- Nieuwmarkt
- 1011 JP Amsterdam
Market place
The Nieuwmarkt (New Market) is a square in Amsterdam's Chinatown, next to the Red Light District. The square was created when the canals in the area were filled in, in 1614, and it was then used as a market place, giving the square its name. A daily market is still held here and an organic market is held on Saturdays. There are also many lively cafés and interesting shops - particularly featuring books or antiques - in the Nieuwmarkt district and it's easy to spend a few hours browsing and people-watching.
De Waag
The Nieuwmarkt is dominated by a historical building known as De Waag. Built in 1488, it was originally a gate in the medieval city walls but was converted into a weighing house in the 17th century. This characteristic building has had many functions over the years - from 1926 to 1932 it housed the Amsterdam Historical Museum, and until 1987, the Jewish Historical Museum. Nowadays the restaurant/café In de Waag is situated in the monumental building.
