CENTRAAL STATION - CENTRAL STATION

Amsterdam's central station is a symbol of the city. In recent years, it has undergone extensive construction work for an underground line and a new bus station, but it is still clearly visible from the outside. It was built between 1881 and 1889 according to the plans of P.H. Cuypers, who also designed the Rijksmuseum, inaugurated in 1885, which is very similar to it. It was the first Dutch station to be designed by a famous architect. The station was built on three artificial islands with almost 9,000 piles. This closed off the harbour but prevented the railway lines from crossing the city. The two towers in the station were to make the station a new gateway to the city. The station soon proved to be too small and many additions have been made since its construction. It is currently undergoing a major transformation and is gradually revealing its new face! Don't miss the floating bicycle garage on the right as you leave the station. The new bicycle tunnel with its Delft tiles is worth a visit. The back part of the station, which used to be a very dangerous place, is now a real opening towards the northern districts of the city with the shared space, a new space for traffic without traffic lights. The shopping malls, including the Lil'Amsterdam, are worth a visit. The city side of the station is currently being redesigned and rebuilt to provide an elegant entrance to the city.