
The 2 Famous Shopping Streets next to the Dam Square
The Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk shopping streets in Amsterdam are two of the most popular shopping areas in the city. They are the main shopping destinations for both locals and tourists alike.
Kalverstraat
Kalverstraat is one of the oldest shopping streets in Amsterdam, dating back to the 16th century and is home to a wealth of shops and fastfood restaurants like the iconic Dutch FEBO, McDonald’s and Burgerking. It is one of the most famous shopping streets in the city and it is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Kalverstraat is known for its wide selection of shops like H&M, Pull&Bear, MANGO and Timberland.
Nieuwendijk
Nieuwendijk is another popular shopping street in Amsterdam. It is located on the other side of the Dam Square. The Nieuwendijk is also known for it’s wide selections of shop. Some shops are: Søstrene Grene, VANS Store, LUSH, Cheese & More by Henri Willig and H&M.
Crash course on the history of Dam Square
The Dam Square (locally known as De Dam) is the heart of Amsterdam and the historical center of the city. The Dam takes its name from the actual function that the square had in the beginning: it was namely a dam in the Amstel. It is believed that this dam was built between 1204 and 1275. The Dam Square has been an important gathering place since the 13th century.
Besides it was originally used as a dam in the Amstel River and a market space for the citizens of Amsterdam it was also a a parade ground in the 16th century. In 1650, the Dam Square was the site of the first public gathering of Jews in Amsterdam in over 150 years. In the same year, Portuguese Jews were given permission to build a synagogue in Amsterdam. This event marked the start of the Jewish community’s revival in Amsterdam.
The Dam Square has been the site of many historical events, including the inauguration (in 2013) of our current Dutch king Willem-Alexander at the Royal Palace on Dam Square. Today, the Dam Square is a popular tourist attraction and a hub for shopping and entertainment.
Some FAQ about the Dam Square
Why is Dam square in Amsterdam called Dam Square?
Dam Square is the name given to the area around the Dam, a medieval dam built in the 13th century to dam the Amstel river. The area was used as a gathering place for trade, activities and other events and eventually became the social center of Amsterdam. So a real dam was located here, so that is why it is (still) called the Dam Square!
Why is Dam Square famous?
Dam Square is famous for being the main square of Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. It is located in the historic city center and is the site of many popular attractions, including the Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), Madame Tussauds, and the National Monument.
The square is also a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, as it two major shopping streets (Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk) are located just next to the Dam Square.
Who should visit the Dam Square?
The Dam Square is one of the most popular landmarks in Amsterdam and is visited by thousands of tourists every year. It is a great place to explore the city’s history and to sample some of the local culture. Whether you are looking to visit the Royal Palace, explore the monuments on the square, or looking for a place to shop in the adjacent streets, the Dam Square is a must-see destination and a place to go in Amsterdam.
4 Reasons why you should visit the Dam Square:
- History: The Dam Square in Amsterdam has centuries of history and is a great place to learn about the city’s past. The Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk, and the National Monument are all located on the square and are great examples of the city’s history.
- Shopping: The Dam Square is a great place to go shopping. There are a variety of stores, from luxury designer stores to souvenir shops. It is also home to the oldest luxery department store in the Netherlands, De Bijenkorf.
- Take beautiful pictures: The Dam Square is a perfect place if you want to take a picture of the city of Amsterdam. Dam Square is an iconic landmark in Amsterdam.
- Food: There are plenty of restaurants and cafés located close and behind the Dam Square, offering a variety of food from all over the world.