Amsterdam’s medieval city center has two parts — and old side, and a new side.
Interestingly, the New Side is actually slightly older than the Old Side.
The Old Side (Oude Zijde) includes the city’s world famous Red Light District.
Built on 13,659 wooden piles, Amsterdam’s Royal Palace on Dam Square — which started life as the city’s Town Hall — was once described as the world’s Eight Wonder.
Though the palace is at the disposal of the Royal House, most days of the year it is open to visitors.
Founded sometime in the 14th century for the Beguines, members of a lay Catholic sisterhood, the Begijnhof is one of Amsterdam’s oldest inner courtyards — and one of the city’s best known landmarks.
Even taking into account the effects of mass tourism, the Begijnhof remains for the most part a haven of peace and tranquility in the busy center of medieval Amsterdam.
The Nieuwmarkt is one of Amsterdam’s most popular squares, dominated by a castle-like former city gate.
The square is lined by two dozen cafés, restaurants and coffeeshops, and has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Damrak is the main street that leads from Amsterdam Central Station, where most tourists arrive, to Dam square in the center of the medieval town.
This lively street, lined with centuries-old monuments, so-so bars, and gaudy souvenir shops, Damrak — which is in the middle of a makeover — offer a preview of what Amsterdam has to offer.
Situated in a series of monumental 17th century houses Restaurant Vermeer offers top-quality gourmet dining.
The restaurant in located within the NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace Hotel, just across from Central Station.
The Droog Design group is a design collective based in Amsterdam whose work has garnered international fame.
To a large extent their work has defined Dutch design internationally.
Rembrandtplein (Rembrandt square) is a major center of nightlife in Amsterdam. It was named after the painter Rembrandt van Rijn, who owned a house nearby.
The square features a cast iron sculpture of the painter.