Amsterdam Centraal Railway Station

  • Opened: 1889

  • Architect: Designed by Pierre Cuypers, the same architect who designed the Rijksmuseum. Its style combines Neo-Renaissance with Gothic elements.

  • Location: Right in the heart of Amsterdam, facing the IJ waterfront on one side and the city center on the other.

  • Importance:

    • Largest railway station in Amsterdam

    • Serves international trains (Thalys, Eurostar, ICE) as well as domestic routes

    • Connects directly with trams, buses, ferries, and the metro

  • Design: Built on 8,000 wooden piles (like many Amsterdam buildings) because of the soft ground.

  • Traffic: Handles over 200,000 passengers daily.

  • Modern upgrades: Recently renovated to include modern shopping areas, restaurants, and direct access to the North-South metro line.

It’s not just a station but also a gateway to Amsterdam’s city center, as many visitors first see the city when stepping out of Amsterdam Centraal.