Damrak
The Basics
The Damrak was a canal before it was filled with cement during the 19th century, making way for gift and food shops, hotels, bars and eateries. The body of water at the Stock Exchange is all that remains of the erstwhile harbor. The gabled houses backing onto this stretch of water are among the most picturesque in Amsterdam.
Travelers have many options to explore the Damrak as part of half- or full-day sightseeing tours that travel by hop-on hop-off double-decker bus, by bike, on foot, or via hop-on hop-off canal cruise. Specialized tours may incorporate a beer cruise, a meal, or a drink at a local bar. Trace eight centuries of Dutch history and cultural traditions on tours that include the Damrak can include other top attractions, such as the Royal Palace, Rembrandt House Museum, Anne Frank House, Dam Square, and the Red Light District.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families with children.
- There is no entrance fee for Damrak itself.
- A variety of amenities may be included on tours, such as round-trip hotel transport, some meals and drinks, and admission fees.
- Check specific tours for details.
- Double-decker buses are able to accommodate wheelchairs.
Trip ideas
How to Get There
The Damrak is the main street where people arriving by train first enter the center of Amsterdam. Several lines of trams and trains converge here and in Dam Square, giving visitors access to and from all parts of the city from this location. Throughout the year, there are frequent daily arrivals and departures.
When to Get There
The Damrak is open daily, year-around. High season for travelers is during the warm summer months. For fewer tourists and lovely mild temperatures, visit Amsterdam between April and May, or September and November, right before or directly after the summertime high tourist season. Deals on hotels and flights can be found in wintertime, outside of the Christmas holidays
Explore on a Cruise or on Bike
For a more in-depth yet relaxed Amsterdam experience, take a one-hour canal cruise. Drift along picturesque canals, past classic houseboats, gabled merchant houses built in the 17th century, and charming stone bridges before reaching the old harbor. Travelers should also explore the small neighborhoods as the locals do, by bike or by local ferry.
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- Body Worlds Amsterdam
- Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments
- Venustempel Sex Museum
- Old Church (Oude Kerk)
- Dam Square
- Museum Our Lord in the Attic (Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder)
- New Church (Nieuwe Kerk)
- Brouwersgracht
- National Monument (Nationaal Monument op de Dam)
- Red Light Secrets (Museum of Prostitution)
- Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! Amsterdam
- Royal Palace Amsterdam (Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam)
- Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum
- St. Nicholas Basilica (Sint Nicolaasbasiliek)