Amsterdam-Noord: from NDSM to the ferry

Amsterdam-Noord is the district most visitors overlook, and that is exactly what makes it worth your time. Across the IJ lies a neighbourhood full of street art, former shipyards, specialty coffee spots and green spaces that the city centre simply does not have. The free ferry connects Noord to Amsterdam Centraal in minutes, making a day in Noord a perfect add-on to a stay at a B&B in Amsterdam.

The ferry: free and essential

The GVB ferry runs around the clock, free of charge, from behind Amsterdam Centraal station. There are several crossings, including one to Buiksloterweg and one directly to the NDSM wharf. The crossing takes only a few minutes, but the view across the wide IJ already sets the mood. Bikes are welcome on board, and cycling is without doubt the best way to explore Amsterdam-Noord.

NDSM wharf: culture on a former shipbuilding site

The NDSM site is the creative heartbeat of Amsterdam-Noord. On this former twentieth-century shipbuilding yard you will find artist studios, galleries, event venues and street art covering enormous warehouse walls. The main shed, once a dry dock for ships, is now a monumental space hosting artists and large-scale events. Food trucks and small eateries surround the site, and on sunny days it feels like all of Amsterdam-Noord has gathered here on the riverbank.

The site is constantly evolving, with festivals, markets and temporary exhibitions changing throughout the year. Check the NDSM website before your visit to see what is on during your stay. The site is reached by the dedicated NDSM ferry from behind Amsterdam Centraal.

Buiksloterweg and the A'DAM Tower

Taking the ferry to Buiksloterweg puts you right beside the A'DAM Tower, a former Shell office block transformed into a buzzing destination. The top floor features an observation deck with a swing that hangs over the edge, and the building houses several restaurants and a club. Right next door stands Eye Filmmuseum, an architecturally striking building where the foyer and permanent displays are free to visit. Both landmarks sit at the waterfront of Amsterdam-Noord and are hard to miss.

The residential neighbourhoods of Amsterdam-Noord

Cycling further into the district reveals the quieter residential streets of Amsterdam-Noord. The Vogelbuurt and Bloemenbuurt are charming 1920s neighbourhoods with wide avenues and independent local shops. The weekly market at Mosplein and neighbourhood squares give you a taste of everyday Amsterdam-Noord life, a welcome contrast to the bustle of Amsterdam De Pijp or Amsterdam-Oost.

Eating and drinking in Amsterdam-Noord

The food and drink scene in Amsterdam-Noord is growing quickly. Around the NDSM site and along the IJ waterfront you will find coffee bars, brunch spots and restaurants with water views. In the residential neighbourhoods there are smaller, community-focused cafes that tourists have yet to discover. The landscape changes frequently, so it is better to wander and see what is open than to rely on a fixed list of addresses.

Combine Amsterdam-Noord with the rest of the city

A day in Amsterdam-Noord works best when you are already staying centrally. From a B&B in Amsterdam you can reach Noord in five minutes by the free ferry and still have time to visit Amsterdam-Oost, Amsterdam De Pijp or the canal belt the same day. Try to plan Noord on a weekday in summer, when the NDSM site is lively without being overwhelming. On a quiet autumn morning, the IJ and the empty shed have an almost cinematic stillness.