When in Amsterdam, a visit to the Central Station is practically inevitable. Nearly every traveler to the city encounters it at least once.

Amsterdam Centraal is the largest railway station in the city and has the second longest railway platform in the country, with a length of 695 meters, and a cast-iron platform roof spanning approximately 40 meters. A major international railway hub, it is used daily by almost 200,000 passengers, making it the Netherlands' most visited national heritage object.

Amsterdam Centraal was designed by Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, featuring a blend of Gothic and Renaissance Revival elements.

The station was constructed on three artificial islands, between 1882 and 1889. Controversially located at the city's waterfront, it took a precise total of 8,687 wooden piles to anchor such a monumental structure on the marshy ground. The station spurred significant urban redevelopment and shifted Amsterdam’s focus from a waterfront to an inland city, influencing both transportation and city planning.

Its design celebrates Dutch economic and colonial prowess through various decorative elements. Initially, the entire project seemed like a huge blunder and was swiftly criticized by numerous experts. However, the architects persevered and ultimately vindicated themselves, defying skeptics.

Through the decades, Amsterdam Centraal has undergone multiple renovations and expansions to meet modern demands. Significant developments included the creation of a pedestrian tunnel in the 1950s, expansion of metro facilities in the late 1970s, and a major overhaul in the 1980s and 1990s that introduced new signaling systems, expanded tracks, and additional roofing. Recent upgrades focus on enhancing capacity and accessibility, including extended platforms for international trains, a new bus station, and upgraded retail spaces, marking it as a central hub in Amsterdam’s urban landscape.

Tip:
Take advantage of the several free ferry trips navigating the canals, departing every 5 to 15 minutes from this location; they offer a rewarding experience. You can even cruise back to the station via boat if you wish, rounding out your visit with a picturesque waterborne journey.

Dam Square, or the Dam, is a central town square in Amsterdam, known for its significant buildings and frequent events. Positioned in the historical heart of Amsterdam, it sits on the site of the original dam on the Amstel River. The square extends some 200 meters from west to east and 100 meters from north to south, connecting Damrak and Rokin streets that trace the Amstel's original course.

The square is also the termination point for other notable streets like New Dike, Calf Street, and Dam Street, with the main red-light district, De Wallen, just beyond its northeast corner. Prominent features on Dam Square include the neoclassical Royal Palace, the 15th-century Gothic New Church, the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and the National Monument which honors World War II victims, all of which collectively turn the Dam into a major tourist hub.

The name "Amsterdam" originates from a dam built on the Amstel River around 1270. This dam, integral to the city's development, included a discharge sluice and later locks to facilitate navigation and control water levels. By 1275, the settlement was significant enough to be recorded in connection with a road toll granted by the count of Holland, Floris V. Over time, the dam expanded to accommodate a town square, now known as Dam Square. Eventually, the area became a hub for commercial and governmental activities, featuring a large fish market and a town hall.

Significant changes occurred over the centuries, including the demolition of a weigh house in 1808 to clear the view for Louis Bonaparte’s Royal Palace and the infilling of Damrak Avenue in the 19th century. The square also hosted the Beurs van Zocher stock exchange until 1903. Today, the De Bijenkorf department store has been in its place since 1914. Dam Square has also been a site for national events – such as the National Memorial Day commemorations at the National Monument unveiled in 1956, and public demonstrations, – maintaining its status as a national and cultural gathering spot for the Dutch.

Tip:
For those in need of a restroom, free and well-maintained toilets are available at the De Bijenkorf shop on the 5th floor.

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is a historic monument on Dam Square and is one of the four palaces in the Netherlands still left at the disposal of the Dutch Royal Family.

Its inception dates back to 1655. Back then, the city had recently thwarted William of Orange's attempts to subdue it and the city council sought a residence that would symbolize Amsterdam's municipal authority and pride. This led to a remarkably forward-thinking design-the Dutch interpretation of the classical principles revived during the Italian Renaissance. The architectural project led by Jacob van Campen implied over 13,500 wooden piles to support the building.

Initially designed as the town hall overlooking the bustling Damrak wharves, it was converted into a royal palace by King Louis I of Holland, brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, in 1806.

