Rokin
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Most visitors to Amsterdam will walk along the Rokin without even knowing its name: This bustling thoroughfare is on the route many travelers follow when walking from Amsterdam Central station. It’s hard to miss with Dam Square at its northern end, while Mint Square (Muntplein) and the 15th-century Mint Tower (Munttoren) are its southern end.
The basics
Although most of the Rokin canal that used to flow beside the street has been filled in, there’s a small patch left—between Grimburgwal and the Amstel—where canal boats still moor. The street itself offers plenty of shops and restaurants, crammed with little respect for heritage into a hodgepodge of buildings, which include 17th-century, 19th-century, and post-modern architecture. The area’s rich history is evident at Rokin metro station, where glass cases between the escalators display archaeological finds excavated during engineering works.
Things to know before you go
The Rokin is a good choice for bookworms and archaeology buffs.
Pickpockets can be an issue in this part of Amsterdam, particularly when it’s crowded: Keep your phone close and wear your bag with the opening against your body.
As with most streets in Amsterdam, the Rokin and its sidewalks are well set up for wheelchairs. However, crowds can make it hard to negotiate, particularly on weekends.
How to get there
The Rokin runs through the heart of Amsterdam from Dam Square to the Mint Tower. You can reach the Rokin by foot from Amsterdam Central station, by catching the metro to Rokin (Line 52), or by trams including the 14 and 4.
When to get there
The Rokin can feel busy and overwhelming at weekends during the summer peak season—typically from late May through August–although for some that’s all part of its dynamic energy. It’s generally easier to navigate and to explore the shops midweek. Consider a shoulder season trip if you prefer a more relaxed city break, such as September to October.
What to do on the Rokin
Bookworms love the Rokin for the Scheltema bookstore, which was founded in 1853 and sells more than 125,000 titles, including many in English. A favorite spot for photographers and social media mavens alike is the Rokin Fountain, a striking bronze fountain featuring a pair of unfinished faces. For a taste of the glamor the Rokin once held, head to P.G.C. Hajenius, an upscale cigar store that’s been dishing out tobacco amid dark-wood elegance for more than a century.
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