Old City Center

Variety really is the spice of life when you're visiting Amsterdam. This city has enjoyed a rich and turbulent history, and so much of it can be seen in the city center: the Red Light District, the oldest part of Amsterdam, is home to the city's oldest church, the most historic architecture, and of course, legal prostitution; the Old Jewish Quarter still has one of the best outdoor flea markets in Europe; and the medieval Nieuwmarkt is breathtaking. The Dam, an open square overlooked by the Royal Dam Palace, is a godsend to visitors as a landmark; when lost, even the worst student of foreign languages can easily get help by asking for "The Dam."