A stone´s throw away from hotel Amsterdam De Roode Leeuw you´ll find Dam Square, often referred to as the historical heart of Amsterdam. It was created in the 13th century when a dam was built around the river Amstel to prevent the sea from invading the city. Having always been a popular trading place, it became the main horse tram interchange toward the end of the 19th century. Slowly the character of the square changed from a trading place to a “national” meeting place, known to locals and visitors. During the sixties, the square was renowned for its Dam Square hippies, and the laid back and relaxed character of this square lives on. Hotel Amsterdam, just off Dam Square, is your ideal base for visiting this area.

Dam Square is home to a number of national monuments and attractions such as the National Monument, Royal Palace and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). From Dam Square, you can easily explore Amsterdam’s many museums and attractions, or go for a tour of the city, either by boat, on foot or by bicycle. The square itself is the perfect spot by day for relaxing on a terrace, grabbing a light lunch, and watching the street performers, tourists and locals. In the evening, enjoy some time in the laid-back brown cafes in the narrow alleys surrounding the square.