Car: not necessary
The Old Centre of Amsterdam is probably the best known for it's prostitution and coffee shops. Fortunately, the Old Centre of Amsterdam has even more to offer. The Old Centre exists of the beautiful Canal houses and off course the well known Amsterdam Canals.
One minute walking you can find The Dam, the most famous square in Amsterdam (and probably the Netherlands) from where the historical side of the city was build. The Dam is 750 meter located from the Central Station of Amsterdam. All the well known streets, like Damstraat, Warmoesstraat and Kalverstraat, come out to the Dam.
Next to the beautiful surroundings you will be located in, everything is one minute away. Shopping in the Kalverstraat, business meetings in The Grand or Krasnapolski, good restaurants at the Canals and going-out at Rembrandt square.
In summary; The best place to be if you visit Amsterdam.