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.