Dam Square Amsterdam
The original location of the Amstel Dam, from which Amsterdam took its name, the Dam Square is the center of life in Amsterdam. Used for official events, festivals, concerts and markets, the square is home to the Royal Palace, the New Church, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, department stores, cafes and boutiques. From here you can get to virtually any part of the city. Rokin or Kaverstraat are excellent streets for traditional shopping, while Damstraat offers headshops, coffeeshops and hippiedom. Wander around behind the New Church for restaurants, bars and cafes, or take Damrak past a central shopping area on the way to Central station.

The Square itself provides a great place to relax in the shadows of some of Europe's most impressive buildings while you chat over coffee or just watch the passersby. There is always something happening here. In spring, enjoy a carnival with rides and a Ferris wheel. In the summer and fall living statues appear and street artists perform. Even in the winter pigeons gather to be fed by compassionate locals and at almost anytime there may be a non-violent rally protesting anything and everything.