The Waag (Weigh House), located at Nieuwmarkt 4, is one of the most remarkable historic buildings in Amsterdam’s city center. Built in 1488, it originally served as a city gate, part of Amsterdam’s medieval fortifications.
After the city walls were torn down in 1601, the building was repurposed as a weigh house, where goods were measured and taxed, an essential part of Amsterdam's trading hub during the Dutch Golden Age.
A Building with Many Lives
Over the centuries, The Waag has played many roles, including:
- A fire brigade station
- Home to scientific societies and two museums
- A setting for historic medical dissections (Rembrandt's "The Anatomy Lesson" was inspired here)
This layered history makes it one of Amsterdam’s oldest and most storied buildings.
Dining by Candlelight at The Waag
Today, The Waag is a unique restaurant, offering an atmospheric dining experience. The interior is famously lit by 300 candles, enhancing the building's historical ambiance. If you're enjoying lunch, dinner, or a drink, it’s an unforgettable place to soak in centuries of Amsterdam history.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Nieuwmarkt 4, 1012 CR Amsterdam
Getting there: A short walk from Dam Square or Amsterdam Central Station
Open: Daily for lunch, dinner, and drinks