Originally a lively fish and cloth market, this square upon which the castle-like De Waag building stands was the holding place for Jews arrested during World War II. In the 1970s, Chinese immigrants created a small Chinatown, and a decade later, locals protested the construction of a subway station here. On weekdays the square is a cool gathering place surrounded by pubs and small restaurants where you can eat well for very little money. While Saturdays sees the square occupied by the weekly farmers' market, where you will find everything from from fruits and vegetables to cosmetics and curios. A delightful walk along the canals amid some of Amsterdam's oldest houses is highly recommended.
