Europe
The Netherlands
North Holland Province
Amsterdam
Things to Do in Amsterdam
Dam Square

Dam Square, Amsterdam: Address, Dam Square Reviews: 4/5

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Dam Square

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Dam Square
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#8 of 930 things to do in Amsterdam
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All roads lead to Dam Square, the real heart of Amsterdam, where The Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk and the War Memorial overlook this vast and bustling open space.
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The area
Neighborhood: Burgwallen-Nieuwe Zijde
How to get there
  • Nieuwmarkt • 8 min walk
  • Centraal Station • 10 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,133 within 3 miles
Restaurant Bougainville
225
258 ft$$$$ • International • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Ta Toru
172
521 ft$$ - $$$ • Asian • Fusion • Healthy
Palmyra Syrian Restaurant
295
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Lebanese • Middle Eastern • Arabic
Mortimer Amsterdam
418
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Dutch • Cafe • European
Bar The Tailor
258
445 ft$$ - $$$ • Bar • International • European
Cuddle
797
0.2 mi$ • Bar • International • Grill
Juice by Nature
168
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • International • European
Dal Pagliaccio
168
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Healthy • Neapolitan
De Koffieschenkerij
416
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Dutch • Cafe
Rob Wigboldus Vishandel
818
0.1 mi$ • Dutch • Seafood • Fast Food
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Attractions
962 within 6 miles
Dam tot Damloop
5
90 ftSporting Events
Amsterdam Irie Tours
3
131 ftHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
7,260
186 ftSpeciality Museums
Royal Palace Amsterdam
3,359
236 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Amsterdam
1,157
283 ftSpeciality Museums
De Bijenkorf
817
271 ftDepartment Stores
World Press Photo
63
384 ftSpeciality Museums
National Monument
446
252 ftMonuments & Statues
Body Worlds
5,033
0.1 miSpeciality Museums • Science Museums
Nieuwe Kerk
751
0.1 miSpeciality Museums
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
15,310 reviews
Excellent
5,625
Very good
5,610
Average
3,266
Poor
611
Terrible
199
Lance_Wanderweg
Salt Lake City, UT49 contributions
The Dam: where tourist and more tourist collide
Apr 2022
I don't know if every tourist HAS to go to this spot, but it seems like they all do. When the weather is good, the square is filled with hawkers, street performers, tourists and pigeons. It seems that all roads lead to Dam Square.
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rich_PL
Grimsby, UK29 contributions
If you visit Amsterdam, you're almost certain to pass through here.
Sep 2019
A real hub to the city, and with all the transport links you'd care for with pretty easy to understand route details. As this is the nexus to the city you can either walk or tram to nearly anywhere you'd like.

There are lots of tourist focused shops, including the gaudy 'pot shops' but all the same it's wonderful to explore, there are many great places to find among the busy streets including attractions and restaurants. It's very easy to lose an entire day just exploring.

It can get very busy, and while I'm overly anxious of tourist pick-pocket traps when I travel Amsterdam feels a lot more secure than nearly every other city I've ever visited. The streets are kept clean so it's just a good place to be.

There are public toilets (the easiest one's are inside the tourist information centre) but there is a fee, so make sure you have change!
Written March 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Followeveryrainbow
Ra'anana, Israel390 contributions
It's just a big square
Apr 2022
I don't know why Trip Advisor even offers a square like this for review. Yes, it's the city's main square, always bustling with people, and yes, I guess every traveler to Amsterdam will find themselves passing through it at some point, and yes, the royal palace stands on the western side and there are shops, restaurants and attractions all around .... but there's really nothing particularly exciting about the square itself.
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Christiaan Verhoef
Den Helder, The Netherlands21 contributions
A must visit for your Amsterdam Trip
Aug 2021
If you have never been to Amsterdam, please go here. It is a wonderful square to chill and enjoy the beautiful buildings. If you are getting any food to eat..... don't eat it directly here. Pigeons are savage hahahhaah
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RamblingSpots
Milan, Italy25 contributions
You can't miss it
May 2020
Dam Square is located in the heart of the city center, 10 minutes away from the Centraal Station.

