Western Canal Belt Walking Tour (Self Guided), Amsterdam

Dam Square, or the Dam, is a central town square in Amsterdam, known for its significant buildings and frequent events. Positioned in the historical heart of Amsterdam, it sits on the site of the original dam on the Amstel River. The square extends some 200 meters from west to east and 100 meters from north to south, connecting Damrak and Rokin streets that trace the Amstel's original course.

The square is also the termination point for other notable streets like New Dike, Calf Street, and Dam Street, with the main red-light district, De Wallen, just beyond its northeast corner. Prominent features on Dam Square include the neoclassical Royal Palace, the 15th-century Gothic New Church, the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and the National Monument which honors World War II victims, all of which collectively turn the Dam into a major tourist hub.

The name "Amsterdam" originates from a dam built on the Amstel River around 1270. This dam, integral to the city's development, included a discharge sluice and later locks to facilitate navigation and control water levels. By 1275, the settlement was significant enough to be recorded in connection with a road toll granted by the count of Holland, Floris V. Over time, the dam expanded to accommodate a town square, now known as Dam Square. Eventually, the area became a hub for commercial and governmental activities, featuring a large fish market and a town hall.

Significant changes occurred over the centuries, including the demolition of a weigh house in 1808 to clear the view for Louis Bonaparte’s Royal Palace and the infilling of Damrak Avenue in the 19th century. The square also hosted the Beurs van Zocher stock exchange until 1903. Today, the De Bijenkorf department store has been in its place since 1914. Dam Square has also been a site for national events – such as the National Memorial Day commemorations at the National Monument unveiled in 1956, and public demonstrations, – maintaining its status as a national and cultural gathering spot for the Dutch.

Tip:
For those in need of a restroom, free and well-maintained toilets are available at the De Bijenkorf shop on the 5th floor.

Built during the mid-17th century and boasting a width of 42 meters, the Torensluis ("tower lock") stands as the widest bridge in the city and ranks among its most ancient. The bridge's remarkable dimensions, as well as its name, can be attributed to the tower that once occupied this spot until its demolition in the mid-19th century. Evidence of the tower's presence endures in the bridge's pavement and the dungeon beneath it, both still bearing visible traces. Visitors should also keep an eye out for the prison cells tucked beneath the bridge, featuring barred windows and an arched entrance. These cells are now open to the public, often hosting events and exhibitions.

The area today retains much of its appearance from the Dutch Golden Age in the 1600s. During this period, Amsterdam's seafaring merchants held sway over the oceans, establishing trading colonies in distant lands like present-day Indonesia. Fueled by this prosperity, the city rapidly evolved into a prominent urban hub, replete with grand residences. Each merchant sought to outdo their neighbor in architectural splendor. Rotate your view 360 degrees and admire the diverse array of buildings.

Beyond the panoramic vistas, the bridge's attractions include a statue honoring writer Multatuli, a significant figure in Dutch literature and a staunch anti-colonialist. Additionally, you can revel in the expansive, sunlit terraces offered by Villa Zeezicht and Café van Zuylen.

Tip:
Seek a spot to savor the surroundings. Lean against the railing, find a bench to sit on, or perhaps pause your tour for a refreshment break at one of the highly recommended, charming bars that spill onto the bridge. Café van Zuylen (Sun-Thu: 10am–1am; Fri, Sat: 10am–3am), in particular, is renowned for its diverse beer selection. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the area.

Amsterdam's renowned chocolatier Puccini Bomboni specializes in crafting artisanal bonbons infused with a delightful array of flavors, ranging from lavender and drambuie to vanilla poppyseed and marzipan currant with a hint of black pepper. As you step inside their elegant shop, you'll be immediately greeted by the rich aroma of cocoa filling the air and the artfully arranged, oversized truffles, celebrated as some of the world's finest.

These delectable chocolates are crafted on-site and boast a preservative-free recipe. Each bonbon is meticulously prepared using sustainable chocolate—a buzzworthy commitment in today's world—and only the highest-quality natural ingredients. You can select an assortment of these exquisite bonbons, which can be elegantly packaged in a cellophane bag or a pretty purple box, making for a perfect gift, especially for chocolate enthusiasts.

