Magna Plaza

Medieval Centre & Red Light District


This grand 19th-century landmark building, once the main post office, is now home to an upmarket shopping mall with more than 40 boutiques stocking fashion, gifts and jewellery – everything from Mango and Sissy Boy to a cashmere specialist. After browsing, stop for refreshments at its 1100 sq metre food hall, where choices include Amsterdam burger specialist the Butcher.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Medieval Centre & Red Light District attractions

1. Nieuwe Kerk

0.03 MILES

This 15th-century late-Gothic basilica is only ‘new’ in relation to the Oude Kerk – the city's Old Church, dating from 1306. A few monumental items…

2. Royal Palace

0.06 MILES

Opened as a town hall in 1655, this resplendent building became a palace in the 19th century. The interiors gleam, especially the marble work – at its…

3. Dam

0.09 MILES

This square is the very spot where Amsterdam was founded around 1270. Today pigeons, tourists, buskers and the occasional funfair (complete with Ferris…

4. Torensluis

0.09 MILES

Stretching across the Singel is the Torensluis, one of the oldest and widest bridges in the city. The big moustached bust is of Multatuli, aka 19th…

5. Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

0.11 MILES

Sure, Madame Tussauds wax museum is overpriced and cheesy, but its focus on local culture makes it fun: 'meet' the Dutch royals, politicians, painters and…

6. Nationaal Monument

0.14 MILES

The obelisk on the Dam's eastern side was built in 1956 to commemorate WWII's fallen. Fronted by two lions, its pedestal has a number of symbolic statues:…

7. Kalverstraat

0.15 MILES

You're sure to end up on this crowded street at some point. Named after the livestock markets held here in the 17th century, Kalverstraat is now a place…

8. Bartolotti House

0.16 MILES

Built in 1617, this ornate neck-gabled building was designed by famed architect Hendrick de Keyser, and has two bends in the facade to follow the course…