NDSM Wharf is a unique and vibrant part of Amsterdam that is worth exploring if you are in Amsterdam. Located on the north bank of the River IJ, the NDSM Wharf is a former shipyard that has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub in the city. From Amsterdam CS you can take a free ferry to the NDSM Wharf. This ferry trip takes about 15 minutes.
NDSM Amsterdam
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NDSM Werf in short:
- Age: All ages
- Time needed to visit NDSM Amsterdam: 1.5 hours
- Where in Amsterdam: NDSM-Plein 28, 1033 WB Amsterdam
- Discount possible?: Not applicable. Entrance to the area is free. Even the ferry to this place is free
- Can you use the iamsterdam city card at the NDSM Wharf? Not applicable
- Neighborhood: Amsterdam Noord (Amsterdam North)
- Close to: Adam Tower (Lookout Amsterdam)
What is the NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam?
The wharf was established in the early 18th century and was a major center for shipbuilding and repair. It operated until the late 1980s when it was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In the early 2000s, the city of Amsterdam decided to redevelop the area and turn it into a vibrant cultural center.
Today, NDSM Wharf is a place where art, music, culture, and entrepreneurship is mixed together. There are many creative businesses, art organizations, cafes, restaurants and other attractions located here, making it a great place to explore and experience Amsterdam’s unique vibe.
What does NDSM stand for in Amsterdam?
NDSM is an acronym for “Nederlandsche Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij” (NDSM), which is Dutch for Netherlands Dock and Shipbuilding Company.
NDSM was primarily involved in the construction of various types of ships, including merchant vessels, naval ships, and offshore platforms.
The company built a wide range of vessels, such as cargo ships, tankers, passenger ships, and even submarines. Notably, NDSM constructed several significant ships for the Dutch Royal Navy.
NDSM had a significant economic impact on Amsterdam and the surrounding region. It employed a large workforce, providing job opportunities and contributing to the local economy.
Is NDSM werf free?
What makes NDSM Werf unique is that it is completely free. You do not need to pay an entry fee to access the area, enabling you to explore and experience all that it has to offer. Travelling to this NDSM Wharf is also free from Central Station. There is a free ferry departing from the back side of Amsterdam Central Station which will bring you to the north side of Amsterdam where the NDSM Wharf is located.
Things to do at the NDSM Wharf
Visit the shipyard
One of the things that you really should do when you are visiting the NDSM Wharf is to visit the enormous building where ships were built. Entrance to this wharf is free of charge and inside this building you can see lots of mural paintings and artworks. Outside this building you will also see impressive graffiti works.
Visit STRAAT Graffiti Museum
If you are a contemporary art or graffiti lover, then you should visit the “Straat Museum”. STRAAT is a museum for street art and graffiti. STRAAT presents an extensive collection of more than 160 artworks crafted by over 150 artists. The entire collection is actually much larger and the exhibited pieces undergo regular rotation, so once in a while you will see completely different artworks. Their collection is continuously enriched with new additions.
Go shopping at the Ijhallen Market
Another popular attractions at the NDSM Wharf is the IJhallen Market, which is held every month on the second Saturday and Sunday. This large market is home to over 1,000 vendors offering a wide variety of goods, including antiques, vintage clothing and art. It’s a great place to find unique items and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. You will need to pay an entrance fee to get in though, but if you are planning to buy something then this is entrance fee is worth it.
Walk around and explore the area
The NDSM area in Amsterdam is a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood with a youthful and creative vibe. If you are there, we would recommend you just to walk around there without a destination and enjoy the relaxed vibe, which is really unique. Go explore and when you are tired, go get a drink in one of the hip cafés in the NDSM area.
Cool restaurants and cafés at the NDSM Wharf
At the NDSM Wharf you can find many unique and special restaurants and cafes. Each of these restaurants offers a unique experience and here below we have listed some of the nicest places.
Pllek
“Pllek” is a popular dining destination known for its laid-back atmosphere and impressive views of the IJ river. The restaurant is housed in converted shipping containers, which gives it a unique and industrial charm. It offers a diverse menu, focusing on organic and sustainable produce. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available. The real star of the show at Pllek, however, is the outdoor space, complete with a city beach where visitors can relax and enjoy the view. Pllek’s Google rating is 4.4 stars out of 5.
Cannibale Royale du Nord
“Cannibale Royale du Nord” is for the meat lovers. This restaurant is known for serving generous portions of high-quality meats, including ribs, burgers, and steaks, in a setting that blends vintage and contemporary design. They’re also known for their craft beer selection. Cannibale Royale du Nord has a Google rating of 4.2 stars out of 5.
The Amsterdam Pancake Boat
The Amsterdam Pancake Boat offers a unique dining experience, allowing guests to enjoy traditional all-you-can eat Dutch pancakes while cruising along the IJ river. A variety of sweet and savory toppings are available, and the view of Amsterdam from the boat is stunning. The Pancake Boat is particularly popular among families with children. The cruise is about 75 minutes long and is really an unique experience combining a boat tour and dinner together. Perfect activity to do with your family or friends! The Google rating of this pancake boat tour is 4.1 stars out of 5.
IJ-kantine
“IJ-kantine” is a modern, spacious café-restaurant located at the NDSM Wharf. The menu includes a wide variety of dishes, from breakfast and lunch to dinner, served in a relaxed, artistic atmosphere. The large windows of the IJ-kantine offer a great view of the river IJ and the city. In Ij Kantine gets a Google rating of 4.1 stars out of 5.
