Will you arrive in Amsterdam by train? The beautiful Central Station building was constructed on an artificial island. This magnificent building in Dutch Renaissance style was completed in 1889.

Dam Square

Dam Square is the very center of Amsterdam. It has had a turbulent history. Around 1270 a damn was constructed in this spot in the river Amstel. Dam Square was once the central marketplace of Amsterdam where literally everything under the moon was sold. In 1535 the square was the scene of the Anabaptists’ riots. Less than a century later the loot of the silver fleet was the reason for a revolt. In contrast with the old days it is now a very peaceful square which is home to scores of pigeons. 

Royal Palace

The National Monument on Dam Square was unveiled on 4 May 1956. It was erected in remembrance of those who died during World War II. Each year on 4 May many dignitaries, including representatives of the royal family, commemorate the victims of the Second World War here. The Royal Palace is located right in the heart of Amsterdam. The Royal Palace was built 350 years ago as Amsterdam’s City Hall. In 1808 Louis Napoleon came to Amsterdam. He was looking for a suitable place of residence and saw the impressive City Hall. He kicked the mayor out and had the offices changed into bedrooms, dining rooms and ballrooms. After he left the building maintained its purpose. HRH Queen Beatrix does not live here, however, she does entertain her VIP guests in this palace. 

Amsterdam Historical Museum

The building in which the Amsterdam Historical Museum is located, goes back a long way. In 1578 the Amsterdam City Council decided to house the orpans in this convent. Until 1960 it housed orphans. After this year the building was restored with the aim to turn it into a museum. Most of the building was preserved in its original state. The entrance gate at Kalverstraat dates from 1581! The museum’s permanent exhibition shows you how Amsterdam developed from the 13th century until today. Many splendid items from the 17th and 18th centuries are on view. Make sure you go and see the former orphanage’s regents’ room; it is a 400-year trip back in time! 

Narrowest house

There has been quite a lot of debate over this but the narrowest house in the world is actually near Dam Square! The house on Singel 7 is officially on record as the narrowest house in the world. It is only 101 centimeters wide! However, it is the back entrance to a house which tapers and which has standard dimensions at the front. So really, the house only has the narrowest façade in the world. The narrowest house of Europe, however, is definitely located in Amsterdam. The address is Oude Hoogstraat 22, between Dam Square and Kloveniersbugwal. The house is only 2.02 meters wide and has a beautiful clock gable.