Dam Square is a historic central square in Europe, and it is one of the places visitors tend to start from when they explore the centre of the city. It is an open, public space, so a visit is simply a matter of walking in, looking around and deciding how long to stay.
The square is anchored by two landmarks. The first is the Royal Palace, which sits on the square and gives the area its stately character. The second is the National Monument, a memorial that stands in the open space and draws visitors to pause and look up at it. Together they make the square a place to see architecture and monuments within a short walk of each other.
What a visit offers
- Seeing the Royal Palace up close and taking in its facade
- Viewing the National Monument, which is the square's most distinctive feature
- Watching the everyday life of a central public space
- Using the square as a starting point for walking the surrounding streets of the old centre
Planning your time
Because Dam Square is an open square rather than an enclosed attraction, it suits a relaxed stop rather than a long, scheduled visit. Many people combine it with a walk through the nearby streets, where the rest of the historic centre unfolds. Going on foot is the simplest way to reach it and to move on from it.
If you enjoy historic city centres, Dam Square is a sensible place to begin. It offers a clear sense of the city's heart, with its palace and monument as the main points of interest, and it leaves plenty of room for you to wander and decide what to do next.