Amsterdam Oude Zijd

The Oude Zijd doesn't have many traditional sights or museums, but it is home to a number of interesting architectural landmarks.

Nieuwmarkt, Nieuwmarkt Dominated by the largest still-standing medieval building in Amsterdam, Nieuwmarkt is a calm square lined with diverse cafes and bars, making it one of the best places in the city for some relaxed people-watching. De Waag, the 15th-century castle-like structure in Nieuwmarkt's center, was originally a fortress gate. When the walls surrounding the city were demolished to enable Amsterdam's expansion, the fortress became a weighing house. In later centuries it housed a gallery for surgical dissections (Rembrandt's The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Tulp depicts one such event), the Jewish Historical Museum, and, now, a restaurant and cafe. Nieuwmarkt is beloved by tourists and locals alike: in the 1970s, a plan to build a Metro and highway going through the neighborhood triggered the demolition of many surrounding buildings, which in turn prompted heavy rioting here in 1975. The highway idea was scrapped, but the Metro plan persisted, the product of whic Nieuwmarkt or from Centraal Station walk 10min. down Zeedijk. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Sint Nicolaaskerk, Prins Hendrikkade 73 (☎062 487 49; www.nicolaas-parochie.nl/nicolaaskerkamsterdam.html), If the austere Protestant churches around town are getting you down, head to this relatively new (opened in 1887) Catholic building. Adrianus Bleijs designed the church in a combination of neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque styles. The dark stone exterior and interior are complemented by beautiful stained glass, mosaics, and murals depicting the life of St. Nicholas (the patron saint of sailors). Take a look at the cupola, made entirely from Belgian glass. It's the only glass cupola in the Netherlands. The organ, designed by William Sauer, is also impressive in size and sound. Stop by one of the church's frequent concerts to hear it played. 2min. walk from Centraal Station; make a left when leaving Stationsplein. Open to tourists M noon-3pm, Tu-F 11am-4pm, Sa noon-3pm. Mass held throughout the week in Dutch, Latin, and Spanish; check website for schedule. No wheelchair access.
Amsterdams Centrum voor Fotografie, Bethanienstraat 39 (☎062 248 99; www.acf-web.nl), Tucked in a small street between Nieuwmarkt and the Red Light District, this gallery showcases the work of young Dutch photographers, many of whom are just out of art school. Exhibits vary greatly in topic, but it's certainly worth poking your head in to see what's on the walls. The center also holds lectures, workshops, and master classes—all in Dutch. Nieuwmarkt. Walk south on Kloveniersburgwal and make a right. Exhibits are free. Open Th-Sa 1-5pm. Wheelchair access.
Fo Guang Shan He Hua Temple, Zeedijk 106-118 (☎042 023 57; www.ibps.nl), You can't miss this brightly painted, gabled building along Zeedijk. It's Europe's largest palace-style Buddhist temple. Queen Beatrix herself officially opened the temple, associated with the Taiwan-based Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order, in 2000. The goals of the temple include both spiritual development and cultural exchange. Most travelers come to peek inside the temple at the ornate Buddha statues, but the building also hosts lectures on Buddhism and Chinese as well as holiday and festival celebrations. Nieuwmarkt. Free. Open Tu-Sa noon-5pm, Su 10am-5pm. Services Su 10:30am open to the public. No wheelchair access.
Oost-Indisch Huis, Kloveniersburgwal 48 For almost two centuries, the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie, or Dutch East India Company, wielded quasi-governmental powers and a whole lot of cash. Beginning in 1606, this building along Kloveniersburgwal was where they set up shop. Its Dutch Renaissance design is a trademark of Hendrik de Keyser, the architect to whom the building has been convincingly attributed. Today, the University of Amsterdam cares for this national monument, though the students loitering and smoking outside the building take away a bit of its gravitas. Nieuwmarkt. Wheelchair access.