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.