Damrak (Dam Port)

Damrak (Dam Port) Review

This unavoidable and busy street leading up to Centraal Station, which is being smartened up as the "red carpet" to the city, is lined with a mostly tawdry assortment of shops, attractions, hotels, and greasy-food dispensers. It's a shame, because behind the neon signs are some beautiful examples of lovely Dutch architecture. Damrak, and its extension, Rokin, was once the Amstel River, bustling with activity, its piers loaded with fish and other cargo on their way to the weigh house at the Dam. Now the only open water that remains is a patch in front of the station that provides mooring for canal tour boats.