Amsterdam Rembrandtplein

Rembrandtplein lacks the museums and other cultural spots that fill the rest of Amsterdam, but underneath the beer and bumping bass there is some history to be found even here.

Rembrandtplein, Rembrandtplein Once upon a time (a.k.a. the late 17th century), the area now known as Rembrandtplein was home to Amsterdam's butter market (Botermarkt). Unless there are things we don't know about the dairy trade, we suspect that the neighborhood was quite a bit tamer then than it is today. Around the end of the 19th century, hotels and cafes began to spring up around the square, which led to more tourists visiting the area, which led to people trying to figure out how to get more money from the tourists, which meant trying to get tourists drunk: thus, the explosion of bars and clubs nearby. Rembrandtplein is now home to Amsterdam's largest club, Escape, underneath Europe's largest LCD TV screen. From the middle of the square, Rembrandt van Rijn looks benevolently down at the madness. Tram #9 or 14 to (surprise!) Rembrandtplein. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Thorbeckeplein, Thorbeckeplein In between Rembrandtplein and Herengracht is another bar-lined square named after a historical figure, Mr. Johan Rudolph Thorbecke (1798-1872)—he's the one on the pedestal by the river. Thorbecke was a member of the Dutch parliament who led the constitutional reforms of 1848, restricting the power of the monarchy and giving it to the States-General of the Netherlands. He became minister of internal affairs in 1849, making him for all intents and purposes the first prime minister of the Netherlands. His parliamentary career went through many ups and downs owing to constant political conflicts, but today he is remembered as one of the greatest Dutch political figures. No surprise, then, that he got a square named after him. Thorbeckeplein, in turn, gave its name to a song written by the popular Dutch singer Robert Long about a bittersweet gay love affair. Tram #9 or 14 to Rembrandtplein. It's on the opposite side of Rembrandtplein from the giant TV screen. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.