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Nieuwmarkt & Old City Center Tour
Nieuwmarkt square has been a centre for commerce since the 17th century. The Waag (Weigh House), originally St. Anthony’s Gate, was a major entry point to the city before the old city walls were demolished.
The Lastage area around the Nieuwmarkt is one of the oldest districts. It became part of the Jewish Quarter with the settlement of Sephardi and Ashkenazi Jews in the 15th and 16th century.
Chinese settlers in Amsterdam used to load coals on large passenger ships, so Chinatown sprung up near the old harbour. On the Zeedijk you will find the largest Buddhist temple in Europe.
Of note are the Oude Kerk (dating from 1300), Saint Nicholas Church and “Our Lord in the Attic” Museum (a 17th-century house with a hidden church on the top three floors).
