A night out in: Noord

Culture

Cinematic sights at EYE Filmmuseum

Situated on the northern bank of the IJ, this cinema and film museum, café/restaurant and cutting-edge event location is a must-see and an excellent way to start any night. Eye has four comfortable screening rooms where visitors can enjoy the latest art house fare and the finest restored classics along with retrospectives, lectures, Q&As, performances and live music. Or you can just have a wander around and grab a drink or snack at the café with sweeping views of the city and IJ river.

Pre-drinks

Waterside vistas at FC Hyena

Noord’s major selling point is its proximity to the water and the views that come with it. Embrace the vista with the neighbourhood’s premier indie cinema, which, other than being a great spot for a flick, is also one of the district’s best spots for a waterside drink. It’s a no-frills drinks policy here, with on-tap local beers best sipped at sundown. FC Hyena also serves food plus a very respectable dinner menu, so in case you don’t want to move, you’re welcome to stay and tuck in. 

Food

Seafood at Barracuda / Pizza at Matto Noord

Ever since Barracuda came onto the scene, it’s been a hit. A seafood restaurant found in an expansive industrial hangar, this is exactly the kind of spot you want as a group, whether you’re heading out afterwards or keeping things low-key. Plates are meant for sharing; crisped up calamari, grilled sardines, bountiful salade nicoises, battered fritto misto and plenty of prawns. Wine comes by the glass, ¼, ½ and whole litre, all for a very reasonable price - though you can opt for a bottle too. Indulge in the fruits of the sea in the sun-dappled locale. If seafood isn’t your bag, head quite literally next door to Matto Noord, where thin-crust wood-fired pizzas take centre stage, best enjoyed on the outdoor patio. 

Cocktails

Mexican-inspired drinks at TULA

Right next to long-time Mexican favourite Coba – and just behind Barracuda – TULA brings some late-night feeling to this corner of Noord. With burnt orange walls and dim, candles for lighting, there’s an immediate sultriness and ambience to the space. A great late-night venue, head here in the evening for some mezcal-based cocktails that’ll provide a much-needed kick after your meal. There’s also horchata (a Mexican rice-based drink), mocktails, and pan de elote (corn bread) on the menu, meaning you’ll be swept off to sunnier lands whenever you visit.

Music

Handpicked vinyls at murmur

Chic, low-lit, ambient and curated, murmur has become something of an ‘it’ spot in Noord. And in case you don’t fancy going out after food, this listening bar is a great choice for music without the need to always dance. With a weekly-changing programme, you’ll be blessed with anything from ambient Georgian psychedelia to classical instrumental from the djs handpicking their favourite records. Grab a glass of their natural wine and a spot on the couch for peak enjoyment. 

Clubbing

Underground curation at Garage Noord

Head next door to Garage Noord, a gritty dance floor situated in a former car repair shop on the fringes of Amsterdam Noord. It's one of the city’s most alternative spaces, with all music genres catered to, but you can expect some rough-around-the-edges techno on most occasions. The party clientele is as diverse as the programming, and there is a strong emphasis on the venue as a safe space. There’s also an on-site Sichuan restaurant that’s open until midnight, where you can fuel up before a night of dancing if you haven’t already.

Late-night food

Grilled goodness at Burger n’ Shake

Noord has a roster of kebab shops and pizza takeouts, but they can be a little spread out. Luckily, Burger n’Shake, located just off the Mosplein, is a central and late-night spot to grab a burger. It’s open till 1 am most nights and 3 am Friday and Saturday. Order yourself a stacked cheeseburger, some spicy fries, and a shake if you’re feeling hungry. Then a short cycle down the Van der Pekstraat and you’ll be back at the Buikerslotweg ferry, right across from Centraal and hopefully not far from home.