One of the top things about The Plug Utopia at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 132 is that it is also close to some of Amsterdam’s most well-known landmarks. This location is in the middle of the city centre, it’s one of the perfect bases for exploring a huge dose of history, culture, and a splash of local charm.
Here are five attractions you’ll want to check out that aren’t a huge detour during your time at The Plug Utopia.
Dam Square & the Royal Palace
A three‑minute stroll from The Plug Utopia, Dam Square is one of the most famous gathering places in Amsterdam. Here are street performers, cafés, and historical landmarks, and it all makes for a vibrant, photogenic scene.
The Royal Palace is a 17th‑century city hall building that now hosts state receptions & ceremonies for the Dutch royal family. Open to the public all year round, its imposing interior, marble halls, and classic architecture provide a thrilling taste of Dutch history and workmanship.
Magna Plaza
Magna Plaza, behind the Royal Palace, a former post office, is now a luxury shopping center. With its Gothic-revivalist façade, the building is a national monument, and, its history notwithstanding, inside there’s a medley of high‑end boutiques, souvenir stalls, and cafes.
Magna Plaza is a superb spot for one-of-a-kind gifts or to have a coffee in a beautiful architectural space. It's less than a five‑minute walk from The Plug Utopia, so it’s an effortless and worthwhile diversion.
The Amsterdam Museum
Just up the side streets, you’ll find the Amsterdam Museum, charting the story of the city from a tiny fishing hamlet to a global cultural epicenter. The displays are interactive and well curated, addressing art, trade, architecture, and social history.
This is a good option if you want to discover more about the city than what is offered by the canals and nightlife. And it’s near shopping streets such as Kalverstraat, so it’s easy to fold in with other stops.
Spui & the Begijnhof
If you prefer someplace to relax and get away from the crowds, then check out Spui, a historic square a short walk away. On Fridays, there’s an open‑air book market here, and on Sundays, an art market showcasing local creatives.
The Begijnhof, an enclosed courtyard dating to the 14th century, is just a block behind Spui. That tranquil haven is still home to pretty old houses, a historic chapel, and one of the oldest wooden houses in Amsterdam. It’s a peaceful paradise away from the cacophony of city streets.
The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)
This charming neighborhood in the heart of Amsterdam is packed with independent shops, cafes, and places to drink.
If nothing else, unique shopping enthusiasts owe it to themselves to visit the Nine Streets. These charming streets are home to independent boutiques, vintage stores, artisan cafes, galleries, and more.
With many lovely canal views along the way, the area has a more local feeling than the city’s main shopping streets. It’s a light 10‑minute walk from The Plug Utopia, and you can easily spend a few hours searching for its hidden gems.
Why This Area Works for All Types of Visitors
One of the best things about The Plug Utopia’s location is that it’s easy to combine activities. Want to shop? It’s right off Kalverstraat, Nieuwendijk and Magna Plaza. Want culture? The Royal Palace, Amsterdam Museum, and Begijnhof are also within minutes. Want charm? The Nine Streets and Spui are awash with it.
And the city centre is so compact, with a bit of quick stepping, two or three can be easily visited on a single afternoon, with plenty of time left over for hanging out at Utopia.
In Summary
From high-end shopping to historical courtyards, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 132 is the perfect base from which to explore for every type of guest. Visiting for the first time or falling in love with Amsterdam all over again, The Plug Utopia has everything you need right at the heart of it all.
Plan to combine your visit with these five attractions nearby, and you’ll really get a sense of why the city centre has something about it. The combination of history, architecture, culture, and shopping allows you hardly to make any choices to piece together your ideal Amsterdam visit — it’s all just a short walk away.