Dam Square

This is probably the best known square in Amsterdam. Located around is the Royal Palace, which is a great tourist attraction. Take a look at how the royals used to live. Another must is Madame Tussauds, the world-famous wax statue museum. Several living statues can be found on the square itself. Take a picture with them for a few coins. The National Monument commemorating the victims of WWII is located on the other side of the Square. The National Commemorative Ceremony occurs on 4 May every year, remembering all the victims of WWII as well as those of wars around the world. The King and Queen place flowers and wreaths here together with other authorities and living relatives.

Rembrandtplein

Rembrandtplein is the place to go for cafés and clubs that is open until deep into the night. The Escape has been a byword in Amsterdam for years now but Café de Kroon is also well worth a visit. Café de Schiller with its Jugendstil interior takes one back to the roaring twenties.

Rembrandtplein was named after the famous painter Rembrandt. His statue has a prominent place in the center of the square. Around him, you will see the characters from his most famous work: The Nightwatch. Thorbeckeplein, which is a walk from Rembrandplein, is buzzing with more cafés.

Leidseplein

This square is located in the heart of Amsterdam’s nightlife. In the streets around the square, popular clubs like Jimmy Woo and De Kring are located. Visit the Stadsschouwburg or DeLaMar Theater. A stylish high tea afternoon can be enjoyed at Cafe Americain at Hotel Americain. Since its opening in 1902, Amsterdam’s Beau Monde has been visiting this ample space built and decorated in Art Deco style. There are countless hotels near Leidseplein. Spending the night here means you will be near the square as well as several great shopping streets and the popular Vondelpark.

Museumplein

As the name suggests, this square is well known for its many museums. Museums with ringing names, too: Rijksmuseum, Van Goghmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, they can all be found around this square. It is likely to make one think of a park: its biggest surface is given over to a field of grass where people have picnics in summer. It is equally attractive in winter, when the pond is transformed into an ice-skating rink. Ice skates are available on rent but it is just as nice to watch the skaters whilst enjoying a hot drink and typically Dutch poffertjes. 

Nieuwmarkt

There is a lot to do on Nieuwmarkt. There is a market during the day and the many cafés ensure that there is plenty to do in the evening. Events are held here on a regular basis and in summer, there is an antiques and curiosity market in the weekends.

Nieuwmarkt rubs shoulders with the Chinese district, where you on can enjoy lovely Chinese food in restaurants and go shopping, and the Lastage district with its canals and authentic little houses. There was a period in Holland in which Catholics were not allowed to openly practise their faith? They were allowed to gather in ‘hidden’ churches, buildings that did not show on the outside that they were churches. Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder is one of them. Today it is a museum well worth a visit if you are near Nieuwmarkt.  Spending the night near Nieuwmarkt will keep you in the city center which is an excellent starting point for a great urban walk to visit beautiful squares and canals. It is also close to Amsterdam’s Central Station.