I won't disagree that there are quite the number of tourist traps particularly along the stretch of Damrak closest to Centraal (the most blaring example to me being the Hooters restaurant knockoff; I forget the name.). But, I wasn't necessarily advocating doing a lot of shopping or eating down there (I think we only bought something from H&M and used the EasyInternet) but I think the stroll itself is interesting for a tourist.

When I first visited Amsterdam, I thought seeing all these shops down narrow alleyways was really neat as I hadn't really seen anything like it before. Also, while we have indoor malls in Vancouver, we don't have a long stretch of pedestrian only street like Kalverstraat. I also find the number of people quite lively down there. I guess one has to like this kind of urban spectacle to enjoy this loop. However, logistically, I think it's handy for a tourist because you'll walk by or be near an EasyInternet, various canal cruise options, de dam, tram hub, etc.