Your Trip to the Netherlands: The Complete Guide SEE FULL GUIDE prev next Your Trip to the Netherlands: The Complete Guide Best Time to Visit Weather & Climate Airports in the Netherlands Getting Around the Netherlands Cities to Visit Complete Guide to Amsterdam Best Hotels in Amsterdam Amsterdam's Public Transportation Essential Dutch Phrases One Week in the Netherlands 48 Hours in Amsterdam Getaways From Amsterdam Top Things to Do in the Netherlands Castles to Visit in the Netherlands Best Things to Do in Amsterdam Things to Do With Kids in Amsterdam Shopping in Amsterdam Amsterdam's Top Markets Live Music in Amsterdam Amsterdam's Must-Visit Museums Guide to the Keukenhof Flower Gardens Must-Try Food in the Netherlands Craft Beer in the Netherlands Heineken Experience Amsterdam's Top Restaurants Nightlife in Amsterdam Your Trip to the Netherlands: The Complete Guide close Overview Europe Netherlands The 9 Best Things to Do in Dam Square, Amsterdam By Kristen de Joseph Kristen de Joseph Kristen de Joseph is a freelance writer, editor, and academic researcher for Leiden University. Her work has been featured in multiple Michelin guides for Amsterdam, Austria, and Germany. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 09/16/22 Paulo Amorim/Getty Images The next time you're in Amsterdam, follow the crowds of tourists (non-Dutch-speakers) from Amsterdam Central Station to the Damrak—a wide boulevard lined with souvenir shops that culminate at Dam Square. This city square, known as "The Dam," also marks the endpoint of other well-traveled streets like Nieuwendijk, Kalverstraat, and Damstraat. Dam Square is the triumphal checkpoint of countless visitors to Amsterdam and an ideal first stop punctuated by local attractions like the National Monument, the Royal Palace, the fifteenth-century "New Church," and De Bijenkorf for shopping. 01 of 09 Visit the National Monument Jara Dekker/EyeEm/Getty Images View Map Address Dam, 1012 JL Amsterdam, Netherlands Get directions Phone +31 20 624 1111 Rising out of the eastern side of Dam Square is a limestone obelisk known as Amsterdam's National Monument, created in 1956. It serves as the site of a yearly ceremony observed on May 4 (Dutch Memorial Day), remembering World War II and Dutch fallen soldiers. This work of art is a site to see, as the main pillar consists of four chained male figures, two male sculptures representing members of the Dutch resistance, weeping dogs, and a depiction of a woman with a child and doves flying above. Viewing the monument is free. And if you're there in May, don't miss the Remembrance Day ceremony, complete with lectures by a celebrated author. 02 of 09 Cruise the Canals Courtesy of iAmsterdam Enlist an electric boat to take you on a tour of Amsterdam's famous canals. While on board, learn about the history of the intricate network of waterways while kicking back with any libations you bring along. In the winter, outfits like Those Dam Boat Guys offered covered boats with heaters to make the float enjoyable. This laidback cruise meets at Cafe Wester near the Anne Frank house. Check out the "homework" on their site before you go. 03 of 09 Tour the Royal Palace Getty Images View Map Address Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, 1012 RJ Amsterdam, Netherlands Get directions Phone +31 20 522 6161 Web Visit website One of King Willem-Alexander 's three Netherlands residences, the Royal Palace on the Dam (Koninklijk Paleis), is the most historic, opulent, and for these reasons, the most visited of them all. The original structure was built as a town hall in the seventeenth century and modeled after Roman administrative palaces. The palace's balcony has historical significance as the introductory place of Queen Beatrix in 1980, and then the consummatory location where Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima kissed in view of the public to seal their marriage in 2002. After a substantial renovation from 2005 to 2009, the palace was re-opened for visitors to tour revolving exhibitions. 04 of 09 Peruse Art at the New Church Daniel Hernanz Ramos/Getty Images View Map Address De Dam, 1012 NL Amsterdam, Netherlands Get directions Phone +31 20 626 8168 Web Visit website The Gothic beauty that stands next to the Royal Palace is the 15th-century New Church (Nieuwe Kerk), built to alleviate the overpopulation of the Old Church (Oude Kerk). Services have since ceased, and now the church acts as an exhibition space for high-profile art exhibits and organ recitals. The space is also used for Dutch royal investiture ceremonies and royal weddings. Take a guided tour (available in 10 languages) to uncover the historical significance of the ancient architecture. Continue to 5 of 9 below. 05 of 09 Shop at De Bijenkorf Richard Wareham/Getty Images View Map Address Dam 1, 1012 JS Amsterdam, Netherlands Get directions Phone +31 20 808 9333 Web Visit website In a class of its own on Dam Square is De Bijenkorf ("The Beehive"), one of the Netherlands' premier department stores. Founded in 1870, it expanded from a modest storefront on a narrow street to its current, monumental home on the corner of Damrak and Dam Square. The store carries designer brands of men's, women's, and children's fashion and shoes, as well as cosmetics, accessories, toys, and homeware. Bijenkorf is a must-visit for avid shoppers. And even reluctant goers will appreciate a quick visit. Non-shoppers can hang out in the store's coffee shop, too. 06 of 09 Visit Madame Tussauds Steve Montgomery View Map Address Dam 20, 1012 NP Amsterdam, Netherlands Get directions Phone +31 20 522 1010 Web Visit website The Netherlands' own wax statue museum borders Dam Square and provides a fantastic view of the city from its upper-floor windows. Founded in 1970, the museum was the first of its kind to open in Europe after Britain's flagship debut. This effortless introduction to Dutch pop culture makes an excellent stop for families with kids. Check out wax statues of Queen Beatrix and DJ Tiesto, as well as those of Lady Gaga and Barack Obama. 07 of 09 Browse the Windows in the Red Light District Getty Images/Atlantide Phototravel/Corbis/VCG View Map Address Oudezijds Achterburgwal, 1012 DA Amsterdam, Netherlands Get directions When night falls, adults only can head to the northeast corner of the square to stroll Amsterdam's famous red-light district. Here you'll be among crowds of bachelors, bachelorettes, and cruise-ship passengers googling over the window entertainment. Watch as college boys haggle with scantily-clad women—a true testament to the legality of prostitution in the Netherlands. If you're not there in search of services, book a tour guided by former red-light ladies and get the inside scoop on the industry. 08 of 09 Smoke Cannibis at a Coffeeshop Jason Friend/Getty Images View Map Address Handboogstraat 29, 1012 XM Amsterdam, Netherlands Get directions Phone +31 20 638 0705 Web Visit website Many visitors go to Amsterdam to partake in their loose laws surrounding marijuana. And this city's "coffeeshops" (aka, "cannabis clubs") are world-renowned. At Dampkring, Amsterdam's original and most famous coffee shop, newcomers can feel welcome by their unintimidating vibe. The spacious feel, warm customer service, and the melting pot of customers—from tourists to locals and artists to business people—make any first-timer feel like they've walked into their own neighborhood bar. Continue to 9 of 9 below. 09 of 09 Explore Curiosities at Ripley's Believe It or Not View Map Address Dam 21, 1012 JS Amsterdam, Netherlands Get directions Phone +31 20 369 7120 Web Visit website Smack dab in the middle of Dam Square is a newer attraction found in many worldwide cities. At Ripley's Believe It or Not, Amsterdam, you can browse rare artifacts, play interactive games, check out a gigantic wooden clog, and enjoy Dutch and American cuisine in their lounge. The attraction offers gold, silver, and bronze packages, complete with a canal cruise, a trip through a virtual reality simulator, and a non-alcoholic drink, depending on which package you choose. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Share Pin Email