Dam Square
Dam Square
4
About
All roads lead to Dam Square, the real heart of Amsterdam, where The Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk and the War Memorial overlook this vast and bustling open space.
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Top ways to experience Dam Square
The area
Neighbourhood: Burgwallen-Nieuwe Zijde
How to get there
- Nieuwmarkt • 8 min walk
- Centraal Station • 10 min walk
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
3,924 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,056 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Chief1797Poway, California166 contributionsGreat meeting spot and a center for other attractionsThe Square itself is not so much an attraction, but a place to see where many other parts of the city come together. The main shopping center, the Red Light District, The Royal Palace and many souvenir stores. It also can be a meeting place for you and your group. It's large and can be very crowded and the time we were there, quite trashy. It's a people watch mecca if that's your thing with a lot of cafes and restaurants around the area.Visited March 2023Written 26 March 2023
- docrogers423Cleveland, Tennessee21 contributionsA must seeOur tour guide Sebastian, explained the different statues and the meaning of the poses. It certainly makes you think of what it was like and how Amsterdam evolved. If you venture out, please pick up something explaining the meaning of the statue, you will be moved.Visited May 2023Written 19 May 2023
- LeonhknyHong Kong, China14,495 contributionsHeart of AmsterdamThis huge, encompassing square is the heart of Amsterdam. A typical national gathering place with the royal palace at the center, it is always busy and popular among both locals and tourists. This is also the best option to people-watch.Visited June 2023Written 4 June 2023
- Melyssa L11 contributionsVery cool!This area is a great place to visit as there is always something going on - from food trucks to street performers! Plus you are just steps away from lots of restaurants and shopping. Also, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is just off the square and it is a must visit, especially if you have a teenager like myself! In conclusion, if you are coming to Amsterdam, take a sec to stroll through Dam Square and see what is happening!Visited June 2023Written 28 June 2023
- Tin_ManilaManila, Philippines379 contributionsA great place to appreciate beautiful architecture and people watchWe walked from Amstel all the way to Dam Square. Did a little window shopping along the way, and stayed in the Square to do a picnic while admiring the architecture and watching tourists. It's a busy place but worth the visit.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 July 2023
- gfsc5Perth, Australia1,479 contributionsThe heart of AmsterdamDam Square is almost the heart of Amsterdam. Full of tourists, full of pigeons, full of action, surrounded by some great buildings (The Royal Palace is the best), close to shopping, a stepping-off point for an array of other tourist destinations. A must see if visiting this lovely city.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 August 2023
- dg2014jgMagnolia, Texas920 contributionsKeep looking up to see the beauty of this squareI suppose at one point in time this was a beautiful area for people to gather. Unfortunately, the litter destroyed the atmosphere for me. The crowds and pigeons were expected but not the litter. Again, best to look up when in Amsterdam in order to admire the beautiful architecture.Visited July 2023Written 15 August 2023
- Coryy20Port of Spain, Trinidad4,837 contributionsThe main square of AmsterdamThis square is quite picturesque. It is the.melting pot of all visitors to Amsterdam. Whether hanging around or just passing through, it a full of vibrancy. I got my feel and smell (weed-filled) of the city at this square. Because it was the first place I visited in the city.Visited November 2022Travelled soloWritten 23 August 2023
- NICHOLAS TDubai, United Arab Emirates5,917 contributionsNice central spaceThis is an impressive sized square surrounded by lots of large imposing buildings and adorned with monuments. As well as the Royal Palace, there is a huge Madame Tussaud’s. The square links lots of the main tourist areas of Amsterdam.Visited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 7 September 2023
- MKTBETopeka, Kansas3,053 contributionsIt Is a Dam Large Square!!Dam Square and Dam Palace lie in the heart of Amsterdam, at the original location of the dam in the Amstel River. It is a large, bustling square where people gather, and there are numerous shops and cafes that line the square. There is also a National Monument an important memorial to World War II. Dam Palace, Dam Square, Dam pictures and YES, my husband had to make some dam jokes!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
15,472 reviews
Excellent
5,686
Very good
5,672
Average
3,297
Poor
615
Terrible
203
Ron
Savannah, GA892 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Large square full of tourists. Nothing was happening there when we visited. Not as exciting as main squares in Brussels, Madrid or Cracow.
