Dam Square, Amsterdam

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This was the first place we stopped at. It was close to our hotel,within walking distance and we just sort of run into this place. It is said that this is where Amsterdam began. It was in the 13th century that a dam was built across the Amstel River. This is also how Amsterdam got its name. Right on this dam. Here the square is surrounded by the Royal Palace, Nieuwe Kerk (new church), The National Monument and Madame Tussaud's. There are alot of people around here,tourists, as well as local entertainers. Everyone is taking pictures here and its a busy spot. This is where you can find the citys ost imortant monuments.

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Dam Square is the main town square in Amsterdam. Its notable buildings and frequent events (as street artists) make it one of the most well-known and important locations in the city. It lies in the historical center of Amsterdam, not far from the main transportation hub, Centraal Station. It is roughly rectangular in shape. A short distance beyond the northeast corner lies the main red-light district, de Wallen. On the west end of the square is the neoclassical Royal Palace, beside it are the 15th-century Gothic Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and the Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. The National Monument, a white stone pillar erected in 1956 to memorialize the victims of World War II, dominates the opposite side of the square. Also overlooking the plaza are the NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky and the upscale department store De Bijenkorf.

La Plaza Dam es la principal de plaza de Ámsterdam. Sus destacados edicios y los frecuentes eventos (como espectáculos callejeros) convierten la plaza es uno de los lugares más importantes de la ciudad. Se encuentra en el centro de Ámsterdam, no lejos del príncipal polo de transportes, la Estación Central. Es prácticamente rectangular. A muy poca distancia de su esquina noreste está el principal barrio rojo, el Wallen. Al oeste se encuentra el neoclásico Palacio Real, junto a él la iglesia gótica del siglo XV Nieuwe Kerk (Nueva Iglesia) y el museo de cera Madame Tusseaud's. El Monumento Nacional, un pilar de piedra blanca erigido en 1956 para recordar a las víctimas de la II Guerra Mundial, domina el lado opuesto de la plaza. También dominando la plaza se encuentran el Gran Hotel NH Krasnapolsky y el enorme centro comercil De Bijenkorf.

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I'd heard a fair bit about Dam square being overly clogged with tourists and dirty, well it certainly wasn't dirty and there weren't as many tourists as I expected when we were there (though we did go mid Feb, not really peak season), but I think Dam square represents the whole of Amsterdam in that it may not be 'conventionally' beautiful, but it has an atmosphere completely unique to the city.

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A must visit, and if your lucky youll see the outdoor urinals they shamlessly place right in the square! See street performers here, who get really creative with the proper influence. One hippy was playing a type of steel drum. hilarious! he was so into it! While enjoying the show, watch out for hardcore bicycle lane commuters, trams roaring through, people and cars! ahh!

The square was packed because of the protest that took place earlier in the day. Its a great place for people watching and for taking pictures. There are a lot of performers in the square. I took a few pictures but we didn't stay long.

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I found the Dam square full of hustle and bustle, lots of people, some with work, others without, just people watching. It is a central area in Amsterdam close to the main railway station Centraal. The dam square hosts the Madame Tussaud's wax museum, the Royal palace and the national monument and is also an entry or exit way to the famous Red Light District. However, while I have heard a lot of people going there just for people watching, I had a different experience. I came across a variety of vehicles there and was impressed. So here are some of them.

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Dam Square is the grandest square in Amsterdam. I stumbled on the square purely by accident (well, many of my discoveries have been found by accident, and sometimes it's a nice way to discover places).

There is some impressive architecture about. It also includes Madame Tussaud's wax museum, the New Church, the National Monument and the Royal Palace. There are many places to shop just off the square.

This is the main public square in Amsterdam full of people. There are several mimes who entertain the kids. The city palace, new church and Tussaud's wax museum are located here. There is also an obelisc to commemorate the war dead.