Dam Square

The true heart of Amsterdam, Dam Square is where all life and people of the city cross paths with each other.

All roads in Amsterdam lead to Dam Square. This is where no matter if you're a local, a traveller, an expat or whether it's your first time or 100th time, you would have had for sure walk by Dam Square. Flanked on all sides by jewels of the city, buildings like the Royal Palace, New Church, Hotel Krasnapolsky, and Madame Tussauds are pillars of Dam Square. Dating back to the 13th century, you can still feel the ornateness today.

The square itself is a wide-open meeting point, where you'll often see street acts and performers, walking tour groups, the casual pigeon feeder, as well as protests.

• During Christmas time, there is always a huge Christmas tree in the middle of Dam Square, all lit up.
• Across the street from Dam Square is the Dam Square monument. This obelisk monument commemorates the fallen Dutch soldiers who fought in WWII.