This picturesque square is located directly south from the Central Station, in the city’s Chinatown district. On a sunny day, grab a table on the outdoor terrace of one of the many cafés, order a chilled Dutch lager and a serving of bitterballen, the popular traditional fried snacks, and admire the historic scenery.
A single medieval building dominates the square. Known as De Waag, which translates as the Weigh House, it once played a central role in the city’s economy. Traders used to come here to weigh their goods before transporting them to markets across Amsterdam. Prior to the 17th century, this structure was one of the main gates in the city’s fortified boundary wall. The interior of the building is illuminated by hundreds of candles creating a beautiful soft light, the perfect setting for a romantic dinner in ground floor restaurant.
Nieuwmarkt’s historical trade links still continue today, with stalls set up every day of the week and an organic farmers’ market bursting with fresh fruit, vegetables and beautiful blooms on Saturdays. In the warmer months between May and October, there’s also an antiques market held on Sundays, selling everything from period furniture to second-hand clothes. If you’re visiting at Christmas time, there’s an excellent Christmas market held here. You may even get to see people taking Christmas trees home on their bikes!
The square is a popular gathering place during national celebrations. It also hosts concerts and fairs, most notably the annual Zeedijk street festival that always draws in big crowds.
In addition to the cafés and coffee shops overlooking the square, there are restaurants serving food with an international flavour. Tuck in to traditional Dutch and other European cuisine, or if you prefer, there’s also Asian-inspired cuisine in a small Chinatown in the northwest corner of the square. Here you can enjoy delicious fresh sushi, noodles or dumplings. You won’t be able to miss the Buddhist temple standing out among the traditional narrow gabled houses.
Nieuwmarkt is only a 10 minute walk from the Central Station along the narrow Zeedijk street. If travelling by public transport, take the metro to the square’s station. Car parking in this area is very limited.
