Public Art walking route

Route

This 45-minute route takes you across the river to the vibrant murals, immersive installations, and waterfront hideaways of NDSM and Noord – a dynamic blend of street art, repurposed shipyards, and alternative energy.

• Time: 45 minutes – 1.5 hours (with stops)
• Distance: approx. 4 km
• Good to know: How to walk in Amsterdam (because bikes are everywhere).

• STRAAT Museum
• NXT Museum (25% discount)

1. Centraal Station

• Start at Amsterdam Centraal Station and go to the NDSM ferry (signposted clearly just outside the station). The short, free ride across the River IJ offers a moment to shift perspectives – from the historic city centre to the repurposed shipyards of Amsterdam-Noord. Disembark at NDSM-Plein, where colour, concrete and creativity collide.

2. STRAAT Museum

• Just around the corner, housed inside a cavernous former shipbuilding warehouse, STRAAT Museum is dedicated entirely to street art and graffiti. It features monumental works by artists from all over the globe and is included in the I amsterdam City Card. Outside the museum, you'll also find large-scale murals and installations, making the entire area feel like an open-air extension of the exhibition within.

3. NDSM Fuse

• Steps away, you’ll find NDSM Fuse, a collaborative gallery and workspace tucked into a converted industrial hall that’s free to enter. Run by and for artists, the space hosts exhibitions that often blur the lines between visual art, design, sculpture, and performance. Expect rotating shows that highlight Amsterdam’s local creative community as well as international talent.

4. Wall of Fame

• Outside, follow the stretch of wall adorned with ever-changing graffiti, stencil art, and murals – the Wall of Fame. This outdoor gallery is a living canvas, reflecting both political commentary and playful expression. Take your time to snap a few photos or just take it all in. New pieces appear regularly, so no two visits are ever quite the same.

5. Pllek

• Walk towards the water and you'll reach Pllek, a laid-back hangout built from shipping containers and salvaged materials. This sustainable beach bar offers unmatched views of the IJ, a small sandy shore, and plenty of spots to lounge. Grab a drink or a plant-based bite, and soak in the scene – a quintessential NDSM moment.

6. NXT Museum

• Head further east to NXT Museum (25% discount for I amsterdam City Cardholders), the Netherlands’ first museum dedicated entirely to new media and immersive art. Exhibitions here use light, sound, movement and data to explore the intersection of technology and society. Whether it's a room that responds to your heartbeat or a projection that follows your gaze, the work here is dynamic and thought-provoking.

7. Café de Ceuvel

• Wrap up your walk at Café de Ceuvel, a sustainable café nestled in one of Amsterdam’s most innovative circular economy projects. Built on a repurposed industrial site, the surrounding terrain is dotted with upcycled houseboats, solar panels, and green walkways. The waterside terrace is one of the city’s most peaceful spots to unwind or swim at sunset.

Follow the route on your phone

Keen to head out on this walk? Follow the route on Google Maps, where you'll find all the stops condensed into one tidy package. If you're curious about other routes, we've got some for every neighbourhood.