Written 2 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vadim
Murmansk, Russia26,794 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
In the XIII century, there was no square here, but there was an empty place where freshly caught fish were sold. Around 1270, local fishermen built a dam and a lock on the Amstel, and a fishing village of a dozen houses was named Amsteledamme. Now it is the symbolic center of Amsterdam. The square has two dominants facing each other - the Royal Palace and the national monument in honor of those killed in World War II. Despite the name, King Willem-Alexander does not live here, his residence is in The Hague. However, official events with his participation may take place here. But the weddings of the monarchs take place in the neighboring building- the Nieuwe Kerk, facing the square from the side. On the opposite side, where the national monument is located, there is a large department store De Bijenkorf, the Madame Tussaud Museum, the Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky and Hotel Twenty Seven. All these buildings were built at different times in different styles, but strangely enough, such eclecticism doesn`t spoil the Dam Square...
Written 28 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D R
2 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Had an amazing 4 nights here and am looking forward to returning later this year. Such a beautiful city.
Written 3 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noraatc
Sudbury, MA35,558 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Always busy, always crowded, but iconic nonetheless. The facade of the Royal Palace is impressive as well as the grand dame of Amsterdam hotels, Grand Hotel Krasnopolsky, facing the National Monument, which is not exactly a masterpiece. My favorite corner in Dam Square is the beautiful austere 15th-century Gothic revival masterpiece, the Nieuwe Kerk, which is one of the oldest churches in Amsterdam.
Written 31 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adrian w
San Francisco, CA3 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Dam Square is like the Times Square of Amsterdam, minus all the crappy traffic and people. It's a gorgeous, wide open area with several popular places such as Royal Palace, Madame Tussauds, and Bijenkorf. There are many shops and places to eat/drink. There is also easy access to a lot of the major trams that spreads throughout the city.
This is a great place to walk in the middle of and just take it all in. The people, the birds, and sometimes performances (even soccer games!) are just brings a great vibe and gives you that "I'm Here" feeling.
This is a great place to walk in the middle of and just take it all in. The people, the birds, and sometimes performances (even soccer games!) are just brings a great vibe and gives you that "I'm Here" feeling.
Written 16 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tammyBaltimore_Md
Baltimore, MD2,350 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
Amongst the palace, church, museums, Madame Toussaint, and tons of shopping, interesting place to check out, easy walkable from Central Station
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paul19602013
Brighton, UK932 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Very busy square in the centre of Amsterdam with lots of bars and restaurants. Lots of places to visit and sights to see including the Royal Palace, National Monument and Madame Tussards.
Written 15 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leanneastridge
Eastbourne, UK346 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
A great place , with some very good bars , restaurants and shops . Located centrally in the middle of everything . We used all the bars on the square and some of the shops .
Written 10 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MKTBE
Topeka, KS3,053 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Dam Square and Dam Palace lie in the heart of Amsterdam, at the original location of the dam in the Amstel River. It is a large, bustling square where people gather, and there are numerous shops and cafes that line the square. There is also a National Monument an important memorial to World War II. Dam Palace, Dam Square, Dam pictures and YES, my husband had to make some dam jokes!
Written 2 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
michael w
Heywood, UK1,437 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Fantastic square central Amsterdam always something going on has a real buzz about the place central to bars and restaurants
Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jochapman
Newport, UK1 contribution
Looking for somewhere nice to go for a meal for my birthday ..