Tip:
Ensure you purchase these chocolates shortly before your return journey, as they maintain their freshness for just 7 days. Of course, that's assuming you can resist the temptation to indulge in them yourself before gifting them!

The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum dedicated to Anne Frank, a Jewish diarist during World War II. Hiding in the Secret Annex of this 17th-century building during the Nazi occupation, her family and four others remained concealed here until their discovery. Although Anne did not survive the war, her diary was published in 1947 by her father, Otto Frank, who was the sole survivor among those hidden.

The building itself dates back to 1635. By the 20th century, it had transitioned from a private residence to a warehouse and stable and served various commercial purposes.

In 1940, Otto Frank relocated his spice business here. The building included a front goods entrance, a middle section with spice mills, and a rear warehouse for packing and dispatch. The offices above contained a radio used by the group in hiding until 1943.

The building's secluded rear extension, known as the Secret Annex, became the hidden refuge for the Frank family—Otto, his wife Edith, and daughters Margot and Anne—along with four other Jews fleeing Nazi persecution. Despite its small size (about 450 square feet), Anne Frank described it in her diary as relatively luxurious. Here, they remained concealed for over two years until their discovery and deportation by the Nazis. Only Otto survived the concentration camps.

After the arrest, the annex was emptied on Nazi orders, but the company's employees managed to salvage some belongings, including Anne's writings. After Otto Frank's return to Amsterdam in 1945, he compiled Anne Frank's diaries into a book called “The Secret Annex.”

After its publication, visitors to Anne Frank's hiding place were guided by employees who had helped hide the families, allowing access to the secret rooms. By 1955, the building faced demolition for factory construction, but a campaign initiated by a local newspaper helped declare it a protected monument. The Anne Frank Foundation was established in 1957 by Otto Frank, acquiring the building through donations and purchasing the adjacent property.

The museum opened in 1960, drawing significant attention globally. After being expanded to include more exhibition space, the museum was reopened in 2001 by Queen Beatrix. In 2007, it saw over one million visitors, becoming the third most-visited museum in the Netherlands. Among other exhibits, it displays an Academy Award won by Shelley Winters for her role in the 1959 movie “The Diary of Anne Frank.” Donated by the actress, the Oscar is housed in a bullet-proof glass case within the museum.

Tip:
Plan your visit well in advance, and be mindful that the house has numerous stairs, and photography is not permitted inside.

Anne Frank found solace in the soothing chimes of the Western Church's bells, a reminder of the world beyond her hidden refuge, until these very bells were requisitioned for the German war effort. The church, a dominating presence in the neighborhood, continues to stand tall with its 85-meter tower, the Westertoren, undeniably the most splendid in all of Amsterdam. Gracefully rising above its surroundings, it treats visitors to breathtaking panoramic vistas of the city center from its balconies and also boasts a carillon that chimes every quarter-hour (along with full melodic tunes during other intervals). At its pinnacle rests the crown of Emperor Maximilian, an enduring symbol of Amsterdam and the crowning jewel of the city's second church expressly constructed for Protestants. Designed by Hendrick de Keyser and completed a decade after his demise in 1631, the church's creation was an integral part of the city's expansion.

While the exterior exudes deliberate elegance, the interior adheres to the Calvinist congregation's austere principles. Apart from the expansive plain-glass windows that allow abundant natural light to flood in, significant features include a grand Baroque organ and an ornate wooden pulpit crowned by an oversized sounding board—once a platform for Protestant ministers who delivered lengthy sermons. While the merchant elite shunned "idolatrous" embellishments, they asserted their social status with boxed-in benches at the base of several stone columns in the nave, reserved for and rented by the affluent.

Pro Tip:
If you don't mind a cardio workout, the tower ascent, open from April to October, promises a spectacular experience. It not only allows for an up-close encounter with the bells but also provides breathtaking views from the platform near the summit, offering a sweeping vista of much of Amsterdam. While the stairs leading to the uppermost level are quite steep, they are not excessively demanding.

