Just a short ferry trip away from Amsterdam Central Station, you’ll feel completely out and away from the bustle of Amsterdam’s city center. Discover Amsterdam Noord, one of Amsterdam`s coolest neighborhoods, where warehouses and industrial buildings have been turned into a bustling cultural center.

Amsterdam`s new cultural hotspot

Amsterdam Noord, the industrial area on the other side of the IJ river, has long been forgotten. In the past years, however, people with vision and creative professionals have taken over the former grim spot. Warehouses and industrial sites have been transformed into stylish new bars, cafés & restaurants. Today, the unique twist of rugged industrial looks and modernity even attracts residents from the city center. Moreover, the area lures with an eclectic cultural program, street food festivals and music events. To get to Amsterdam Noord, take the free ferry from central station to ‘NDSM Wharf’, where once the largest shipbuilding company in the world was located, you can now discover a vast area of cool hangout spots – many with beach character and direct access to the IJ River. Amsterdam Noord is creative, cool and innovative – Amsterdam`s new cultural hotspot.

-Pllek-

Photo Credit:  Paula Abrahão

The industrial inspired venue Pllek is more than a café and restaurant. The signature “Amsterdam-Noord” location built out of red and blue containers is hosting dance events, outdoor film festivals and yoga sessions. In the summertime, Pllek turns into a crowded city beach where you can relax in one of the beanbags with a beer and stunning views of the IJ-waters. www.pllek.nl             

TT Neveritaweg 59, 1033 WB Amsterdam

-Noorderlicht Café-

Photo Credit: Mei Ling Tan

Next to the ex-industrial area of NDSM, Noorderlicht Café is showing a different side of Amsterdam Noord. The greenhouse-style cafe is serving organic food and seasonal dishes in a laid-back atmosphere just by the river. Relax on the benches in the grass of the cozy outdoor area and completely forget that you are in a city.  http://www.noorderlichtcafe.nl

NDSM-Plein 102, 1033 WB Amsterdam, Netherlands

-Café de Ceuvel-

Photo Credit: Café de Ceuvel

Café de Ceuvel is founded as a self-sufficient catering facility. The alternative spot is a great mix of a bar, vegetarian eatery and beach hangout. With a “Farm to Table” menu, the café works as much as possible with organic, sustainable and local products. Promoting sustainability & creativity, the spot also hosts a variety of cultural events with theater, live music and movie screenings in collaboration with the Eye Film Museum.  http://www.cafedeceuvel.nl

Korte Papaverweg 4, 1032 KB Amsterdam, Netherlands

-Hotel de Goudfazant-

Photo Credit: Hotel Goudfazant

Despite the name, you will not find any guest rooms at Hotel Goudfazant. The industrial-chic restaurant located in a former auto garage is serving a creative Dutch-French cuisine. Wrenches had to make way for white tablecloths and eye-catching chandeliers. The industrial feeling of the location, however, is still preserved with classic cars dotted around the warehouse style restaurant. On a beautiful summer day, they even open the garage doors and you can enjoy nice waterside views.  www.hoteldegoudfazant.nl

Aambeeldstraat 10H, 1021 KB Amsterdam, Netherlands

-Hangar-

Photo Credit: Hafida Abahai

The eatery Hangar, right next to Hotel de Goudfazant, is another spot in Amsterdam Noord that wears rugged industrial looks in a stylish way. The creative location in an old a hangar is dominated by warm greens and browns, underlining the tropical vibes of the fine Mediterranean cuisine. Balmy summer nights can be enjoyed at the wooden outside patio right by the river, one of the most beautiful terraces of  Amsterdam. http://www.hangar.amsterdam

Aambeeldstraat 36, 1021 KB Noord, Netherlands

-Stork-

Photo Credit: Stork Restaurant

Stork is a must for every seafood fan. The spacious venue located in an industrial loft at the IJ River is perfect for events and celebrations. Specialized in fresh fish & seafood creations, the menu offers a wide selection of freshly prepared, seasonal varying dishes. Enjoy oysters, crabs or a catch of the day right by the water, watching the ships passing by. http://www.restaurantstork.nl

Gedempt Hamerkanaal 201, 1021 KP Amsterdam, Netherlands

Photo Credit: Restaurant Stork

 

-Nieuwendam-

The former village Nieuwendam used to be a separate municipality before it was merged with Amsterdam. For everyone who wants to experience Dutch village feeling without having to go far away from the city center, Nieuwendam is definitely worth a visit. Many of the neat traditional wooden houses are under monumental protection nowadays.

Photo Credit: Alfonso Bernal

-Eye Film Institute-

The sleek spaceship-like architecture of Eye Film Institute is a visual landmark in the new Amsterdam Noord quarter. Located at the beautiful promenade of the IJ River, the modern architecture is linking the historic center with the modern development area. As a cinematic memory, the institute showcases exhibitions and a large selection of Dutch & foreign non-mainstream movies. The museum also accommodates a bar-restaurant with stunning views of the IJ Harbor and Amsterdam’s Central Station. http://www.eyefilm.nl

Photo Credit: Maarten Noordijk

IJpromenade 1, 1031 KT Amsterdam, Netherlands