Loetje Amsterdam aan ‘t IJ
Loetje Amsterdam aan ‘t IJ is a branch of a famous Dutch steakhouse chain. Their steaks, especially the “Biefstuk”, are famous throughout the country. Located near the ferry dock, the restaurant offers great views of the IJ river. The interior is trendy and inviting with a modern touch. The Google rating of Loetje at this location is 4.3 stars out of 5.
5 Facts about the NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam
- NDSM Wharf is a former shipyard that has been transformed into a thriving creative and hip hub. It has become a hotspot for artists, designers, and entrepreneurs. The NDSM Wharf is about 38 hectares in size.
- The wharf is known for its vibrant street art scene. The buildings and structures in the area are covered in colorful graffiti and murals, creating a unique and visually stunning environment.
- NDSM Wharf is home to several cultural institutions and creative businesses, including studios, galleries and music venues. It hosts various events (such as outdoor movies at “Pllek”) and even festivals throughout the year, showcasing the diverse range of artistic and cultural activities taking place in the area.
- One of the most iconic landmarks at NDSM Wharf is the giant “Crane 13” (Kraan 13), a towering industrial crane that has been converted into a luxury 5 star hotel (€1000 per night!). The hotel offers guests a chance to stay in a unique and unconventional setting with panoramic views of the city.
- The wharf also houses numerous bars, restaurants, and cafés, providing visitors with a wide range of dining and entertainment options. It has a lively and vibrant atmosphere, particularly during weekends, when people flock to the area to enjoy the vibrant cultural scene and relax by the waterfront.
Unique hotels at the NDSM wharf and Recommended accommodations in Amsterdam Noord
The Krane Faralda Hotel
The Krane (Faralda hotel) is an extraordinary boutique hotel in the NDSM area. As the name suggests, it’s housed in a converted harbor crane (not a joke!). This hotel offers a truly unique experience. The suite is luxuriously equipped and offers panoramic views of the IJ river and the city of Amsterdam. On top, it also features a private spa and a rooftop terrace. The decor is minimalist, in shades of black, giving it a modern and exclusive feel. Its creative use of space and design, and its magnificent views, have received high praise from guests.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Amsterdam – NDSM Wharf
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the NDSM Wharf is a branch of the internationally recognized hotel chain. It offers a mix of modern design and comfort, making it an excellent choice for both business and leisure travelers. The rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, providing guests with wonderful views of the city and the IJ river. Amenities include a restaurant, a bar, and a fitness center. Its convenient location and high-quality service are often mentioned in reviews.
Botel
Botel is a floating hotel located at the NDSM Wharf. This 3-star hotel offers an interesting twist to the standard hotel experience. The rooms are basic but comfortable, and some offer views of the river. There’s also a bar and a games room on board. Its unique concept, friendly staff, and interesting location have been appreciated by guests.
Other things at the NDSM Wharf district:
Besides the restaurants and the hotels, you can also find a supermarket (“Albert Heijn”) in this area and a local bakary called “BBROOD”.
Where is the NDSM Wharf located in Amsterdam?
The NDSM Werf is situated on the banks of the IJ river in the northern part of Amsterdam, a district known as Amsterdam Noord. This area is easily accessible by ferry from Amsterdam Central Station.
How to get to the NDSM werf in Amsterdam Noord by public transportation?
Taking the ferry is the easiest and most direct route to the NDSM werf. From Amsterdam Central Station, there’s a free ferry service that runs directly to the NDSM Wharf. The ferry is called ‘Ferry 906’ and is operated by the GVB (Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf). It departs from the back of Central Station (the IJ side, not the city side). These ferries usually run every half hour, but the frequency might vary depending on the time of day and week. The journey typically takes about 15 minutes.
Amsterdam Travel Guide: Best money saving & travel tips for Amsterdam
Every year, Amsterdam is visited by millions and millions of visitors around the world. Without booking your trip in advance, it will be very hard to find the best place to stay in Amsterdam or do the things you want to do.
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Find your Flight
Since airfare costs will be a significant part of your trip expenses, we recommend you to use Skyscanner as it gives you a list with the cheapest flights. You may also want to check out the website of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. KLM is the main airline of the Netherlands and has besides convenient connections (Amsterdam Schiphol Airport), also competitive prizing and good In-flight experience (e.g. extra legroom; we Dutch are tall, that’s why).
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Find your Train Ticket
Amsterdam is well-connected with other European cities. Use NS International to purchase your train ticket to the Netherlands. NS is the main train operator in the Netherlands. Planning to see more than Amsterdam during your stay in Europe? You may want to consider buying an Eurail Interrail Pass which gives you unlimited train travel across Europe for a specific period.
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Book your Accommodation
The best platform to book a hotel room in Amsterdam is Booking.com as nearly every big and small hotel are listed on this platform, making it very easy to find your preferred hotel. All the costs are listed on the site so you won’t need to pay any unexpected costs such as tourist taxes at arrival.
Booking.com’s Genius loyalty program offers attractive discounts, meaning that you will pay less for your accommodation.
HostelWorld is your to-go platform to book a bed in a hostel. Every hostel in Amsterdam can be found on HostelWorld, making it easy to compare prices and availability.
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Buy your museum and attractions tickets in advance!
Amsterdam is a very very popular tourist attractions and if you want to visit certain attraction it is nearly a MUST to reserve and purchase your tickets online. Otherwise you won’t be able to get in. Especially if you want to visit the Anne Frank House, in high seasons the tickets are already sold out 1.5 months in advance (not a joke).
GetyourGuide is the best platform to buy your tickets online, as they offer free cancellation with full refund. Purchase your tickets first is the smartest thing what you can do before coming to Amsterdam.
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