Accijnshuis, Amsterdam

Finance & Trade Tour

Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age (17th century), a result of its innovative developments in trade. During that time, the city was also the leading centre for finance and diamonds and the first city in the world with a Stock Exchange and pre-modern banking facilities.

Nothing displays the wealth of Amsterdam in those days better than the The Royal Palace on Dam Square — once the townhall. At that time the most prestigeous and largest houses were built along the Heren­gracht (the Golden Belt) for the rich merchants and bankers.

The Allard Pierson Museum of antiquities was the first National Bank and in the Munt­toren (Mint Tower) coins were minted, hence the name.

The Civic Guard Gallery and the former Orphanage are also well worth a visit.