When the Central Station was built in the late 19th century, the old town was cut off from the harbour. For nearly a century, the waterfront remained a harbour area, until a rediscovery started in the 1990s. Over the last years, the Central Station has been extended with a new retail area, bus station and second main entrance on the waterside. East and west of it lie Oosterdokseiland and Westerdokseiland, which have been transformed into high-density city quarters. The latest addition is artificial peninsula IJdock, with the new Palace of Justice, a hotel, housing, offices and a marina. Now the development continues on the opposite side of the water, just a short ferry ride away, with the EYE Film Institute and the conversion of the former Shell highrise, topped by a spectacular viewing platform.
This tour offers insights into a once-industrial riverfront now reimagined as a dynamic part of the city. We’ll show you the area around the station, including new residential developments as well as iconic public buildings.
