Welcome to Amsterdam Noord—an inspiring landscape for creative movers and shakers with plenty of wide, open space to explore. Gone are the days of industrial grit and grunge—Amsterdam’s northern neighborhood has quickly evolved into a quirky, bohemian area that’s host to music festivals, street art, cafés, and vintage shops galore. Hop on the (free) ferry from Central Station and step off a few minutes later to explore this ever-evolving district.

Curious for more? Read all my Amsterdam City Guide posts or browse my Amsterdam Noord City Guide Map to explore further on your own. I love to hear about new locations. Have a great addition or want to be featured? Let me know in the comments below!

DISCOVER THE BEST OF AMSTERDAM NOORD

CULTURE IN AMSTERDAM NOORD

EYE FILM The sleek, modern EYE Filmmuseum features exhibitions and movies with a restaurant and waterfront terrace.

ADAM TOWER Enjoy a bird’s eye view from the top of the newly renovated A’DAM Tower, where thrill-seekers dare to swing from the edge of the rooftop – the tallest in Europe at a spine-shivering 100 meters up.

NDSM WERF An old shipping dockyard turned vibrant cultural center with assorted eateries like Noorderlicht, Pllek, and more offering a full agenda of unorthodox activities.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH | AMSTERDAM NOORD

Charming old houses nestled along the water Buiksloterdijk give the feeling that you’re far out of the city, even though it’s only a 10-minute bike ride from Central Station.

Hop on board for a scenic cruise with Plastic Whale and help keep our city clean. More than 200,000 plastic bottles have been removed and recycled into furniture via this social enterprise.

Complete with green roofs and solar panels, 46 curated houseboats have created a sustainable, buoyant neighborhood called Schoonschip (Clean Ship).

EAT + DRINK | AMSTERDAM NOORD

Pllek This summertime oasis is a local favorite complete with a sandy waterfront ‘beach.’ It’s the perfect spot to chill on a beanbag with a beer in hand and soak up the sunshine with a magnificent view of the IJ River. Stick around for a tasty vegetarian-friendly menu and late-night entertainment including outdoor movies, live music, and bonfires.

Hangar An industrial hanger along the water’s edge was refurbished into a tasty seafood restaurant with a beautifully messy yet ambient interior. Tropical palm trees line the sandy beach terrace at this rustic location, where summer visitors dine on seafood under the stars

Oedipus Brewery Arrive thirsty to this colorful, quirky taproom launched by local brewers in 2015. Wash down a juicy burger, spicy chicken wings, or kimchi fries with a Sour Goes hoppy IPA, Belgian Triple, or one of the other nine potent brews rotating on tap.

Public Space Coffee, community, and connections play a central role at this cafe near the A’DAM Tower. Mid-century modern decor brings a Scandinavian feel to this workspace, where visitors can meet up for lunch or sit down to get some work done at this laptop-friendly café.

De Ceuvel Celebrated for its laidback, bohemian charm, this sustainable, waterside café and cultural center is made of recycled houseboats. Hosting to a funky agenda, this ‘forbidden garden’ also serves up conscious dishes with locally sourced ingredients, some even grown on their rooftop

Restaurant Stork Housed in a former factory, this popular seafood restaurant matches fine dining with sustainability. Taste a bounty of fresh, seasonal favorites like fruits de mer or the catch of the day can also be devoured outside on the sprawling terrace along the River IJ.

The Butcher Social Club This burger joint spanning the base of the A’DAM Tower has arcade amusements, a cocktail bar, and plenty of room to lounge. Open 24 hours on weekends, they cater to early birds starting the evening with drinks on the terrace and night owls stumbling out of Shelter to grab a late bite on the way home.

Pompet On a sunny day, it’s fun to cycle into Noorderpark for a glass of wine at Pompet. Take a short bike ride from the IJ Ferry to enjoy this family-friendly café-restaurant hidden in the Noorderpark. With a sizable terrace and lush, green surroundings it’s a great spot for lunch, dinner, or drinks and borrelhapjes (fried snacks).

Discover shops, cafes and a city market along the Van der Pekstraat.

SHOP | AMSTERDAM NOORD

IJ-Hallen There’s plenty to discover during this monthly bazaar andEurope’’s largest flea market. Rummage through 500 stands full of vintage treasures, vinyl records, and knickknacks galore.

Kost en Inwoning As Noord continues to grow, a variety of new spots have popped up along the recently revamped Van der Pekstraat market boulevard. This adorable concept shop displays assorted home goods, stationery, candles, and other darling gifts.

What are your favorite spots in Amsterdam Noord? Let me know below or join the conversation on Instagram.

Good news—my Amsterdam City Guides are always evolving along with the city!
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