In 1936, the building was designated a property of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Today, it serves a ceremonial role for the monarchy, hosting state visits, official functions, and award ceremonies. The palace also played a pivotal role during the investiture of Queen Beatrix in 1980.

The building's distinctive sandstone façade has darkened over time. Astride the rear of it is a 6-meter statue of Atlas carrying the globe.

The interior is equally opulent, notably in the Citizens' Hall, featuring an arcaded marble chamber where the enthroned figure of Amsterdam presides over the earthly and celestial realms. Three circular, inlaid marble maps, depicting the eastern and western hemispheres, as well as the northern sky, lie at her feet. Other allegorical figures include Wisdom and Strength, flanking "Amsterdam" on her left and right, while the reliefs on either side of the central group portray the principles of good governance. On the left, the god Amphion plays his lyre, persuading stones to form a wall; and on the right, Mercury seeks to lull Argos to sleep, thus emphasizing the importance of vigilance.

Tip:
Before your visit, be sure to check online for opening hours, as the palace may occasionally be closed due to royal events.
Free entry for those under 18 and discounts for seniors and students are available.

Anne Frank once found comfort in the gentle chimes of the Western Church’s bells-a reassuring hint of life outside her secret refuge-until those very bells were melted down for the German war effort. The church’s 85-meter-tall tower still stands as Amsterdam’s most dazzling spire. Rising gracefully above the city, it offers balconies with stunning panoramic views of the center and a carillon that strikes every quarter-hour, plus occasional full musical interludes. At its tip, you’ll find Emperor Maximilian’s crown, a proud emblem of Amsterdam and a glittering highlight of this Protestant landmark. Built by Hendrick de Keyser and completed in 1631, a decade after his passing, the church was a vital piece of the city’s early expansion.

Outwardly, the Western Church projects an air of restrained elegance; inside, however, it embraces Calvinist simplicity. Apart from the ample plain-glass windows that flood the space with natural light, the main attractions are the grand Baroque organ and the ornate wooden pulpit, topped by an oversized sounding board that once lent authority to lengthy sermons. While the Protestant elite shunned opulent decorations, they did indulge in a little exclusivity: boxed-in benches at the base of the nave’s stone columns, rented out by the well-to-do to signal their status.

Feeling adventurous? From April to October, you can climb the tower for a firsthand look at the bells and unbeatable views from a platform near the top. The stairs are steep enough to be interesting, but not so tough as to keep you from reaching one of the best vantage points in Amsterdam.

One of Amsterdam's most macabre yet intriguing attractions is the Torture Museum. As you step into its dungeons, you plunge into the shadowy depths where the darkest and most gruesome chapters of history come to life. It's a journey back in time to an era when notions of prisons, justice, and laws often involved the mutilation of bodies and the infliction of excruciating pain. Here, you'll gain a glimpse into how prisoners and wrongdoers were subjected to justice or coerced into confessing their transgressions.

What sets this museum apart is the eerie atmosphere it cultivates. The dimly lit interiors and haunting surroundings transport you to a period 500 years past, when outlaws faced the dire consequences of their actions. The museum features an extensive collection of torture devices from the medieval ages, ranging from the infamous guillotine to the ominous torture chair, accompanied by an array of other ingenious instruments, all designed with a singular purpose - inflicting torment.

Every display within the museum is thoughtfully paired with an in-depth description that offers comprehensive insights into its historical context and the societal beliefs that sanctioned these chilling practices. For those in search of even deeper understanding, you'll find paintings strategically placed throughout, serving as visual aids to further illuminate the subject matter.

Every display within the museum is thoughtfully paired with an in-depth description that offers comprehensive insights into its historical context and the societal beliefs that sanctioned these chilling practices. For those in search of even deeper understanding, you'll find paintings strategically placed throughout the museum, serving as visual aids to further illuminate the subject matter.

It's worth emphasizing that the Torture Museum may prove unsettling for those with a delicate disposition or heightened sensitivity to graphic content. However, if you can summon the courage, it promises to be a compelling and eye-opening experience.