You can book tickets to visit the royal palace and walk around through the various streets to find shops, loads of restaurants, cafes and pubs.

Almost every destination in Amsterdam within a reasonable distance is reachable by walk from here.

It's very likely to find street artists performing on the streets and in Dam Square.

Moreover, the well-known red light district is just a few minutes away by walk.
Written March 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MoonaMuslim
728 contributions
The Dam is the central main square and the most famous square in Amsterdam. A must-be to visit!
May 2019
The Dam is the central main square and the most famous square in Amsterdam. It is located in the center of the medieval city center. It has many beautiful buildings of national importance.
The dominant building is the Royal Palace, of historical importance. It is built in the Dutch classicist style. As in many historic buildings, you can only take photos inside without a flash.
The second most impressive building is the Nieuwe Kerk (Church of Our Lady), a late Gothic basilica and the second oldest church in Amsterdam. Since 1814 it has been the coronation church of the Dutch monarchs. Today the church serves as a cultural center, exhibition and concert hall. The royal family's weddings also take place there.
Other buildings on Damplatz are the De Bijenkorf department store, the Peek & Cloppenburg department store and the Madame Tussauds wax museum.
Due to the many historical buildings, a visit is definitely worthwhile. And the wax museum is well worth a visit.
In addition, the place itself is very diverse. There are demonstrations, tourists over tourists, pigeons, snacks. Sit down when is good weather, have a drink or eat and watch and enjoy for a moment.
Written April 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mea37
Provo, UT599 contributions
Street food and performers
Apr 2022
Great little place to visit, grab a snack, shop, or people watch. There is a large, open courtyard where there are street performers and other vendors. There is a street close by where they have all kinds of little places to grab some snacks, whether that be stroopwaffles, burgers, fries, etc. Fun vibe and feeling to this part of the city.
Written May 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Travel_Girl_Reviews
London, UK418 contributions
Beautiful but horribly busy
Jan 2020 • Friends
The Dam Square is located near to the central station (about a 10 min walk).

The Square hosts gorgeous building such as the Palace, hotels, restaurants and shops. It is also incredibly busy. Off the square you can find many more shops and eateries.

Just a warning there are loads if birds tourists seem to feed. I didn’t stop to see if they were pigeons or seagulls but there are a lot so take care!

I’d recommend trying to see the Dam early in the morning before it’s too busy so that you can take in the stunning buildings.

Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lexie G
17 contributions
Pretty much what you expect
Dec 2021
As far as city center's go, Dam Square does a good job.

You can't miss it when walking around the city. It is surrounded by many attractions such as the Nieuw Kerk, the palace and more touristy places like Madame Tussauds. It makes for a nice place to grab a bite to eat and take a few photos. It isn't anything outstanding, the palace is beautiful, but it also doesn't need to be outstanding.

There is also always something going on. Whether that be a protest, people singing, street performers etc.

Definitely worth passing through and seeing what captures your eye. Just be aware that there is normally a lot of people around and to watch for bikes and trams.
Written December 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
travelwise24
Amsterdam, The Netherlands38 contributions
Not my cup of tea
Jul 2020 • Solo
Very crowded and soulless, Dam Square has nothing nice to offer but the view on the Royal Palace. The Nieuw Kerk which is on the square has however often very interesting exhibitions. Madame Tussaud, also on the square, should be booked in advance and 5 minutes from the square the delicious Chinese Dim Sum Oriental city in a sort of pagoda overlooking the canals should not be missed (also book!). Staff not always the friendliest, but great views on the canal and divine Dim Sums.
Written July 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Dam Square
We recommend booking Dam Square tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 134 Dam Square tours on Tripadvisor
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