Moving to Dam and De Wallen, made easy

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The historical center of Amsterdam is best suited to those who want to live in a busy, nightlife-focused neighborhood.

Median Home Rent (PER MONTH)

Studio / 1 BR
70% Complete

1,575

2 Bedrooms
71% Complete

1,597

3 Bedrooms
84% Complete

1,900

4 Bedrooms
100% Complete

2,250


Median Home Price

Studio / 1 BR
38% Complete

255K

2 Bedrooms
48% Complete

325K

3 Bedrooms
74% Complete

497K

4 Bedrooms
100% Complete

675K

Good For
  • Couples without kids
  • Creatives
  • LGBTQ
  • Singles
  • Students

 

What’s around
  • 238 Restaurants
  • 6 Grocery stores/markets
  • 5 Banks
  • 153 Nightlife options
  • 8 Fitness options
  • 131 Shops

 


PUBLIC TRANSITGood

WALKABILITYExcellent

Safety

Dam and De Wallen have a high violent crime rate and a high property crime rate for Amsterdam.

  WHAT’S LIVING IN Dam and De Wallen LIKE?

Dam Square is often referred to as the place where Amsterdam started. There’s some truth in that story as the ‘dam’ in Amsterdam refers to this spot. But settlements on both sides of the river Amstel, the ‘Amster’ in Amsterdam, existed long before the dam was built. Today, it’s a large, open square with side streets leading into different parts of town. The Royal Palace on the west end of the square gives it a bit of charm, but other than that it has very little appeal.

East of Dam Square, however, is a part of town that is one of the main tourist draws: the Red Light District, "de Walletjes" in Dutch. There might be an abundance of world class museums and Unesco listed canals here, but a lot of people still come to Amsterdam because of its liberal attitude towards soft drugs and prostitution, and this is where they come as soon as they set foot in town.

Some never see anything else in Amsterdam besides this part, which is a pity as it does not reflect the city in the best way. However, those making a bit of an effort will like the old Amsterdam charm that is visible between the glow of the red lights and the intoxicating smoke of cannabis. Some of Amsterdam’s oldest buildings can be found here for instance. And the canals on this end of Dam Square are absolutely lovely.

And in all fairness, prostitution is as much part of Amsterdam’s history as is Rembrandt. A visit won’t be complete without a stroll along the canals and narrow alleys where scantily dressed ladies try to lure in customers. Prostitution is such an everyday part of life here that there is a very active workers union for sex-workers. But despite their many successful efforts to unionize and gain rights, human trafficking is still an issue here. The city council has plans to close as many as half of the red light windows. This, however, is met with resistance as many think this might push women out onto the streets.

Living here, as you can imagine, requires a certain tolerance. Not only to sex and drugs, but also to large groups of visitors under the influence of booze, drugs, or both. And as this part of town never sleeps, nor will you unless you wear earplugs or have a bedroom that doesn't face the street or canal. But there are many that would not want to live anywhere else. And rumor has it that with that many women working in this area round the clock, female residents are safer here than in any other part of town. 

Dam and De Wallen are bordered on the north by Amsterdam's Central Station, on the east by Nieuwmarkt, and on the south and west by Grachtengordel

Dam

 

Local Flavor   Dam and De Wallen LOCAL schools

 

Local Flavor   Dam and De Wallen Local Flavor

Paleis op de Dam

Paleis op de Dam DAM, 1012KB AMSTERDAM MAP
https://www.paleisamsterdam.nl

This neoclassical palace was built and completed as a city hall in 1665. In 1806, King Louis I, the brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, moved in, making it the Royal Palace. Aside from a few years as home of the French governor, it has been called the Royal Palace ever since. Reigning monarchs no longer live here, but it is used for official functions and entertaining guests at state visits. It’s also open to visitors and hosts exhibitions with a variety of themes. 

Wynand Fockink

Wynand Fockink PIJLSTEEG 31, 1012HH AMSTERDAM MAP
http://wynand-fockink.nl

Tucked away in a narrow alley off Dam Square is this amazing liquor distillery and tavern. It was started by Wynand Fockink in 1679 and still serves and sells gins and jenevers (Dutch gin) traditionally crafted in-house. Lovers of jenever flock from all over the world to sample and buy here, or simply enjoy a drink with friends or alone.

Prostitutie Informatie Centrum

Prostitutie Informatie Centrum ENGE KERKSTEEG 3, 1012GV AMSTERDAM MAP
http://www.pic-amsterdam.com

Home of the sex workers information center, but also the go-to place for information and tours of the Red Light District.

Bijenkorf

Bijenkorf DAM 1, 1012 JS AMSTERDAM MAP
www.debijenkorf.nl

This upscale department store opened its doors here in 1915. The impressive building houses five floors of fashion, home decor, gifts, cosmetics and more from high-end brands and the Bijenkorf private label. The restaurant on the fifth floor boasts amazing views of Dam square and other parts of Amsterdam.

KLM houses Oudezijds Armsteeg

KLM houses Oudezijds Armsteeg OUDEZIJDS ARMSTEEG , 1012 AS AMSTERDAM MAP

Those traveling business class with KLM airlines are handed a small, Delft Blue house filled with Bols jenever. An Amsterdam based architecture firm was inspired by this, and designed 6 life-size versions for a lot in this small alley in the Red Light District.

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