Centraal Station and other Amsterdam, Netherlands Things to Do Tips

Amsterdam Central Station Area/St Nicolaas Kerk

When you arrive in Amsterdam by train, first thing you'll see is Centraal Station. Centraal Station's inauguration in 1889 was controversial since it separated Amsterdam from the sea and represented Amsterdam's will towards industrialization. This neo-renaissance building alludes to Amsterdam's past in sea and commerce.

This is a bustling square always full of people, both locals and visitors arriving by train. Besides train, there is also tram and bus in this square, and loads of bicycles and boats.

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Website: http://www.ns.nl

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Central Station Area/St Nicolaas Kerk: Sint Nikolaaskerk

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Written by micas_pt

on Dec 6, 2003

As you leave Centraal Station you will notice a beautiful brown big church - Sint Nikolaaskerk. Saint Nicholas was sailor's patron and a worshiped saint in Amsterdam, where you might find several churches dedicated to to this Saint. A. C. Bleys conceived this neo-renaissance church for Catholic community when freedom of religion was allowed a few centuries ago. Church is open every day between 11am and 4pm (Easter � October) and 1pm to 4pm (October � Easter).

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Website: http://www.ns.nl

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Damrak: Damrak

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Written by micas_pt

on Dec 6, 2003

After visiting Sint Nikolaaskerk you should head for Damrak, one the main shopping streets in Amsterdam. This street stands between Centraal Station and Dam Square.

This is a bustling street, where you will find lots of shopping options as well as fast food restaurants. There are also some must see sites, such as Beurs von Berlage and Sex Museum.

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Address: Damrak

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Beurs van Berlage: Beurs van Berlage

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Written by micas_pt

on Dec 6, 2003

In Damrak you�ll find Beurs van Verlage � the former Stock Exchange building. This late 19th / early 20th century building was conceived by Hendrik Berlage and nowadays it is a Museum (Stock Exchange history) and houses temporary exhibitions. You�ll also find a cafe inside, and will be able to attend some concerts as this building it�s also headquarter of the Dutch Philharmonic Orchestra.

Unfortunately, Beurs van Berlage exhibitions are closed since September 2003 and will open again in summer 2004.

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Phone: +31-20-5304141
Address: Beursplein 1
Website: http://www.beursvanberlage.nl

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Dam Square: Dam Square

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Written by micas_pt

on Dec 7, 2003

After walking through Damrak you will reach Dam Square - a bustling city centre square with loads of things to do and see. As many streets in Amsterdam, this square is crossed by trams, so any attempt to shoot a photo will be crossed by those electrical lines up there. As i visited Amsterdam by the end of November, Dam Square had some x-mas decoration and some wooden stands selling sweets. I even found a clown hanging around amusing children.

As you reach Dam Square you will be able to see: Madame Tussauds Museum, Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), the National Monument and the Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace).

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Address: Dam -
Website: http://www.damsite.nl/

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Dam Square - De Nieuwe Kerk: Nieuwe Kerk

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Written by micas_pt

on Dec 8, 2003

Amsterdam�s Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) was built in the late 14th century when Oude Kerk became too small for the city. The Nieuwe Kerk is city�s second parish church. It was destroyed by fire and built again for several times during its existence. The actual church dates from 1650. All Dutch Monarchs are coronate here, from 1814 onwards. Nowadays this beautiful church also houses exhibitions, concerts and conferences.

The church is worth a visit inside, since its interior is very beautiful with amazing glass painting and magnificent organ. The church is open every day from 10 am to 6pm.

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Phone: +31-20-6386909
Address: Dam 34-38
Website: http://www.nieuwekerk.nl

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Dam Square - Royal Palace: Koninklijk Paleis

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Written by micas_pt

on Dec 9, 2003

While standing in Dam Square you can't miss imposing Koninklijk Paleis - Royal Palace. This Palace was built in 17th century with the purpose of housing City Hall. Being Amsterdam a major and flourishing trading capital, this building was supposed to be outstanding. Nevertheless, construction didn't go as planned and they needed 13600 pillars to sustain building. Most furniture comes from Luis Bonaparte who proclaimed this Palace his official residence in 1808. Nowadays, Dutch Royal Family sometimes uses Koninklijk Paleis for ceremonies. Inside the Palace you may visit exihbitions, call to confirm as Palace might be closed due to Royal Family affairs.

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Phone: +31-20- 6204060
Address: Dam 1
Website: http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl

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Dam Square - Madame Tussaud: Madame Tussaud's Museum

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Written by micas_pt

on Dec 9, 2003

In Dam Square you'll also find Madame Tussaud's Museum. This Museum depicts personalities in wax, same as the one in London. It also shows how was Amsterdam a few centuries ago and how it might be in the future. I didn't visit, since this isn't my favourite kind of Museum and as i only had some hours in Amsterdam i thought i should visit other places than Wax Museum... Anyway for those interested in wax figures i leave this info here.

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Phone: +31-20-5230623
Address: Dam 20
Website: http://www.madametussauds.nl

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Dam Square - National Monument: Nationaal Monument

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Written by micas_pt

on Dec 9, 2003

Amsterdam Dam Square - National Monument

Just in the middle of Dam Square you'll find the Nationaal Monument - a huge obelisc built in 1956. Architect J. J .P. Oud and sculptor John Raedecker designed this 22m high obelisc, as an homage to the victims of WWII. The two lions that stand beneath are the heraldic symbol of Netherlands.

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Magna Plaza (Old Post Office): Magna Plaza

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Written by micas_pt

on Dec 9, 2003