Dam Square

This was the mecca for Amsterdam culture right here in Dam Square. It serves the ultimate center of the city and hosts not only ancient churches, but fantastic shopping. In the Square itself is a broad plaza of cobblestone with a large palace (currently under renovation) serving as the main focal point. Nine times out of ten though, one wouldn't even notice the large palace (covered in construction tarp) because the oddly dressed street performers were far more interesting. The Square sort of reminded me of Hollywood Boulevard, where you see famous movie characters waiting for tourists to take pictures with them. We saw a Spiderman, a wolfman, and a very assertive Freddy Kreuger. Why these characters? I have no idea, it could be that they got inspiration from the Madame Tussaud's museum across the street.

Dam Square in the day

Dam Square divvies up into several skinny streets of shopping, restaurants, and coffee shops. Walking down one street alone, you basically encounter three H&M stores, about five sandwich places, and about ten souvenir shops. My group and I definitely conquered the designer outlets, along with the best falafel place in the city.

Dam Square at night

Nighttime in Dam Square is just as busy as it is during the day, Everyone's out and about to hit up the local bars and clubs. It's more of an environment that we're used to, especially since the Spidermen and Freddy Kreugers don't come out at night.