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TLDR: Dam Square is the historical and geographical center of Amsterdam, located just a 5-minute walk from Central Station. It is home to the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and Madame Tussauds. The square is a bustling hub for events, street performers, and shopping, connecting the famous streets of Damrak and Rokin.
As the spot where Amsterdam was founded in the 13th century (literally at the "Dam" on the Amstel river), Dam Square is the first stop for most visitors. Flanked by the Royal Palace on one side and the National Monument on the other, it is a chaotic, vibrant mix of history and tourism.
This guide covers the top things to see on the square, current 2026 visitor tips, and how to spot the hidden details most tourists miss.
What is the story behind Dam Square?
Dam Square began as – yes - a dam.
In the 13th century, early settlers constructed a dam in the Amstel River to manage water levels. This rudimentary barrier became a hub for trade and activity. By the 14th century, it was officially the centre of the growing city, with merchants, fishmongers, and artisans flocking to its edges.
As Amsterdam’s wealth surged in the Golden Age, the square became home to some of its most important institutions:
- The Royal Palace (originally the City Hall, built in the 17th century)
- De Nieuwe Kerk, a Gothic church used for royal events
- The Weigh House, used to assess imported goods
- And eventually, the National Monument, a post-WWII memorial
The square has seen revolutions, executions, royal weddings, and protests. And yet, it remains open, democratic, and constantly alive - a symbol of how cities evolve around their common ground.
Why is Dam Square famous?
The short answer: Because everything important in Amsterdam either started here or still happens here.
Here’s why it stands out:
- It’s Amsterdam’s historical and geographical heart.
- It hosts major national ceremonies, including the National Remembrance Day on May 4th.
- It features two architectural icons: The Royal Palace and De Nieuwe Kerk, both central to the Dutch monarchy.
- It’s a cultural free zone: expect to see living statues, breakdancers, protests, and parades - sometimes all at once.
The square also witnessed tragic events, like the Dam Square shooting on May 7, 1945, where celebratory crowds were attacked by German soldiers who hadn’t yet surrendered. Over 30 people died - an incident still remembered each year during Remembrance Day.
How far is Dam Square to Red Light District?
The Red Light District (De Wallen) is just a 5-minute walk from Dam Square - closer than most people realize.
To get there:
- Head east along Damstraat or Warmoesstraat, and you’ll soon be amid the winding alleys, glowing windows, and canals of Amsterdam’s most famous neighborhood.
It’s this closeness that often surprises visitors. Dam Square and the Red Light District offer stark contrasts: royal ceremonies and radical freedoms, stately palaces and red-lit windows, pigeons and protestors. That contrast is the essence of Amsterdam.
If you're curious how these worlds collide and coexist, the StoryHunt audio tour offers brilliant insights into both stops.
What to do at Dam Square?
Beyond just standing in the middle and taking photos, you can tour the Royal Palace (tickets approx. €12.50) to see the stunning Citizen's Hall. For shopping, head into De Bijenkorf for luxury brands or walk down Kalverstraat, the high-street shopping pedestrian zone that starts right at the square.
Here are the top 5 things to see on Dam Square:
- The Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis): The King’s official reception palace (open to visitors when he is not there).
- The National Monument: A white stone obelisk honoring WWII victims; a popular meeting point.
- Nieuwe Kerk (New Church): A 15th-century church now used for art exhibitions and royal weddings.
- Madame Tussauds: The famous wax museum located above the Peek & Cloppenburg store.
- De Bijenkorf: The city’s most luxurious department store, located on the northeast corner.
What happens in Dam Square?
On any given day, a lot can happen in Dam Square. It’s a space that morphs with the mood of the city.
Here’s a snapshot:
- Royal events and public holidays: Think King’s Day, royal inaugurations, and Remembrance Day.
- Street performances: Magicians, musicians, human statues, and everything in between.
- Political demonstrations: The square is a constitutional free speech zone, so you’ll often see rallies or silent protests.
- Holiday celebrations: In December, it hosts a massive Christmas tree donated annually by Norway.
The square is also lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants - though for a more local feel, step a few blocks away. And for a deeper understanding of what these events mean, StoryHunt’s immersive narration adds the historical and emotional layers tourists often miss.
What is the obelisk in Dam Square?
The tall white monument in the centre of Dam Square is the National Monument, often mistaken for an ancient obelisk.
It was built in 1956 by Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud, and it’s a memorial to the victims of World War II and a place for national mourning and reflection. Each May 4th, the Dutch monarch and prime minister attend a solemn ceremony here, placing wreaths and observing two minutes of silence.
The monument includes:
- Sculptures of chained figures symbolizing oppression and liberation
- Urns containing soil from every Dutch province, as well as from former Dutch colonies
Is Dam Square in the centre of Amsterdam?
Yes, Dam Square is the absolute center of Amsterdam. It connects the medieval center to the newer canal rings.
All distances in the city are traditionally measured from here. It sits at the end of Damrak, the main avenue leading from the train station.
How to get to Dam Square?
- Walking: It is a straight 5-7 minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station down the Damrak.
- Tram: Nearly every tram line stops here. Lines 4, 14, and 24 stop at "Dam" (on the Rokin side), and lines 2, 12, 13, and 17 stop at "Dam" (on the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal side).
Is it worth seeing Dam Square?
Yes - but it’s even more rewarding when you know what you're looking at.
Some travellers write off Dam Square as “just another touristy plaza.” But if you dig even a little beneath the surface, you’ll find that it’s a living archive of Amsterdam’s identity.
From medieval market stalls to royal parades, from occupation to liberation, from protest to performance - everything happens here.
What else is nearby Dam Square?
You're surrounded by some of Amsterdam’s most iconic and culturally rich sites, all of which are stops on the StoryHunt Discover Amsterdam audio walk. Here are four nearby attractions:
- De Nieuwe Kerk - Located right on Dam Square, this 15th-century Gothic church now hosts major art exhibitions and royal ceremonies. Visit nieuwekerk.nl for current exhibitions.
- Kalverstraat - One of Europe’s busiest shopping streets, stretching south from Dam Square. It’s historic, chaotic, and the perfect blend of old meets new.
- Begijnhof - Just a few minutes away, this serene medieval courtyard offers a peaceful contrast to the square’s energy. A truly hidden gem.
- Bloemenmarkt - Amsterdam’s floating flower market, a short walk down Rokin. Great for tulip bulbs, souvenirs, and canal-side atmosphere.
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