Amsterdam city trip highlights
The NDSM wharf on the northern bank of the river IJ is an amazing city trip destination for industrial heritage enthusiasts. This gentrified area in Amsterdam North has street art, trendy restaurants, quirky hotels and a view over the IJ.
The NDSM – Wharf in Amsterdam-North
This neighbourhood in Amsterdam-North used to house the NDSM, De Nederlandsche Dok and Scheepsbouw Maatschappij. The company closed its doors in 1984. Even though the shipbuilding company once belonged to the largest and most modern in the world.
But in the 1970s, the NDSM ran into trouble due to the oil crisis and global competition. Fortunately for us, the ship wharves and factory halls have not been demolished but transformed into catering establishments, event halls and art centres.
Straat Museum Amsterdam
The highlight of visiting the NDSM wharf is undoubtedly the Straat Museum, for graffiti and street art. The bright colours and size of the 150 works of art displayed in an old ship’s shed provide a visual spectacle.
Practical info Street
- The beautiful STREET Café with a view over the hall serves tasty drinks and snacks.
- Small bags and jackets can be stored in lockers free of charge.
- Street has no heating: in winter, keep in mind that you dress warmly.
- Book a tour if you want to learn more about the art and the artists.
Transport to the NDSM wharf
- Two free ferries sail directly to the pier. From Amsterdam Central, take the F4 ferry and from the Pontsteiger (picture above) the F7. It is also free to take a bicycle or moped. Check the ferry schedule here.
- Alternatively, take the bus or go by car. However, there is limited paid parking.
Explore Amsterdam
The I Amsterdam City Card offers a unique way to explore Amsterdam. The card gives access to the major highlights and more than 70 museums, city-wide public transport, a canal cruise and bicycle rent.
Thus save money, plus get discounts at restaurants, attractions and concerts.
Restaurants NDSM-werf
There are dozens of restaurants on the northern bank of the IJ. A small selection can be found below:
- At restaurant IJver, one can eat particularly well under the fatherly gaze of late Mayor Eberhard van der Laan; the restaurant is next to the Street Museum.
- Pazzi is a pizza chain with several locations in Amsterdam. Find this one in the silver kiosk at the Pontkade on the NDSM wharf.
- The Veronica ship is moored at the quay. The vessel was formerly used for Veronica radio broadcasts. You can eat snacks on the floating terrace or in bad weather in the hold.
- The IJ canteen is also on the quay. It is open from 9 am for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- If you want to eat unlimited pancakes during a 75-minute cruise on the IJ, visit the Pannenkoekenboot. When not sailing, the boat is moored at the Ms. from Riemsdijkweg.
Hotels on the NDSM wharf
- At Botel, you sleep on the water. It is a 3-star hotel on board a boat on the IJ. Then, enjoy a snack and a drink on the terrace when the weather is nice.
- Faralda Kraan was an old, dilapidated crane at a height of 50 meters, which has now been transformed into an extraordinary hotel experience. Each luxury suite is spread over two floors. In addition, there is a sitting area and an en suite bedroom with a large bed.
- From the tower of the DoubleTree by Hilton NDSM, one has a fantastic view of the water.
Other accommodations in Amsterdam
Try one of the city’s campsites if your budget is more modest. Please read about it on my blog about camping sites in Amsterdam.
More Amsterdam fun
Close by the NDSM-wharf Amsterdam
When time allows, do visit:
Westergasfabriekterrein
The Westergasfabriek is a former gas factory in Amsterdam’s West. Today, the Westergas has a cultural and recreational destination. First, take the ferry to the Pondsteiger with your bike. From here it is two kilometres by bike.
Westerpark
The Westerpark is located next to the Westergas, where you can cycle, walk, do sports, have a barbecue and in the summer you can use the Spartel pond.
Foam, Photo Museum Amsterdam
Foam is the internationally leading Photo Museum of Amsterdam. It is located on Keizersgracht. Take the ferry to Central Station, from there it is two kilometres. Foam tickets can be booked here.
To camp in Amsterdam, check out this blog about camping sites in Amsterdam.
Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder
This small but excellent museum features a 17th-century attic church. Read all about the attic church on my blog.
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