For hundreds of years, Dam Square has been the centrepiece of Amsterdam. Located in the historical heart of the city, it's framed by some of the Netherlands' most iconic monuments, like the Royal Palace and Gothic New Church. It remains one of Amsterdam's most important and visited places.

Dam Square is built upon the original dam of the River Amstel, which gave the city its name. The river's original route is now paved over as Damrak Road, the main thoroughfare from Central Station to Dam Square and Mint Square. Dominating one side of the square is the neoclassical Royal Palace, a majestic residence that shimmers in the summer sun. On the other is the National Monument, a towering stone pillar honouring the victims of World War II.Surrounding the rest of the square is a whole assortment of attractions, from cheese shops to Heineken-sponsored bars, a Matryoshka doll seller to the upscale De Bijenkorf, arguably the country's most famous shopping store. The most popular attractions are the vibrantly Gothic New Church and the city's Madame Tussaud's wax museum. Various festivities are held on the square including a Christmas market and bright orange celebrations on King's Day.

Various major Amsterdam roads connect in Dam Square and it's rare that a visitor to Amsterdam won't pass by at least once. Several tram lines traverse the square and it's less than a ten-minute walk to Amsterdam Central Station.

The dam originally linked two sides of the Amstel River and by the 14th century, it was the city's major marketplace and square. Amsterdam town hall was added in the 15th century and would later become the Royal Palace.