First called Reguliersplein, then Botermarkt for the butter markets held here until the mid-19th century, this somewhat brash square now takes its name from the statue of the painter erected in 1876. Beneath Rembrandt is a photo-op favourite: imposing life-sized bronze sculptures re-creating his famous painting, The Night Watch (see the original in the Rijksmuseum).

Rembrandtplein evolved into a nightlife hub as cafes, restaurants and clubs opened their doors, and remains a cornerstone of Amsterdam nightlife.

On the northern side of the square, De Kroon, which opened in 1898, is one of the grandest cafés in town. Opposite, Café Schiller, dating from 1892, is renowned for its theatrical crowd and fabulous art deco interior, including stained-glass windows.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Tassenmuseum Hendrikje

0.06 MILES

This grand 17th-century canal-house museum has a covetable collection of arm candy. More than 5000 bags can be found here, including a medieval pouch,…

2. Reguliersgracht

0.08 MILES

Crossing Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht canals, this waterway was dug in 1658 to link the Herengracht with the canals further south. The…

3. Museum Willet-Holthuysen

0.1 MILES

This exquisite canal house was built in 1687 for Amsterdam mayor Jacob Hop, then remodelled in 1739. It's named after Louisa Willet-Holthuysen, who…

4. Gijsbert Dommer Huis

0.17 MILES

This handsome greystone house is known dramatically as the 'House with the Blood Stains'. Six-time mayor and diplomat Coenraad van Beuningen lost his…

5. Blauwbrug

0.18 MILES

Built in 1884, this highly decorated stone bridge replaced an old, blue (hence the name) wooden crossing that had connected these shores of the Amstel…

6. NAP Visitors Centre

0.19 MILES

This fascinating display was closed for repairs at the time of research, but shows the ins and outs of Normaal Amsterdams Peil (NAP; Normal Amsterdam…

7. Stopera

0.2 MILES

This curved waterside building is called Stopera because it houses both the stadhuis (city hall) and the opera and ballet hall, aka Muziektheater. It…

8. Foam

0.2 MILES

From the outside, it looks like a grand canal house, but this is the city's most important photography gallery. Its simple, spacious galleries, some with…