Dam Square (De Dam) is the historic heart of Amsterdam, born from a dam thrown across the Amstel river around 1270 that gave the city both its shape and its name. Ringed by the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis), the 15th-century Gothic Nieuwe Kerk, the 22-metre National Monument to the WWII dead, Madame Tussauds and the De Bijenkorf department store, it is the city's main gathering place, alive with performers, pigeons, protests and passers-by. In 2026 the Palace's exterior remains under long-running restoration while its interiors stay open, and the square itself is a free, round-the-clock public space that most visitors cross on the way to everything else.
Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis): a Golden Age masterpiece built as the city hall (1648–1655) by architect Jacob van Campen and turned into a palace under Louis Napoleon in 1806; don't miss the vast Citizens' Hall and paintings by Rembrandt's pupils Flinck and Bol
National Monument (Nationaal Monument): a 22-metre travertine pillar honouring WWII victims, focus of the national Remembrance ceremony every 4 May when the monarch and prime minister lay wreaths during two minutes of silence
Nieuwe Kerk: the Gothic 'New Church' beside the Palace, used for royal inaugurations and weddings and now a striking exhibition space
Surrounding landmarks: Madame Tussauds wax museum and the upscale De Bijenkorf, with the lively Damrak promenade leading down to Centraal Station
Seasonal spectacle: the huge King's Day (27 April) crowds and the travelling funfair (kermis) that fills the square at times such as spring and the year-end holidays
Good to know
CautionBeware clipboard 'charity petitions' and staged bumps: someone asks for a signature or blocks your path while an accomplice goes for your wallet or phone. Politely decline surveys and keep walking.
SafetyDam Square, the Damrak, Centraal Station and the Red Light District are Amsterdam's top pickpocket zones, especially when boarding the museum trams 2 and 5. Keep phone, wallet and passport in a zipped front pocket and wear backpacks on your chest in crowds.
RulesOn GVB trams, buses and metro you must tap a contactless card or OV-chipkaart both on boarding and on leaving; forgetting to tap out triggers the maximum fare. Check current fares and payment options before you ride.
RulesThe Royal Palace is still a working royal residence and can close at short notice for state functions. Check the official opening calendar before visiting and book online for busy dates.
SeasonThe square is intensely crowded in the April–September high season and on King's Day (27 April). Reserve accommodation and tickets well ahead and guard your belongings tightly when moving through the crush.
MannersThe National Monument is a war memorial, not seating: don't sit on its steps or climb it, and stay quiet and respectful around the 4 May remembrance. Watch too for trams and cycle lanes that cut across the square.
SeasonThis open, near-coastal square is often windy and wet. Pack a waterproof jacket and a compact umbrella, and wear shoes with grip for the slick cobblestones.
Practical info
From Amsterdam Centraal it is about a 750-metre, 10-minute walk south along the Damrak, and several tram lines serve the 'Dam' stop. The square is free and open 24 hours; the Royal Palace opens more than 230 days a year, daily 10:00–18:00 in 2026 (adults around €13.50, free under 17, audio tour included), but opening days and prices change, so always confirm the latest details on the official website before you go.
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