Dubbed the "Golden Bend", owing to the opulent provenance of its initial denizens, the expanse of the Herengracht extending betwixt Vijzelstraat and Leidsestraat exudes an aura of grandiosity. Within this domain, one shall encounter an array of mansions adorned with ornate sandstone façades, in lieu of the more economical brick construction. Notable among these resplendent abodes is #475, characterized by its embodiment of Louis XIV-style opulence, oft regarded as the most splendid domicile in all of Amsterdam. Additionally, #476, meticulously revamped during the 1730s and crowned with the regal emblem of an eagle, commands admiration.

A venture further along this thoroughfare shall unveil the enigmatic #497, a site accessible to the public with a predilection for feline enthusiasts. This peculiar establishment is none other than the KattenKabinet, a museum of unparalleled singularity, housing a substantial collection of artistic masterpieces and artifacts wholly dedicated to the venerable cat. This institution was conceived by a Dutch financier, driven by his profound adoration for his cherished feline companion, John Pierpont Morgan, an homage to the American financier, whose earthly tenure concluded in the year 1984. To those whose hearts are entwined with these enigmatic creatures, the Cat Cabinet shall prove a veritable sanctuary of enchantment and captivation.

Nijntje, a beloved cartoon rabbit, originates from a series of children's books created by the renowned Dutch artist, Dick Bruna, during the 1950s. Dick Bruna's literary portfolio boasts an impressive collection of over 100 books, now available in translations spanning 40 distinct languages. The endearing moniker "Nijntje" emerged from a child's charming mispronunciation of the Dutch term "konijntje", meaning bunny rabbit. However, in translated versions, Nijntje is commonly recognized as "Miffy". It's worth noting that some individuals speculate that Hello Kitty may have drawn inspiration from Nijntje.

A delightful Dutch keepsake for a child is a "Nijntje knuffel" or stuffed animal, coincidentally carrying the dual meaning of "hug" in Dutch. What a heartwarming coincidence! Pairing a knuffel with one of Nijntje's adventure-themed books makes for a splendid gift idea. These compact-format books typically comprise 16 pages and are recommended for children aged 4 to 8. Most feature short stories chronicling Nijntje's escapades, though a few consist solely of captivating illustrations without accompanying text.

While you can readily discover knuffels featuring Nijntje in a variety of charming attire at various stores throughout Amsterdam, De Winkel van Nijntje stands as an exclusive haven dedicated entirely to the beloved baby bunny. A wide array of delightful merchandise is available for both children (Miffy's core demographic) and adults. You'll find an extensive selection of plushie to pick from!

Just a stone's throw away from the Amsterdam Royal Zoo, the Dutch Resistance Museum transports its visitors to a pivotal juncture in Dutch history - the era of the Dutch Resistance. This establishment serves as a living chronicle, documenting the ascent of Hitler in Germany, the subsequent invasion of the Netherlands, and the valiant struggle of the Dutch people.

It delves deep into the societal transformations and prevailing beliefs during and after the tumultuous period of the Second World War. Undoubtedly, the museum sets the stage against the backdrop of the harrowing history of the Jewish community, elucidating the gradual isolation imposed upon them by the Germans, severing their ties with the wider Dutch populace before the ultimate tragedy unfolded.

Although comparatively modest in size, confined to a single floor when measured against other museums, the Dutch Resistance Museum effectively arranges its thematic exhibits in a contemporary manner, meticulously adhering to chronological order. It distinguishes itself by prioritizing personal narratives, conveyed through video and audio presentations, rather than static displays.

While most exhibits are furnished with English translations, the complimentary audio guide offers an opportunity for more in-depth exploration and proves to be a valuable resource (it also proves to be more user-friendly than the conventional push-button guides found in many galleries and museums).

For those seeking a departure from the conventional art-focused museum scene, a visit to the Dutch Resistance Museum comes highly recommended, particularly for history enthusiasts and individuals intrigued by the multifaceted facets of the Second World War-be it political, ideological, social, or personal.

Tip:
There are two distinct routes available, catering to both adults and children. The latter is very well done, featuring one of the finest museum installations; however, it's important to note that children must be accompanied.