Dam Square, Amsterdam

Favorite thing: Dam Square is the heart of Amsterdam. The square gets it name from the obvious fact that there was at onetime a dam here that impeeded the flow of the Amstel river. Today Dam Square is a whirlwind of tourists and business people clammering about to get to the city's attractions and shops. Such major attractions as the Royal Palace, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum and the Nieuwe Kerk flank the square. From Dam Square there are many pedestrian malls stretching out through out all of the Central Amsterdam. Also the Red Light district and the Central train station are just a short walk away. In fact I took this picture as I was rushing off to the train station like so many other Amsterdam communters.

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Favorite thing: The ROYAL PALACE OF AMSTERDAM was built during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century. It is situated in the west side of Dam Square in the center of Amsterdam, next to the Nieuwe Kerk.
The Palace is used by Queen Beatrix for entertaining and official functions during state visits.
Tours are available.

Favorite thing: The monument in Dam square is the center for people to meet, wait and look around..

And once in an Amsterdam trip you would have such a chance to picture the monument without any people and just one car..

It looks so weird in the picture.. Cause it is almost not possible to see thiis place empty even in midnight.. But somehow I catch a picture like this.

It more looks like a place in a far east .. But this place is a real busy and active place in normal days..

Favorite thing: Dam Square

Fondest memory:
The building in picture is the Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace) on Dam Square.

Compairing with other grand palace in Europe, that's really a disappointing one. When I was there, the whole square in under reconstruction which made things worse.

There's also an ugly monument on this square, and I feel it looks like .... :-)

Fondest memory: While there in October, we managed to stumble upon this carnival in the Dam Square. The ferris wheel was HUGE. Because the apex of the wheel was twice as high as the 4-6 story buildings that are in the area, it gave us a great view of the city, especially at night. Plus, who doesn't like a carnival?

Favorite thing: The Royal Palace in Dam Square

This place is lovely, too bad I had no time to enter the Palace to visit.
The Dam area is crowded of people at all times day and night.
The Dam is actually a very large road that connects the center of the town. Shops all around here.
Please, all you dutch friends of mine, don't kill me if I say nonsenses!

Favorite thing: Check out this guy, he's a living statue. They are all over Europe, I don't really get it but people give them money. I give him credit, he was very much like a statue. So much so...a bird landed on his shoulder and left him a surprise. all right, maybe not. But, it could happen.

Favorite thing: These are some of the best spots for free people watching

Have a seat at our national monument (on pic) on Damsquare. It´s ideal for watching at all the fascinating people that come to Amsterdam and live there. The momument itself is for all Dutch people who died during World War II

If you don´t want to sit on cold stone try the Vondelpark, it´s situated near the Museumsquare. Jog with the locals, try on your skeelers, join in a soccerplay whatever. Also nice with a book and an icecream.

Last but not least is the Museumsquare. Join the crowd, sit back and relax. Once a year in August, there is an open air concert by the Concertgebouw orchestra, one off the best in the world.

Fondest memory: Amsterdam is a city to be strolled. Moments of quiet alleys and calm canals are mixed with bustling boulevards and grand palaces. Everywhere you go, there are scenes to be savoured. I know how cheesy that sounds, but it's true. And you don't even have to be stoned to enjoy it!

Favorite thing: The Royal Palace of Amsterdam was build in the 17th
century as the new city hall of Amsterdam. After the
signing of the peace treaty of Munster in 1648,
Amsterdam started to execute its ambitious plan for a
new city hall.
The city council chose Jacob van Campen's design for
a large and impressive building. The power and wealth
of the city of Amsterdam in the recently established
Republic of the Netherlands are reflected in the
building and its interior design.
These ideals have been portrayed in the sculptures by
Artus Quellien and in the paintings by e.g. Govert
Flinck and Ferdinand Bol.
When King Louis Napoleon came to Amsterdam in 1808 he
had the city hall turned into a royal palace. The
large collection of Empire style furniture,
chandeliers and clocks date from this period. The
palace is still used for official functions by her
Majesty the Queen. In the Summer the palace is open
to the public. Guided tours for groups can be
arranged by appointment all year round.

Exhibitions
October 14 till October 30 Royal Subsidy for painting,
Queen Beatrix makes this award to six youg Duth Artists.

Opening Hours
Summer months, Easter and October half term.
Every day from 12.30 pm. 5 pm.