The beautiful and evocative neo-Gothic design of this Roman Catholic church, featuring its huge brick facade dating back to 1854, is undeniably pleasing to the eye and commands attention in its surroundings, offering some fantastic photo opportunities. Notably, it lacks a tower but compensates with a lavish interior adorned with large paintings and intricate carvings. Literally every nook and cranny and column is painted, and the stained glass windows only add to the grandeur.

Gothic architecture held a special significance for Catholics, as it represented the glorious era of majestic cathedrals within Catholicism. In December 1854, the Catholic publication 'De Tijd' commended the newly constructed church in the following terms: "The Church of Our Lady stands as a testament to the marvels of Gothic architecture. Within its walls, one encounters no mishmash of discordant styles and orders, a regrettable sight often witnessed in various church edifices, including those of more recent origin. This architectural style radiates purity and harmony among its diverse elements, coming together to form a breathtaking entirety that leaves an indelible mark on all who cross its sacred threshold. The facade, too, is a masterpiece, gracing the Keizersgracht."

In 1985, the church was handed over to the Syrian Orthodox Church, yet it remains a place of worship for Catholic services. For those seeking Sunday Mass, the church is accustomed to accommodating tourists and conducts services in English as well.

These days, when most folks are buying their cheeses from supermarkets, quite a few of them, especially in cities like Amsterdam, are sold at street markets, farmers' markets, and fancy specialty stores. One such store is found in the Nine Little Streets ("De Negen Straatjes") area and goes by the name De Kaaskamer. This shop carries a fantastic range of real-deal, high-quality cheeses sourced from all over the globe, making it an ideal destination to savor both imported and locally-produced delicacies.

Unlike the array of cheesy tourist-traps that have sprouted up up all over Amsterdam lately, which the locals avoid like the plague — you know, the ones that locals dodge like the plague because they're selling overpriced cheese in souvenir packages – De Kaaskamer is authentic and even artisan in nature, serving the locals and visitors alike. Understandably, this place is busy, but the friendly staff is super helpul and efficient, and don't skimp on the free samples, either.

If you're scratching your head about what cheese to get, don't sweat it – just hit up the staff for their recommendations. Otherwise, give their Gouda a whirl. Truffled Gouda is like heaven in cheese form, and the aged Gouda with cumin seeds, paired with a fig and nut loaf, is straight-up out of this world!

Even though it's just a quick 45-minute visit, the Museum of the Canals provides tremendous insight into the physical building it occupies, as well as the construction techniques required to build in Amsterdam as its population grew. Fittingly occupying a four-story former 17th-century luxury canal house on the Herengracht, it also provides an inside look at how the city's upper crust lived.

Delightfully informative, the exhibits explain why some houses lean sideways or forward, the city planning and associated negotiations, and even the funding of America's revolution. Miniature models of the canal houses are of interest, but even better are these little "voyeur" peepholes in the walls where visitors can peek into canal house interiors from different times. A lot of thought had been put into making this place interactive and fun, creatively using video projections and 3D displays.

Last but not least, since most of the canal houses in Amsterdam have beautiful gardens behind them that you cannot see from the road, it’s a real a treat to get a view of the lovely garden behind this museum; a quiet oasis and great example of Amsterdam’s hidden gems.

Mention Dutch beer and most people think of Heineken, a huge brand that is ubiquitous worldwide. And sure, Heineken is pretty tasty, but guess what? The Netherlands has a whole bunch of other beers that are even more delicious!

If you're on the hunt for local and specialty brews, look no further than De Bierkoning, a charming beer shop/kingdom that's been around forever right in the heart of the city. This place is like a beer paradise, with three floors packed full of over 1,000 different Dutch and international beers. You can bet they'll have whatever you're searching for, and probably some crazy stuff you didn't even know existed (ever heard of cocoa beer?).

But that's not all – they've got an amazing selection of beer glasses and all sorts of beer-related gear like mats and bottle openers. And the prices? Totally reasonable. Plus, the folks working there are super friendly and can steer you in the right direction if you're looking for some cool up-and-coming beers to try or ones that are making waves in the beer scene. Cheers to that!