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Image from Koen Smilde Photography

Things to do in Noord

Amsterdam Noord has for many years now been a quaint and thriving hub of culture and activity. Often described by visitors as a village within a city, Noord is a beautiful, green and family-friendly area with many activities and attractions to explore. From scenic cycle routes to bustling street markets, glorious parks and Europe’s highest swing, you’ll find tons to keep you entertained.

Have a ferry good adventure

A person in an electric wheelchair exits the ferry.
Image from Jan de Ridder

To begin exploring Noord, board one of the free GVB ferries at the waterfront exit of Central Station. They depart every few minutes during the day and even run (less frequently) through the night, transporting pedestrians, bicycles, and mopeds. The most popular route is to Buiksloterweg (ideal to visit the Eye Filmmuseum and Tolhuistuin). Other main routes served are to IJplein (a bit further east) and to NDSM (home to many cultural events, restaurants and creative hotspots). There’s also a route from Azartplein to Zamenhofstraat (perfect to get to the hip industrial waterfront terraces like Lowlander Botanical Bar & Restaurant or Hotel De Goudfazant) and from Pontsteiger to Distelweg (a short walk to Café de Ceuvel). Read our guide to restaurants and bars in Noord for more inspiration.

Get a taste for heights

A'DAM Toren at sunset
Image from Koen Smilde

Tower of many talents, A’DAM Lookout was re-born in early 2016 as one of Amsterdam’s most exciting nightlife and creative hubs. The building is home to Europe’s highest swing, an observation deck, a fancy boutique hotel, a nightclub and a selection of top-notch bars and eateries, including the revolving MOON restaurant right at the top with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city. Don’t miss the This is Holland flight experience next door, where some astonishing special effects projected on a giant domed screen will give you the breathtaking sensation of flying over the Dutch landscape.

Cycle into the Dutch countryside

People cycling through 't Twiste.
Image from Koen Smilde

Noord is the gateway to get out on two wheels and experience some spectacular Dutch scenery, and you’ll find dozens of signposted bike paths to help you along the way. It’s always a treat pedalling through quaint villages such as Nieuwendam, Ransdorp and Zunderdorp known for their authentic stolpboerderijen (traditional Dutch farmhouses with roofs built in the shape of a cheese-cover), wooden houses, canal locks and impressive polder views. Check out the Waterland Cycleseeing route, which passes an ancient windmill and a historic former cow market in the scenic town square of Purmerend. Or make the optional side quest to Het Twiske - a stunning nature area perfect for swimming, boating and bird-spotting.

Explore quaint historic villages

Street view of traditional houses on Buiksloterweg
Image from Koen Smilde

In what seems like direct contrast to the cutting-edge vibe, Noord has loads of lovely little villages ideal for exploring on foot, by bicycle or by water. Durgerdam has protected status, making it as good a glimpse of Dutch history as you’ll get outside a museum. It’s a short bike ride along the IJsselmeer coast, and there are plenty of food hotspots to rest and recharge. The authentic Café 't Sluisje at the end of Nieuwendammerdijk lives in a building that’s nearly 500 years old, and serves delicious food, drink and desserts. That should be your first stop if you haven’t tried Dutch apple pie yet. Or, stop by the Landmarkt for the best organic picnic you can put together. And if you want the best ice cream in Noord (and perhaps in the city!), walk down to IJskoud de Beste and prepare to be amazed.

Catch some off-beat cinema

Set in a former football field’s clubroom, FC Hyena offers an irresistibly cosy and creative cinema experience. This intimate spot screens an eclectic mix, from cult classics and arthouse gems to quirky comedies and hidden indie treasures, on its snug, comfy sofas and armchairs. The café-bar stocks craft beers, natural wines, coffee and snacks, perfect for sipping during your screening. There's also a killer terrace overlooking the river, one of the best terraces in Amsterdam, where you can grab a drink before your screening.

Spend the day at Noorderpark

Noorderpark cycle path with gardens and flowers in summer
Image from Koen Smilde

Noorderpark is a hub for cultural and family activities with a monthly programme which is well worth checking out and various must-see landmarks. Take, for instance, De (Roze) Tanker, a former gas station turned into a brightly-coloured community centre where you’ll find everything from pop-up cafes to cultural workshops. Noorderpark is also a great place to swim at the award-winning Noorderparkbad pool complex, and the pavilions dotted around the park regularly stage live music performances and more. Be sure to stop by Sans in het Park, a relaxed café with a sunny terrace, local drinks, lunch options, and an on-site bakery and zero-waste shop—perfect for a laid-back break in the green heart of Noord.

Rummage for great finds

Van der Pekmarkt with Surinamese flag and fruit and vegetable stalls
Image from Koen Smilde

Named after its 1920s architect, this vibrant street, a 10-minute walk from the Buiksloterweg ferry stop, has much to offer. From an eponymous market on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays to interesting spots such as the colourful concept store Pek & Kleren, Indonesian eatery Kannibalen en Paradijsvogels, vintage décor-focused Treasure Depot, and preloved kids’ clothing store Rookie, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss Proeflokaal Kef, a cheese store and tasting room adjacent to Van der Pekplein.

Experience culture, architecture and cuisine

Eye Filmmuseum - film museum and cinema.
Image from Ruben Hanssen

Almost directly opposite Central Station stands the Eye Filmmuseum in all its futuristic glory. This cinema, museum, film archive and café/restaurant is a standout location, and the building is already one of Amsterdam’s modern icons. Around the corner, Tolhuistuin boasts a café-restaurant, a sunny terrace along the IJ, an idyllic garden, three theatre and concert halls, exhibition spaces, a hip-hop school and a children's art centre. Read our dedicated guide to art and culture in Noord for more creative hotspots.

Learn about sustainability

Café de Ceuvel terrace
Image from Koen Smilde Photography

Excellent coffee and a crash course in sustainability? The team behind Café de Ceuvel hopes to inspire everyone around them to go green. This community was built by a bunch of office-boating innovators as a cleantech experiment, over what once was a polluted harbour. Besides the excellent food and drinks, you’ll find several showcases of clean tech that the compound uses, including a fascinating aquaponics greenhouse, heat exchangers, composters and treatment facilities for kitchen and toilet waste. In the summer, take a dip in the water here, or check out the neighbouring saunas at Badhuys.

Check out the hip food and drink scene

Chateau wine bar people sitting on the terrace
Image from Chateau

Noord’s Hamerkwartier, with its raw industrial edge, has evolved into one of the city’s most exciting food and drink enclaves. The area has an eclectic mix of venues, from the laid-back Skatecafé, a restaurant and club space with its own half-pipe, to Chateau Amsterdam, the city's first urban winery. Oedipus Brewing adds colour with its playful craft beers and vibrant taproom, while Barracuda delivers fresh, seafood-focused dishes in a casual yet vibey setting. Add in wood-fired slices at Euro Pizza and inventive cocktails at Benelux Bar, and Hamerkwartier becomes a culinary playground worth exploring. Keep an eye on our weekend guide for the latest restaurant openings, pop-ups and food festivals.