If you want to escape Amsterdam’s tourist chaos and see a different side of this amazing Dutch city, you won’t want to miss the neighbourhoods of Amsterdam North and the NDSM Wharf. These newly revitalized areas are rapidly becoming a must-see destination — moments away from central Amsterdam.
A short, free ferry ride from Amsterdam’s Central Station will deliver you to plenty of hidden gems like one-of-a-kind cafes and bars, amazing street art masterpieces, community art spaces and a fun and unexpected nightlife scene filled with industrial chic surroundings.
With a considerably more relaxed atmosphere than central Amsterdam’s main tourist zone, I find it a rejuvenating place to stay as well, as you are mere moments away from everything that Amsterdam and its amazing canal-lined streets have to offer. The following are my favourite must-see things to do in Amsterdam North.
Staat Museum’s Larger Than Life Street Art in NDSM Wharf
The Straat Museum had been on my Amsterdam to-do list for several years, but I wasn’t sure what to expect from this world-renowned Street Art Museum located in the NDSM Wharf area.
What I found was incredible — larger-than-life paintings created from spray paint on massive panels displayed in the old maritime warehouse were incredibly impactful. From a distance, the paintings could easily have been painted with oils on canvas. There is nothing graffiti-like about these murals.
As of January 2025, the museum has over 180 works, by 170 artists on display. Each artwork is created onsite in the gallery. I had an opportunity to watch an artist working on a new piece, which was fascinating to see.
The museum is located in the NDSM Wharf area and can be accessed via a free 15-minute ferry ride. Hours are Monday noon to 5 pm, and Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. Guided tours are offered for an additional charge every weekend. Check out the Straat Mesuem website for up-to-date news and opening times.
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A’Dam Tower (Toren) in Amsterdam North
The best views of Amsterdam are seen from across the river in this former Royal Dutch Shell office tower. It has since become an iconic fixture on the north side of the IJ River after having been redeveloped into a tourist hotspot.
The building houses the five-story boutique Sir A’Dam Hotel, a sky bar, nightclub and restaurants, concert and event venues, and more.
Visitors can check out the amazing views from the top floor of the 22-story tower. For those with a wilder sense of adventure, climb aboard Europe’s highest swing that sends thrill seekers swinging out over the edge of the building. I will just watch Thank you!
Amsterdam’s Cool Beach club ‘Pleek’
A beach in Amsterdam? Adjacent to the ferry port in the NDSM Wharf is an area called Treehouse NDSM, the area is full of an eclectic collection of over 100 artists’ studios, coffee shops, restaurants, and bars many of which are built from old ‘sea cans’ – former shipping containers.
This arts, culture and entertainment area houses a fashionable bar called Pleek situated on the River Ij, overlooking the shore of Amsterdam’s centre. The view from the patio is exceptional, and the place is full of Amsterdamers and visitors alike soaking up the sun with a glass of wine or a ‘bierje’ (the Dutch term for littler beer).
Getting Around NDSM Wharf and Amsterdam North Areas
There is plenty to see and do on this wonderful side of the river. As the two neighbourhoods are fairly compact the areas are completely walkable. Don’t forget an umbrella, this is Holland!
Another great option for touring NDSM and Amsterdam North areas is to rent a bike and bring it over on the ferry for free. I am not a big fan of riding bikes amongst the Amsterdamers in the Centrum, but it is so much more relaxed and quiet over on the north side that it is very safe to ride amongst the locals.
Read about how to get to Amsterdam Central Station from Schiphol Airport in this post.
IJ Hallen – Europe’s largest Vintage and Flea Market at NDSM Wharf
This indoor market is home to over 500 vintage stalls the Ij Hallen is a massive warehouse full of bargains. There is something for everyone in this eclectic market from clothing and collectables to home furnishings. The old Shipyard warehouse itself is worth the trip as it is interesting to see.
Prices are € 6.00 or € 10.00 early bird price (I guess for the best availability of items). Tickets and opening times are available on their website.
How to get to Amsterdam North and NDSM Wharf areas
Access to Amsterdam North and NDSM areas is provided via free ferries located on the North side of Amsterdam. Exit the station opposite the city side and you will see the ferry dock to the left.
Ferry departure times and destinations are clearly marked above the ferry stalls or berths. You will need to take different ferries to each of the areas, but the rides are quite short. It is only about a 5-minute crossing Amsterdam North and the A’Dam tower area, and 10-15 minutes for NDSM Wharf.
Did you know you can bring a bike for free on the ferry?
Ferry port on the NDSM side of the river. The free ferries have clear signage in English with what times they depart and their destinations | Photo ©️ travellifebalance.com
Don’t miss: read more about other great Amsterdam attractions in my other Amsterdam Post here!
Conclusion
The NDSM area has grown to be one of my favourite up-and-coming areas in Amsterdam, having stayed there on the last two trips I’ve made to the Netherlands. I love the rich artistic culture and Bohemian Chic vibe of the area. Home to artist incubators, television and movie studios, markets and hotels, the area has an abundance of unique and interesting things to do in its own right and it’s only moments away from one of Europe’s greatest city centres.