Amsterdam-Noord: the city's coolest waterfront district

Find out where the best galleries, bars, clubs and hostels are in the 'Noord'

Amsterdam’s coolest district, the uptown Noord, is home to some of the city's most daring modern architecture. Over the past ten years, the former industrial shipyard has been radically transformed by creatives and artists. Booming with new bars, galleries and hedonistic nightclubs, this is the hippest part of Amsterdam bar none.

Situated north of the IJ river, a free ferry from behind Central Station will take you there in minutes; so don’t miss the chance to explore this unique area of Amsterdam. You can only get there by ferry too. There are no footbridges to this stylish waterfront.

Take the ferry to Amsterdam-Noord

To visit the north island you have to board one of the free ferries by public transport operator GVB at the waterfront exit of Amsterdam Central Central (following signs to 'Noord'). These ferries depart every few minutes in daytime and run less frequently through the night.

Why should you visit Amsterdam-Noord?

Noord is barely mentioned in tourist guidebooks. Largely free of tourists and day trippers, you can explore the top attractions on foot, bike and moped. Encompassing the modern northern waterfront of the River IJ and the gorgeous rural villages situated further inland, the uptown district has a spectacular range of things for travellers to see and do.

EYE Film Museum

This iconic white structure was named after the river IJ (pronounced “eye”) and radically changed the Amsterdam Noord skyline in 2012. Shaped like a modernist work of art, the EYE Film Museum offers beautiful views of the waterfront and has four cinemas, where you'll find a selection of contemporary screenings and exhibitions taking place all year round.

After arriving at Amsterdam Central Station, take the exit on the north side, from where you can see the EYE building. From there, take the free ‘Buiksloterweg’ ferry across the IJ harbour.

*Opening Hours: Bar and restaurant open Sun-Thurs, 10am-1am and Fri-Sat to 2am

A’DAM Tower

Opened in May 2016, the A'DAM Tower is a 22-storey waterfront tower and will have bars, cafes, a revolving restaurant and a stunning 360-degree observation deck. The brand name A’DAM stands for ‘Amsterdam Dance and Music’ and during the day it forms part of the LOOKOUT experience.

When the sun sets, the music gets louder and 'Madam' is transformed into Amsterdam’s highest nightclub, and a haven for nocturnal travellers.

NDSM Wharf

Image by Andrew Nash (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Situated in an abandoned shipyard, the former industrial waterfront has been reclaimed by the Amsterdam arts community. Here you can hang out next to an old submarine, grab some beers and drink next to rusting trams on the water's edge.

Graffiti is everywhere and young Dutch creatives like to hang out in cafes next to MTV and Red Bull's offices. A popular location for music festivals over the summer months, there's nowhere better to hang out in Amsterdam on a sunny day.

ClinkNoord Hostel

Situated inside an old industrial building, the ClinkNoord hostel is a hipster favourite. Inside there is a studio and gallery space, a cafe and nightclub. With a special emphasis on art and creativity, many visiting artists, bands and writers participate here for free.

Within walking distance of the new A'DAM Tower and EYE Film Museum, the hostel is also highly practical with free Wi-Fi throughout. There are power sockets and a private locker for each bed too. Dorm beds are available from around 25 euro if you book in advance.

*Want to find out where else you can stay in Amsterdam? Read more here about our city centre offers in the Dutch capital.