Amsterdam-Noord: sights and travel tips

Where is Amsterdam North?

Amsterdam North, as the name suggests, can be found in the Northern part of the city. It is located across the river IJ, and can be accessed by ferry or bus from Amsterdam Central Station. The top picture is taken from the other side of the IJ. We also wrote a guide on where to sleep in Amsterdam Noord.

A brief history of Amsterdam North

Amsterdam North started its life as an area characterised by muddy, uninhabited swampland. The neighbourhood is not more than a century old, and so considerably younger  than the rest of the city. This is because up until 1870 a large part of the area had to still be reclaimed from the Ij river, and turned into habitable land. Up until 1795, it was home to the gallows of the city of Amsterdam. Here, the dead bodies of executed convicts would be put on display after death as a deterrent to all those that passed by boat down the Ij river. 

The area saw rapid growth at the end of the 19th century, due mainly to the expansion of the North Sea Canal. This canal meant that the ports of Amsterdam were now accessible by steamboat, opening the city up to trade. This lead to the North becoming the industrial hub of the city, which gradually led to an increase in worker populations and housing in the area. Many of the old reclaimed industrial buildings can still be visited and enjoyed today! 

Where to eat in Amsterdam North

Where once there was little to choose from in terms of eating out when visiting Amsterdam North, it’s now at the heart of an exploding culinary scene – mainly due to ample space and comparatively lower cost of rentals. 

Bacalar 

Chrysantenstraat 4, 1031 HT Amsterdam

If you’re looking for the most authentic Mexican cuisine Amsterdam has to offer, then Bacalar is a must. Be transported to Mexico, with the famous taco de pulpo and a strong margarita. Bookings are essential!  

Klaproos
Papaverweg 15A, 1032 KE Amsterdam

Klaproos is an easy-going pizzeria, located in a converted warehouse typical of Amsterdam North. Great for bigger groups, Klaproos offers fresh wood fired pizzas, a great wine list,  and outdoor seating in summer. 

Helling7

T.T. Melissaweg 57, 1033 SP Amsterdam

What makes Helling 7 so special, is that it’s located in a renovated ship wharf canteen, among the cranes and industry of the North. The rustic cuisine is intuitively cooked over open fires, making for an extremely special Amsterdam dining experience. 

Where to shop in Amsterdam North

While the shopping scene in Amsterdam North is yet to rival that of the other districts of the city, there are a few gems you should consider visiting if you find yourself in the area.

Ij Hallen

T.T. Neveritaweg 15, 2012 ZM Amsterdam

IJ-Hallen is a large flea market in the NDSM area. It runs on selected dates, so check the IJ-Hallen market calendar and current admission prices before you go. Payment options can vary between stalls.

Pekt Markt 

EC, Van der Pekstraat, Amsterdam

Rub shoulders with locals at this street side fresh produce market. Located on one of the main shopping streets of the neighbourhood, the market runs every Friday and Saturday, and is the more down to earth version of the Noordermarkt in Amsterdam’s Jordaan district

Van Dijk & Co

Papaverweg 46, 1032 KJ Amsterdam

This store is your go-to destination for Industrial and vintage furniture and homewares. The massive warehouse is home to a huge selection of items ranging from big ticket pieces down to smaller home accessories. 

Get cultural in Amsterdam north

From barren marshland to Amsterdam’s new emerging culture hub, the North has so much on offer when it comes to art, culture, and music. Check out our favourites below.

Eye Museum
IJpromenade 1, 1031 KT Amsterdam

The museum for the moving image in the Netherlands is located in a striking white building that can be seen from Amsterdam Central Station. The collection includes hundreds of films dating back from 1886 to the present day. Visit one of the expositions, or go to catch a film!

STRAAT Museum

NDSM-Plein 1, 1033 WC Amsterdam

The museum for street art and graffiti is located in 5,000 square metre ex-industrial space in the NDSM area of the North. It offers workshops, guided tours, exhibitions, and is often home to a range of events.

FC Hyena

Aambeeldstraat 24, 1021 KB Amsterdam

For more film, try FC Hyena, a small cinema with a daily programme of independent films. It also has a restaurant and wine bar with a wide selection of natural wines, making it a good spot for dinner and a glass of wine before your screening.

Where to drink in Amsterdam North
After eating at one of the many new restaurants in the neighbourhood, it’s time to have a drink and a dance. Luckily there’s plenty to choose from in the North.

Taverno Amsterdam
Papaverhoek 31, 1032 JZ Amsterdam

For a fun atmospheric location that is great for groups, head to Taverno Amsterdam. This large beer-hall style venue boasts a huge terrace in summer, as well as barrels of beer featuring new and speciality lagers. 

Cafe Restaurant Metro
Asterweg 22, 1031 HP Amsterdam

The newly opened Restaurant Metro focusses on fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients and no-frills dishes. With an impressive and extensive natural wine-list – visit this venue for lunch, dinner, or just a drink at the bar.

Garage Noord
Gedempt Hamerkanaal 40, 1021 KM Amsterdam
Garage Noord is Amsterdam’s go-to destination for ravers, and draws crowds from across the city. Located in a renovated garage, the venue hosts important underground acts year-round. Start with drinks and a small bite, then dance till 6am!

How to get to Amsterdam North?

Amsterdam North is easily accessible from the centre of the city.

By Metro: Line 52 , stops Noorderpark, or Noord. 

By Ferry: From Centraal Station, destination Buiksloterweg, IJplein, or NDSM.

By Bus: Busses 36, 37.

The Final Word 

When visiting Amsterdam, taking a day to visit areas outside the city centre is well worth it. What’s more, the free ferries from Centraal Station make a visit to the North extremely easy. Check out this vibranting area of Amsterdam on your next visit to the city.