Solodam J
Amsterdam, The Netherlands35,357 contributions
There is a lot of restaurants in this area. All kind of cuisine. Check it by Google map. Don't forget to make a reservation concerning the covid-19 because they need to know how many guests could get in.
leonelb1318
Montevideo, Uruguay16 contributions
me gustaría alojarme cerca de dicha Plaza Dam pero, no encuentro precios un poco mas accesibles dado que el cambio no favorece mucho . Gracias si se puede recibir alguna información ,tal vez de algún hostal,
gdcfamily
Morfelden-Walldorf, Germany233 contributions
Sorry, but I can’t answer Your question
Flora Loie C
New York City, NY2 contributions
What’s the best hotel with breakfast in dam square
Mohsin M
Edinburgh, UK307 contributions
Hi I have never stayed at a hotel in or around Dam Square. Unless you have a specific reason to stay there choose a hotel based on price/location/breakfast in the rest of the city and you may find better value. Amsterdam is not that big a city so transport is reasonable and efficient. Hope someone can point you to a hotel. thanks
Inspiration614610
Al-Rayyan, Qatar
Which is a good hotel to stay in with children for 2 nights in July to make the most of our trip to Amsterdam to see the sights?
Annabel T
19 contributions
I stayed in Max Brown Hotel in the museum quarter - a bit further afield from the city centre but it is near all the museums and it is full of families in that area as well as open green spaces.
Jeanetteaussie02
Dubai, United Arab Emirates38 contributions
Where are the Christmas markets in Amsterdam we will be there next week. Thanks
dazlious
Berlin, Germany1 contribution
Today, there was a small (around 20 places) christmas market with ice skating next to the „i amsterdam“ sign. Hope that helps
Marty Magennis
Cabinteely, Ireland4 contributions
Christmas market
playataurito
merseyside26 contributions
Xmas market ?
Unsure what you mean
Every European city has a Christmas market normally from the 16th of Dec onwards
Tara W
71 contributions
Hello, I visited Amsterdam 2 years ago in October and they had a fair on dam square... does anybody know if this is running this year as would like to book again for the same time.
Catherine R
15 contributions
Funfair in Dam Square will be held this year Thursday 10/19/17 - Sunday, 10/29/17. Hours will be Friday and Saturday 11:00 - 24:00 and Sunday - Thursday from 11:00 - 23:00.
mona c
9 contributions
Hello, I have just one day in Amsterdam so I want to see as many sights as I can. So I have a canal cruise, museumplein (no entrance to the museum) , vondelpark, dam square . Can anyone help me to put it in order ? How should I begin and than...? Thank you
Robin d
Purmerend, The Netherlands36 contributions
I also agree with Dutchtraveller007.. i'd like to wonder off to hidden gems Amsterdam has to offer. But in just one day seeing all seems impossible. Anne Frank house is a definitely must see! If you aren't lucky the waiting lines are awful. It's all worth it! With one prepaid public transportation card you'll be fine. It's easy and you can travel almost everywhere. Good luck! Questions?
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Claim your listingDAM SQUARE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Dam Square
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Dam Square:
- Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Food Tour (From €103.58)
- Anne Frank Guided Walking Tour through Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter (From €29.37)
- Amsterdam Highlights Small-Group Walking Tour (From €32.95)
- Private City Kickstart Tour: Amsterdam (From €79.21)
- Anne Frank and Jewish Culture Private Walking Tour in Amsterdam (From €124.91)
- Hotels near Dam Square:
- (0.06 km) Dam Square Suite
- (0.06 km) Hotel Twenty Seven
- (0.11 km) Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam
- (0.07 km) Swissotel Amsterdam
- (0.20 km) Boogaard's Bed and Breakfast
- Restaurants near Dam Square:
- (0.06 km) ROYAL98
- (0.08 km) Restaurant Bougainville
- (0.15 km) Melly's Cookie Bar
- (0.15 km) FuLu Mandarijn Amsterdam
- (0.13 km) Louis Bar
- Attractions near Dam Square:
- (0.00 km) Picture Perfect Game
- (0.00 km) Walk & Dine Amsterdam
- (0.01 km) Tourist Run Amsterdam
- (0.01 km) Buendia Tours
- (0.01 km) IJmond Tours