Last Updated on 29th April 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
Hip, cool, trendy, and happening: NDSM wharf is a recently rejuvenated and renovated artists’ quarter in a former shipyard just a ferry ride away from Amsterdam Centraal. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find artist ateliers alongside speciality eco-friendly cafés, repurposed shipping containers, and plenty of street art.
A little off the beaten path, you could easily while away several hours in NDSM wharf visiting the art museum, perusing the wares of the various shops around the area, and enjoying food at one of the many eateries.
NDSM wharf also happens to be a great place to base yourself during your time in Amsterdam if you’re looking for unique accommodation, but more on that later on…
NDSM Wharf is a neighbourhood of Amsterdam that is named for Nederlandsche Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij, a ship building company that operated in the 20th-century. As you might imagine, the area is so-called because it was once where ships were built and repaired.
After the shipyard closed in 1984, the area, which is located in the Amsterdam-Noord borough, lay derelict and was inhabited by squatters before being gentrified from the 2000s onwards. Today, there is a museum in the area, hipster cafés, and numerous residential buildings.
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Getting to NDSM wharf
One of the coolest things about a visit to the area is that the easiest way to reach the Wharf is by taking a free ferry from just outside of Amsterdam Centraal station. Just be sure that you get on the correct ferry as there are a number departing from the dock directly outside of the station!
The ferry is completely free of charge (I repeated that twice because it’s so surprising in a city like Amsterdam where almost everything is so expensive!) and the ride from Amsterdam Centraal to NDSM wharf takes around 15 minutes.
Things to do in NDSM wharf
Anne Frank Mural
One of the more iconic spots in NDSM wharf is undoubtedly the Anne Frank Mural, which was created on the side of a former shipyard building that has since ben transformed into a graffiti and street art museum.
STRAAT Museum
One of the coolest and most unique museums in Amsterdam is the STRAAT Museum, which is the largest street art museum in the world.
Once inside, you’ll soon discover 150 murals and other installations and works of art by artists from all over the world. It’s a cool place to spend an hour or so admiring the artworks and soaking up the ambiance.
There’s also a café on site where you can grab a coffee and marvel at the street art. Purchase your STRAAT Museum ticket here in advance.
Go to a café
Thanks to its proximity to the water, NDSM wharf is particularly popular during the summer when most of the eateries in the area spill into the open air with various outdoor dining options. Even during the rest of the year, there’s always some tasty food to find.
We particularly enjoyed the cosy atmosphere of Pllek, which is fittingly translated into English as ‘The Place’. On the menu, you’ll find all kinds of classic Dutch foods, as well as snack foods, sandwiches, and seasonal soups.
This eatery doesn’t just operate as a foodie stop but also as a nightclub, concert venue, and even as a yoga studio depending on the time of the day when you visit!
Peruse for vintage finds at the flea market
Whether you’re in search of antiquarian books, old cutlery, or second-hand clothing, you’ll find all of this and more should you opt to visit IJ-Hallen flea market, one of the largest flea markets in the world.
The flea market takes place during weekends throughout the year so be sure to check the website in advance to see if a flea market will be happening during your visit to Amsterdam. Also note that there is a small entrance fee to go inside.
Where to stay in NDSM wharf
DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam – NDSM Wharf: If you’re looking for a standard hotel with easy access to central Amsterdam, then you should consider booking a stay at this three-star hotel. Highlights include a fitness centre and air conditioning. Check prices and availability here.
Botel: Amsterdam is known for its many canals, as well as its houseboats, and so it should come as no surprise that one of the more unique accommodation options when it comes to the Dutch capital is to stay on a boat! Check prices and availability here.
Faralda: Once upon a time, numerous cranes were scattered around NDSM wharf. Today, just one survives and it has since been converted into a luxury hotel. Amenities of this unique place to stay include a pool and hot tub! Check prices and availability here.
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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.