This would appear to be the hub of the city, or at least the hub of tourism. Both times I was in Amsterdam I was able to see some interesting things here. The first is just the people-watching, this is a meeting place so you will see all sorts. This is also a performance area, we have seen people being statues, robots, and musicians here. We have also seen some sort of dignitary procession leaving from here. From the Dam Square you can branch off to anywhere, Magna Plaza, the many canals, the Red Light, or back to the train station.

This square is said to be the centre of Amsterdam and indisputably gave the city its name (a derivative from Amstelredam). In the 1200s, the River Amstel was dammed here, and a small fishing village grew round the "harbour" that is now Dam Square. Over the years, small fishing boats gave way to trading vessels, and as land reclamation progressed, so the city grew and the small port became prestigious land. By the early 1400s, the Nieuwe Kerk was being built, quickly followed by the Town Hall. The Town Hall (now the Royal Palace) controversially took pride of place over the church and dominated the large open square in size and positioning. In compensation, the church was offered a new spire to augment its appearance—that never happened.

At the other end of the square is the Amsterdam’s war memorial. This prominent monolith is bleak in the extreme, and countless pigeons sit alongside the carvings of tortured souls. It is not a particularly beautiful sight, but it will always be a reminder of the futility of war. That, after all, is part of its intention! But now its secondary purpose seems to be the alfresco diner, as weary tourists sit at its base to eat their fast-food take-away meals.

Overshadowing the memorial is the huge De Bijenkork, Amsterdam’s most upmarket department store. It is interesting to note that when the Germans first occupied Amsterdam, this store proved to be a bit of an embarrassment—it was popular, but because it was a Jewish store and many of the employees were Jews, the Nazis would have preferred to ban the troops from entering the shop. Instead, there was an unusual compromise: "Don’t shop on the ground floor."

There are two things to note about the square. Firstly, it was literally rammed full of cycles, parked randomly on the cobbled square with a total disregard for other users. Many were not even locked, but you just had the sense that there is honour amongst cyclists!

Secondly, the square was full of street entertainers. No special reason—I guess it always is! They really are high-quality buskers, and I presume they are issued with rights to be there. There was a small troop of musicians and an abundance of "human statues" (including Zeus, a roman warrior, and a futuristic spaceman) demonstrating their prowess at remaining still for long enough to capture the admiration and applause of passing tourists. Strutting at their feet are masses of pigeons, and marauding around the square’s centre are tour guides with their umbrellas thrust proudly to the sky. A cacophony of voices assaults your eardrums, but the square is full of character and atmosphere.

In the square, you’ll find Madame Tussaud’s (so popular, the queue seemed to stretch forever) and numerous small, attractive, quality shops in the alleyways near the Nieuwe Kerk. This area is also littered with restaurants, although many seemed highly priced. I’d suggest you eat elsewhere!

At one end of Dam Square is the Monument to WWII Veterans. Along the other end is the 17th-century Koninklijk Paleis. Work began on this palace in 1648, after the end of the 80 Years' War with Spain. It is still used today by the Dutch royal family for official functions.

Frequently in the square is a magnificent organ on wheels, which plays music while animated figures dance and twirl. Next to Koninklijk Paleis is Nieuwe Kerk, "New Church", dating from the late 14th century. Sovereigns are crowned here. Seen between the Paleis and Nieuwe Kerk is the pretty Magna Plaza Shopping Centre. All Amsterdam life seems to branch out from this square.

The plaza is called Dam Square because it's where the River Amstel was dammed way before the city of Amsterdam was created. The biggest draw here is the Koninklijk Paleis or the Royal Palace that also houses the Civic Hall, the Law Hall and the Mayor's Chambers. Queen Beatrix pays her rent at the Royal Palace but actually lives in The Hague so no famous sightings here.

Dam square is the hub of Amsterdam and the first place most tourists will find. It's alive with people day and night. Dam Square is a five-minute walk down the Damrak (a major thoroughfare) from Centraal Station. All along the Damrak and Dam Square can be found restaurants, food carts, hotels, and shops. There are a few cafes that offer seating on the square and these are extremely popular. Expect a wait. In Dam Square itself you will find the Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk and the National Monument. Also on Dam Square is the Madame Tussaud museum. If you can afford the coin, one of the city's finest hotels - the Grand Krasnopolsky - is located directly on Dam Square as well.

Whenever you come to Amsterdam, there will be something happening on the square. In spring, you can find a carnival with rides and a Ferris wheel. In summer and fall, living statues perform and the locals take to the benches for an afternoon break. In winter even, you will find people feeding the pigeons. It is not uncommon for political rallies to be held in the square at various times. These very rarely are anything to worry about. When we were last there, the Socialists were holding an anti-war protest.