Dam Square Survival Guide: History, Scams & The Ultimate Verdict.

Explore Dam Square, the heart of Amsterdam. Discover the Royal Palace, Madame Tussauds, best hotels, and avoid tourist traps with our local guide.

Ekin Yalgın

January 21, 2026·6 min read

Dam Square Survival Guide: History, Scams & The Ultimate Verdict.

You have just landed in Amsterdam and are looking for the starting point. Dam Square is exactly where you need to be. It is not just a square; it is the beating heart of the city where the Amstel River was once dammed in the 13th century giving the city its name. Today it serves as a chaotic yet fascinating junction where history meets modern tourism. Whether you are here for the Royal Palace or just to watch the street performers, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Why is Dam Square the Heart of Amsterdam?

This square is where Amsterdam began. It started as a simple dam on the Amstel River to prevent the Zuiderzee from flooding the city. Over centuries it transformed from a fish market into the grand center of Dutch royal and political power.

When you stand here, you are standing on 800 years of history. It is often crowded and noisy but that is part of its charm. You will see pigeons flying overhead, tourists snapping photos, locals rushing by on bicycles, and street artists performing everything from living statues to breakdancing. It is the perfect spot to feel the pulse of the city before you dive into the quieter canal rings.

Top Things to See & Do on Dam Square

Most visitors walk through the square without realizing how many landmarks surround them. Here are the spots you should actually visit.

The Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis)

Dominating the west side of the square is the Royal Palace. It was built in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, originally as a City Hall. It only became a royal palace later when Napoleon's brother, Louis Napoleon, moved in.

You might think it is closed to the public because it is still an official palace used by the King for state visits, but it is actually open to visitors most of the year. The highlight inside is the Citizens' Hall (Burgerzaal). It is a massive marble hall representing the universe with maps of the world on the floor and Atlas carrying the sky on his shoulders.

If the Dutch flag is flying, it usually means the King is in the country, but not necessarily in the building. You should definitely check the official calendar before you go, as it closes for royal events.

De Nieuwe Kerk (The New Church)

Right next to the palace stands the Nieuwe Kerk. Despite its name meaning New Church, it dates back to the 15th century. It is no longer used for weekly services. Instead, it serves as the coronation church for Dutch monarchs and a venue for high-profile art and photography exhibitions.

The interior is stunning with its high vaulted ceilings and stained glass. If you have a Museumkaart or an I amsterdam City Card, you can often enter for free or at a discount. Even if you do not go inside, the architecture from the outside is worth admiring.

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

You will likely see a long line of people waiting in front of a large building on the corner. That is Madame Tussauds. If you enjoy pop culture and want selfies with lifelike wax figures of celebrities, royals, and historical figures, this is the place.

A little insider tip: The large round window on the top floor offers one of the best panoramic views of Dam Square itself. It is a great photo opportunity that many people miss. To avoid the longest queues, try to visit early in the morning or later in the evening.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

If you are traveling with teenagers or just enjoy the weird and wonderful, Ripley’s is located on the Damrak side of the square. It houses a collection of oddities, shrunken heads, and interactive optical illusions. It is less about history and more about entertainment, making it a good break from the museums.

The National Monument

On the opposite side of the square stands a 22-meter tall white stone pillar. This is the National Monument, built in 1956 to honor the victims of World War II. It is the most important memorial in the Netherlands. Every year on May 4th, the King and Queen lay a wreath here during the National Remembrance Day ceremony.

In the 1960s and 70s, this spot was famous for being the gathering place for Damsleepers and hippies from all over the world. Today, it is a popular meeting point for walking tours and locals meeting up with friends. Note that sitting on the monument itself is generally tolerated, but it is respectful to keep the steps clear during ceremonies.

Shopping & Dining: Where to Take a Break?

Dam Square is not just for sightseeing; it is also a prime shopping destination.

