Dam Square, better known as 'de Dam', is a square in the centre of Amsterdam. The square is in the city centre, surrounded by the canals, with the Central Station on a walking distance. This train station is 750 meters (less than 0.5 miles) away from the square. That is 9 minutes' walk away, or 6 minutes by tram.
If you like to stay in the city centre of Amsterdam, check our hotelmap for available rooms on the Dam or in the vicinity.
Every year various events are organized on the square, such as the commemoration of the dead on the 4th of May, the annual International Pillow Fight Day and National Tulip Day. On the 4th of May, the commemoration on the square is broadcasted on national television.
Distance to …
The famous night life districts are easily accessible from the square. The Rembrandtplein (Rembrandt Square) at 12 minutes walking distance, or 7 minutes by tram. The Leidseplein (Leidse Square) at 17 minutes walking distance, or 10 minutes by tram. Feast your eyes at the Museum Square if you prefer to visit museums. Several museums are concentrated around the Museumplein (Museum Square) on approximately 15 minutes away by tram.
One of the best known shopping streets in the Netherlands, the Kalverstraat, is connected to the square. Shopping area De 9 Straatjes (The 9 Little Streets) are in the immediate vicinity. On or around Dam Square you will also find the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, The New Church (a royal church), Madame Tussauds and luxury department store Bijenkorf.
And also worth mentioning, the Red light district is a stone's throw away.
Recently significant events
Some recent noteworthy events that have taken place on or in the immediate vicinity of the square, concern the wedding ceremony of King Willem Alexander and Maxima in 2002 and the inauguration of King Willem Alexander in 2013.
This is of course a very brief summary as the history goes back much further.