Luggage Storage Dam Square

About Dam Square

Damn Square is the central public space of Amsterdam. As a result, it's more or less the heart of the city. Dam Square was once the location of a dam on the river Amstel. Therefore the entire city takes its name from this spot. The dam was built around 1270, and Dam Square can be considered the birthplace of Amsterdam itself.

As the city grew, Dam Square grew with it. Starting out as a fish market, the Square soon became the location of the City Hall, then the royal palace of the Dutch monarchy. Dam Square is not only the central public space of Amsterdam, but is a kind of national Square for the entire country.

Given its long history, Dam Square has seen its share of massacres, riots, and even the 2003 assassination of a Bulgarian mobster. But mostly, Dam Square is known for its historical importance, its fascinating buildings, and its energetic atmosphere. There's always something going on at Dam Square. And with its central location, it's a great place to begin your exploration of this fabled city.

Things to do near Dam Square

Just a short walk from Amsterdam Central train station, Dam Square is easily reached. And as the ancient heart of the city, you won't need to stray far to find fun things to do. Much of the best of what Amsterdam has to offer can be found in the vicinity of the Square. For instance, you could:

• Rub shoulders with royalty at the Royal Palace. Okay, so you're unlikely to actually see King Willem-Alexander during your visit. But you can admire the extensive collection of paintings and sculpture the Dutch royals have amassed over the centuries in this extravagant residence.

• Travel back in time at the 15th-century Nieuwe Kerk. Right next to the palace, this imposing building may be called the New Church, but it's anything but. This neo-Gothic building is no longer used for religious services, but it does host exhibitions and organ recitals, and also coronations of Dutch royalty.

• Get creeped out at Bodyworlds. This permanent exhibition celebrates the human body through the display of preserved cadavers. While not a place for the squeamish, the exhibition encourages contemplation on what makes us happy and the effects our choices have on our bodies.

• Pick up some unique souvenirs at Haarlemerdijk and Haarlemerstraat. These streets offer a different experience from the run-of-the-mill shopping you can find in most European cities. Here, you'll find cozy boutiques, unique specialty stores, cool cafes, and trendy bars.

• Get a historical high at the Hash, Marijuana, and Hemp Museum. This unusual museum tells the story of Amsterdam's famously liberal attitude toward marijuana. Situated at the edge of Amsterdam's notorious red-light district, this museum is the perfect introduction to one of the city's most notorious aspects.

Transit options in Dam Square

• Tramlines 4, 13, 14, and 17 all connect Dam square with Centraal Station.

• Buses N85, N87, N89, and others stop at the transit station in Dam Square.

• Centraal station can be reached in five minutes by tram or approximately eight minutes on foot. From here, trains run to the airport and to other cities throughout the country, as well as the rest of Europe.

Luggage storage in Dam Square

Being so central to everything makes Dam Square the perfect place to begin an Amsterdam trip. However, since it's so popular with tourists, the Square can get very busy. This is even more true during the many events that are held there. You don't want to be carrying heavy bags around with you in such a crowded place.

Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage location near Dam Square. You'll be able to enjoy the city on foot, which is the best way to see it, without being unnecessarily weighed down. No matter how big your bags are or how long you want to store them, Bounce can find a location convenient for you.

Attractions and activities near Dam Square

• Red Light District: Dive into the seedy side of Amsterdam with a tour of the red light district. The sex trade has been part of Amsterdam since its earliest history, and the city has adopted a famously liberal policy that allows sex workers to ply their trade out in the open with the protection of the police. A guided tour will explain the fascinating history of this unique social experiment. The red light district is best seen at night, but can be extremely chaotic and is no place to carry heavy bags around with you. Drop off your luggage before you set out to explore.

• Rijksmuseum: Check out one of the world's great museums at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum. The National Museum of the Netherlands is home to masterpieces of Dutch art, including works by Vermeer and Rembrandt, among other Dutch Masters. Large bags are not permitted in the museum, so make sure you drop them off at a luggage storage in Amsterdam before visiting.

• Anne Frank House: Anne Frank and her family's tragic story is one that continues to resonate with people around the world to this day. Visit the house where the young girl wrote her famous diary while hiding from the Nazi occupation during the Second World War.

• Blomenmarket: Drink in the beauty of Amsterdam's famous Blomenmarket, an exuberant flower market that floats on one of the city's many canals. It's a perfect place to pick up some tulip bulbs as a souvenir that will remind you of your trip as they bloom for years to come.