De Bijenkorf: This is Amsterdam's premier luxury department store, located right on the square. Think of it as the Harrods of the Netherlands. Even if you are not planning to buy designer brands, head to the top floor. There is a restaurant called The Kitchen that serves decent food with a surprisingly good view over the rooftops of the city.

Magna Plaza: Behind the Royal Palace, you will find a stunning neo-Gothic building that looks like a castle. It used to be the main post office but is now a high-end shopping mall called Magna Plaza. The architecture inside is beautiful. It is a great place to escape the rain or grab a coffee.

Dining Tips: Be careful with the restaurants directly on the square or the main strip (Damrak). Many of them are typical tourist traps with high prices and average quality. For a better culinary experience, walk just five minutes away from the square into the side streets like the Warmoesstraat or towards the Spui area.

Where to Stay near Dam Square?

Staying here means you are in the center of the action.

Luxury: The Hotel TwentySeven and NH Collection Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky are right on the square. The Krasnapolsky has a famous winter garden where you can have breakfast in style.
Convenience: There are many mid-range options in the narrow streets surrounding the square, but book well in advance as this is the most popular area in the city.

Practical Information for Visitors

How to Get There: Dam Square is a short 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. You just walk straight down the Damrak. If you have heavy luggage, you can take almost any tram from the station; most of them stop at the Dam stop.

Is Dam Square Safe? Yes, it is generally very safe, even at night. However, because it is so crowded with tourists, it is a hotspot for pickpockets. Keep your wallet in your front pocket and your bag zipped up, especially while watching street performers or standing in queues.

The Dam Context: You will see the word Dam everywhere. It refers to the original dam on the river. The entire city is named after it: Amstel + Dam = Amsterdam. Standing here means you are standing at the very reason the city exists.

The Trip Verdict

While Dam Square is the beating heart of Amsterdam, it can often feel like a tourist trap. Our verdict is to visit early in the morning for photos of the Royal Palace and Nieuwe Kerk, then quickly move on to the more charming canal belts or the Jordaan district for a more authentic Amsterdam experience.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Dam Square is generally safe to visit at night due to the constant presence of crowds and regular police patrols. However, visitors should remain vigilant against pickpockets who target distracted tourists in this busy area, especially during street performances or when large groups gather near the National Monument.

Dam Square is located approximately 750 meters from Amsterdam Central Station, which translates to a short 10-minute walk straight down the Damrak avenue. Alternatively, travelers can take almost any tram departing from the station, as most lines make their first major stop directly at the square.

The primary attractions located directly on Dam Square include the Royal Palace Amsterdam, the 15th-century Nieuwe Kerk, and the National Monument. Additionally, the square is home to the famous Madame Tussauds wax museum and the luxury department store De Bijenkorf.

No, there is no entrance fee to visit Dam Square itself as it is a public open space accessible to everyone 24 hours a day. However, specific attractions located on the square, such as the Royal Palace, Madame Tussauds, and the Nieuwe Kerk, do require paid tickets for entry.

Yes, the Royal Palace Amsterdam is open to the public for visitors during most of the year when it is not being used for official state functions. Visitors can explore the grand Citizens' Hall and various chambers, and an audio guide is typically included with the admission ticket to explain the history.

You should plan to spend about 30 to 45 minutes at Dam Square if you are simply walking around to admire the architecture and watch street performers. If you intend to visit the interior of attractions like the Royal Palace or Madame Tussauds, you should allocate at least 2 to 3 hours for your full visit.

The best time to visit Dam Square is early in the morning before 10:00 AM if you want to take photos without massive crowds. Conversely, if you want to experience the lively atmosphere with street performers and the buzz of the city, the afternoon and early evening are the most energetic times to be there.

The National Monument is a large white limestone pillar erected in 1956 to commemorate the Dutch victims of World War II and subsequent armed conflicts. It holds significant historical value and serves as the central site for the national Remembrance of the Dead ceremony held annually on May 4th.

Published in

Netherlands