Dam Square is Amsterdam's central square, a ten-minute walk from Central Station along the Damrak. It stands on the site of the dam built across the Amstel, which gave the city its name. The Royal Palace closes its west side, the Nieuwe Kerk stands right next to it, and the National Monument faces the palace. The square is open to everyone, at any time and free of charge. It makes a convenient starting point: the shopping streets, the Red Light District, the Begijnhof and the canals are a few minutes' walk away.
Highlights
The National Monument
This 22-metre column of white travertine honours the victims of the Second World War. Designed by the architect J.J.P. Oud, with sculptures by John Rädecker, it was unveiled on 4 May 1956. The semicircular wall behind it holds urns containing soil and bears a poem by Adriaan Roland Holst.
The 4 May Remembrance
Every year on the evening of 4 May, the national remembrance ceremony takes place in front of the monument, attended by the King, with two minutes of silence at 8pm. The next day, 5 May, the Netherlands celebrates Liberation Day.
The Royal Palace
The former 17th-century town hall, designed by Jacob van Campen, takes up the whole west side of the square. It became a palace in 1808 under Louis Bonaparte, now serves as the King's reception palace and is open to visitors on days without official ceremonies.
The Nieuwe Kerk
This Gothic church, consecrated in 1409, has hosted the investiture of Dutch monarchs since 1814. Today it is an exhibition venue, with a separate ticket for each exhibition.
The Damrak and the shopping streets
The Damrak links the square to Central Station. The Kalverstraat runs south and the Nieuwendijk runs north: two pedestrian streets lined with shops. The De Bijenkorf department store stands on the corner of the Damrak, facing the National Monument.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Trams and many bicycles cross the square: look both ways before crossing the tracks and do not walk on the cycle lanes. In crowds, keep your bags closed and your phone in hand, as in any busy tourist spot. The steps of the National Monument are a place of remembrance: avoid picnicking there.
How to get there
Dam, 1012 JS Amsterdam. A 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal: leave by the main entrance (Stationsplein) and follow the Damrak straight ahead. GVB tram stop Dam: lines 4 and 14 in front of the palace, lines 2, 17 and 24 at the back and side of the palace. Metro 52, Rokin station (Dam exit), about 150 metres away.
Opening hours
Nearby
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