De Waag (Weigh House), Amsterdam
A medieval trading hub dating back to 1488 in the city, the Waag initially functioned as a customs house and a place for goldsmiths and silversmiths to conduct their work on the upper floors. Visitors can enter this historic building, now converted into a lively bar and restaurant, to admire its immense timber beams and a portion of the substantial old weighing scales.
Originally, the structure stood taller than its present form. During the early 16th century, city expansion plans led to the removal of the surrounding wall that once encircled it. As the walls were dismantled, only the gate remained, no longer serving a defensive purpose. The defensive canal and the area surrounding the gate were subsequently transformed into a bustling market square. The ground level was elevated, further altering the building's appearance.
It was within these walls that Rembrandt van Rijn, the renowned Dutch artist, found inspiration to create his masterpiece "The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolas Tulp", which brought him international acclaim. Beyond the 17th century, the Weighing House housed various institutions, including two museums and even a fire brigade. It wasn't until 1996 that the Waag Society took over the building, preserving its historic structure for future generations to appreciate.
Originally, the structure stood taller than its present form. During the early 16th century, city expansion plans led to the removal of the surrounding wall that once encircled it. As the walls were dismantled, only the gate remained, no longer serving a defensive purpose. The defensive canal and the area surrounding the gate were subsequently transformed into a bustling market square. The ground level was elevated, further altering the building's appearance.
It was within these walls that Rembrandt van Rijn, the renowned Dutch artist, found inspiration to create his masterpiece "The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolas Tulp", which brought him international acclaim. Beyond the 17th century, the Weighing House housed various institutions, including two museums and even a fire brigade. It wasn't until 1996 that the Waag Society took over the building, preserving its historic structure for future generations to appreciate.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Amsterdam. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
De Waag (Weigh House) on Map
Sight Name: De Waag (Weigh House)
Sight Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Amsterdam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Amsterdam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Create Your Own Walk in Amsterdam
Creating your own self-guided walk in Amsterdam is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Amsterdam's Historical Churches Walking Tour
The history of Amsterdam is deeply intertwined with its religious heritage. The city is home to several historical churches, each with its own unique charm and significance. These religious sites serve as both spiritual centers and architectural treasures that provide insight into the city's past.
Our walk starts in the Central Station area and leads you to visit the eight most prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Our walk starts in the Central Station area and leads you to visit the eight most prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Red Light District Walking Tour
Amsterdam's Rosse Buurt (Red Light District) has been the subject of much fascination for centuries. The medieval part of it, also the largest, known as De Wallen (or De Walletjes), is particularly famous for its fantastic juxtaposition of age-old architecture, leaning canal houses, narrow alleys lined with old-school bars, quaint shops and late-night pursuits. Of course, the main draw here... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Western Canal Belt Walking Tour
Western Canal Belt is a historic neighborhood in Amsterdam that forms part of the larger Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which comprises a web of concentric canals. The three main canals making up the Western Belt are Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. They are lined with beautiful and somewhat bizarre gabled houses that were built by prosperous merchants in the 17th century,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Southern Canal Belt Walking Tour
The Canal District, known as Grachtengordel in Dutch, is a globally renowned example of urban planning and architectural excellence within Amsterdam. This area has remained remarkably well-preserved for over four centuries, celebrated for its charming small bridges, canal crossings, and 17th-century residences. Encircling the Old City Centre in a horseshoe shape, the Canal Ring encompasses three... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
City Center Walking Tour
The inner-most borough and historic heart of Amsterdam, known locally as Centrum, is a tightly woven network of canals and overlapping micro-neighborhoods, each bursting with their own unique vibe and history. Formerly a working-class area, this district is reputed for its traditional community spirit, radical politics and historic brown bars.
Here, all within an easy walking distance you will... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Here, all within an easy walking distance you will... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Amsterdam Food Tour
Amsterdam's food scene is a delightful fusion of local traditions and global influences. Making your way through the interlocking canals, pretty bridges, and a maze of streets laden with diverse eateries and bars may easily render you hankering for a bite to eat and/or a drink to wash it down with.
The diverse culinary landscape of Amsterdam caters to a wide range of tastes and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
The diverse culinary landscape of Amsterdam caters to a wide range of tastes and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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Top 7 Dutch Cheeses to Try in Amsterdam
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