The Best of Amsterdam Noord

Amsterdam Noord is gaining lots of traction because of the new, and amazing, A’DAM Toren. But this hot and happening part of town has a lot more to offer! Hop in the ferry from Amsterdam Central station and take a mini vacation to the modern Amsterdam Noord. This part of town is a breath of fresh and modern air compared to the historic city center and neighborhoods at the other side of ‘t IJ.

Amsterdam Noord, a neighborhood that is ever developing.

Amsterdam Noord is developing faster than we can type. Our best advice for people venturing out is to grab your bike and visit all the creative hubs, concept stores, restaurants, attractions and markets this part of town has to offer. While you are there you can also visit the 3D print Canal house, the place where science and architecture meet or grab a beer under the windmill D’Admiraal. It really doesn’t get more Dutch than that!

Getting to Amsterdam Noord from Central Station

Travel to Amsterdam Noord by one of the ferries that departure from Amsterdam Central Station. The most famous route is the one to the Buiksloterweg, it will take you right to EYE Film, the Tolhuistuin or the ADAM Tower. The schedule of the ferry is adjusted to the opening hours of the tower, meaning that it drives every ten minutes, day and night. Besides that there is a route to the IJplein and the hot-and-happening NDSM Wharf, here you will find many festivals, cool new concept stores and amazing restaurants. Traveling by ferry is totally free and you can even bring your rental bike on there if you want!

Must visit in Amsterdam Noord

Amsterdam Noord is still developing but it is full of amazing things to see and do. Below we’ve made a list of the best things to do in Amsterdam Noord. So, what are you waiting for? Hop on your bike and grab the ferry to experience this part of town.

Eye Film Museum

On the waterfront of the IJ river, the EYE Film museum stands out immediately. The beautiful architecture is what should draw you to the building, but the inside is quite interesting too. The EYE Film Museum has year-round expositions and special films on display.

A’DAM Toren

The A’DAM Toren is the new guy on the block in Amsterdam Noord. This tower is filled with entertainment on every floor. From amazing restaurants to Europe’s highest swing and an amazing rooftop terrace that overlooks the historic city center and ‘t IJ.

This is Holland

Who doesn’t want to fly and explore a new place? You are free as a bird at This is Holland! Guests will feel the wind going through their hair as they fly over the country seeing all the beauty and diversity the Netherlands has to offer. This is Holland uses the latest technology to give you the sensation of flying. You’ll be one of 40 people hanging in front of a huge domed screen, with your hands and feet dangling freely feeling the wind blowing through your hair. It might sound a bit scary but at This is Holland you are in good hands!

NDSM Wharf

There is always something happening at the NDSM Wharf. The first weekend of every month there is usually the biggest flea market in Europe; de IJhallen. Besides that the area is full of cultural activities, festivals, art shows, music and theater. Check their agenda so you know what is up!

PLLEK

This post-industrial spot with a beach-like atmosphere offers one of the best panoramic views of the IJ River. Using only the highest quality, organic products, Pllek serves homemade sandwiches and fresh juices. The hip venue welcomes a diverse and alternative crowd to relax on the manmade beach refuge or hangout inside by the fireplace. Every first Thursday of the month two bands and a DJ will have a live set at the Pllek Podium. Usually these nights are an interesting and exotic journey through non-western music and electronic music. Besides that Pllek also has regular live music on Friday and Saturday, making it the perfect spot to hang in the weekends!

De Goudfazant

On the waters edge in Amsterdam Noord, you will see a gigantic shed that has a raw and rugged vibe. This is where you find the Goudfazant, a restaurant where they serve up some amazing food from Wednesday to Sunday. The menu is simple, the interior creative and in summer it is a hotspot for the creative in-crowd in the city!

Restaurant Stork

Stork is located in an old industrial warehouse in Amsterdam Noord, Here it is all fresh caught fish and daily fresh prepared products. The menu is full of amazing fish dishes and seafood treats. Sit down and enjoy a plate of fruits de mer or try their catch of the day. It is the best fish restaurant in this part of town and a must visit for people that love everything that swims!

Tolhuistuin

The Tolhuistuin is a creative hub right in the middle of Amsterdam Noord, this place is the cultural heart of Amsterdam. With a large café and a restaurant with a sun terrace along the IJ, it is a great place to get a feel for this part of town. On sunny days everyone gathers on the terrace or on the comfortable slopes with bushy trees. Grab a cold drink and join all of them for a good-old day at the Tolhuistuin.

De IJ-Kantine

The IJ-Kantine might not be a fancy name (kantine means cafeteria in Dutch), but don’t be fooled you can have a classy dinner or meetup for drinks here! Breakfast, lunch or dinner, whenever you are hungry head over to the IJ Kantine and enjoy one of the best bites Amsterdam Noord has to offer. With a cozy lounge with fire place and a beautiful view of ‘t IJ, it is a great hangout whatever the season is.

Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ

The Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ is the most important location for contemporary music, the great acoustics of the building are well known around the world. With more than 200 concerts per season in a great variety of genres there is something for everyone. From classical concerts to electronic music performances, it all has a place at the Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ. With a movable and flexible ceiling, walls, chairs and floor in the main concert hall, it can be an intimate concert as well as a place for big ensembles to play.

Bimhuis

The Bimhuis is a platform for pioneering musicians from all generations, from local artists to more international musicians. With over 300 concerts a year, the program gives an up-to-date overview of jazz and improvised music.  Besides that, the music hall also invites musicians from many other interesting genres, including world music and electronic music.

The Pekmarkt

After a visit to the EYE Film Museum you can hop on over to the Pekmarkt. Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday there is a general wares market. On Wednesday they add in a sprinkle of vintage items and a bio-market so you can do all your shopping right there in one place. Here you can grab some daily groceries and shop for that one-of-a-kind piece for your home or a special occasion.

Other points of interest in Amsterdam Noord

So these are our favorite things to do in Amsterdam Noord, but obviously there is more! Below we’ve compiled a list of other fun things to see and do in this part of town!