The Renowned A'DAM Toren
An iconic edifice, previously known as Toren Overhoeks, is set to usher in a fresh era in early May under the new name, A'DAM Toren – an acronym for Amsterdam Dance And Music. This was once the headquarters of Shell, but the 22-level waterfront tower is undergoing a major transformation. It'll soon encompass nightlife hotspots, congenial bars, inviting cafes, a unique rotating eatery, a panoramic viewing platform, business premises, and Sir Adam, a 110- guestroom hotel. The hotel is managed by the same team behind the esteemed boutique accommodation, Sir Albert located in the city as well. The A'DAM Toren is under the stewardship of the respected Dutch trio – Sander Groet, Duncan Stutterheim, and Hans Brouwer, who are not only renowned in the Dutch music industry but also event management. They have managed to attract an array of creative firms to occupy the office space. The uniquely renovated tower offers some eccentric features: a gigantic swing suspended from the top deck's observatory, nightclubs occupying both the topmost and ground levels, artistic graffiti adorning the car park, and the ultra-stylish "Loft". The double-story Loft boasts seven-meter-tall windows, a bar, and a DJ booth, touting it as the city's trendiest hotel suite.
The revamped A'DAM Toren opens its doors in May 2016, visit adamtoren.nl to learn more.
Eye Film Museum
Amsterdam Noord's EYE Film Museum, stationed on the banks of the river IJ (pronounced as "eye"), has been a game-changer for the area's waterfront since its unveiling in 2012. The museum, which is instantly recognizable by its distinct whitewashed architecture, overlooks the water from its privileged position opposite the Centraal Station. The innovative structure of the building provides a unique appearance from every angle, presenting itself as a piece of art. This monumental cinema house offers a variety of film screenings and exhibits on its four silver screens. Not just limited to latest releases, the museum's colossal archive boasts over 37,000 rare and classic titles.
A trip to the gift shop is a must for film enthusiasts, with unique memorabilia like themed gifts, Francis Ford Coppola wine, and Daniel Craig masks up for grabs. And why not bring a taste of this cinematic experience back to your hotel room? If you are yet to find that perfect accommodation, consider visiting https://www.hotels-in-netherlands.com/en/amsterdam-hotels-18051/5-stars/ or check out tophotels.com for top-range accommodations in Amsterdam.
The museum visit can be topped off nicely with a cozy drink on the outdoor terrace, all whilst admiring the serene view of the river. Film prices start from €10. The onsite bar-restaurant opens Sun-Thurs from 10 am till 1 am and extends till 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Visit eyefilm.nl for more.
NDSM wharf
Upon reaching the NDSM wharf via ferry, one would first spot a deserted submarine, closely followed by the sight of the floating Botel boat-hotel. Both a historic lighthouse ship and towering seafaring vessels rest nearby. Meandering around the old shipyard uncovers distinctive sights like repurposed trams now serving as homes, a crane metamorphosed into the three-room Faralda Hotel, and versatile shipping containers functioning as both student residences and unique dining establishments. On a clear day, the distinct silhouette of the Kranspoor office building, almost resembling a hulking piece of Meccano, is visible from afar.
Contrary to its desolate exterior, the shipyard abounds with innovative energy. It serves as the hub for such cultural powerhouses as MTV and Red Bull. An array of creative studios, housing over 200 artists and designers, are nestled within the NDSM hangar at Kunststad or Art City. Adding to the intoxicating blend of creativity and culinary genius, are two restaurants - Pllek and IJ-Kantine, not mentioned here previously but deserving of a visit. The eye-catching Noorderlicht cafe with its transparent architecture flourishes in summertime, playing host to outdoor DJs and live music performances. In the true spirit of Amsterdam Noord, the space embodies the unrestricted charm of the city it resides in.
Discover further details at ndsm.nl.
Restaurant Pllek
Pllek might initially strike you as a random pile of weathered shipping containers resting on the brink of a bustling shipyard. Yet, once you maneuver your way through a container, you'll find yourself standing inside a capacious, open-planned room with walls made of shipping containers, and glass panes allowing you to gaze onto the river. Constructed from salvaged marine items and recycled materials, the room's minimalist design is augmented by the naked concrete beneath. The grandeur of river vistas is what genuinely enthralls the spectators. Pllek is a popular hub for ferry tourists to enjoy tranquil weekend lunches; while the trendy crowd floods in at night to enjoy music spun by DJs, where the normal seating plan is redesigned. The alfresco seating and beach zones are coveted spots during sunny weather, and Sundays are reserved for yoga sessions.
The kitchen operates from 9.30am until 10pm, while the bar stays open till 3am during the weekends, +31 20 2900 020, pllek.nl
ClinkNoord
The latest incarnation of Clink hostels (founded in London by two Irish backpacking sisters), ClinkNoord is in an old Shell building, which still has an industrial vibe. As with much of Noord, creativity is the theme and there is studio and gallery space, a cafe, a nightclub, plus programmes for established visiting artists, bands and writers (paint, play or write and stay for free) which means guests are often treated to a free gig or exhibition. On the practical side, nice touches include free Wi-Fi throughout, power sockets and a locker for each bed, bike storage and en suite dorms.
Dorm beds from €17, rooms from €70, +44 20 7183 9400, clinkhostels.com
Café-Restaurant Stork
Occupying what was once a factory producing ship engines and kitchen supplies, the Stork fish and seafood restaurant now adds a vibrant, gastronomical presence by the IJ River. The seemingly impossible task of transforming a 1,100-square-metre industrial hangar into a charming and welcoming dining space has been astutely managed with intricately selected furniture, lighting, greenery, partition screens and suspended boat sails. However, the piece de resistance of this locale is undoubtedly its seafood-centric gourmet offerings. Whether it's a daily special or the catch of the day showcasing sea bream, bass or brill, your taste buds are in for a treat. Seafood enthusiasts can dive into a platter boasting North Sea crab, snow crab, mussels, clams, smoked salmon, and mackerel rillette. If that's not enticing enough, you can indulge in oysters or try the North Sea sole, exhibiting the restaurant's commitment to local sourcing.
Entrées start at €17.50, the seafood platter costs €19.50, +31 206 344 000, restaurantstork.nl
Hotel de Goudfazant
Get ready for a dining experience unlike any other at Hotel de Goudfazant, named after a 1960s tune. It's not a hotel with accommodations, but rather, an enthusiastic celebration of food, ambiance, and history. The nearby Stork may have opted to downplay its industrial bones, but not the Goudfazant. Here, the eatery’s bare factory roots are celebrated. Plan to sit on a repurposed office chair as you enjoy your meal next to a vintage sports car, a nod to the space's former use as a garage. There's even a bike rack next to their wine cooler, which is often filled to the brim. The menu is crafted around French culinary principles, with a generous offering of seafood (favourites include oysters, crabs, monkfish, and salted cod), and a must-try cheeseboard as the classic finale.
Expect to pay around € 18.50 for a main course, or enjoy a three-course feast for just € 31.50. For reservations, call +31 206 365 170 or visit hoteldegoudfazant.nl.
Nieuwendammerdijk
When cycling through Amsterdam Noord, make sure to make a stop at Nieuwendammerdijk, a captivating street lined with historic wooden Dutch houses that tell fascinating tales of the past. These houses, some of which date back to the 1500s, exude charm and character.
One notable residence on Nieuwendammerdijk is the De Halve Maen (the half moon) house, located at number 202-204. Once home to the wealthy De Vries-Lentsh shipbuilding family, this house is named after the Dutch East India Company ship that transported the first Dutch settlers to New York in 1609.
As you explore further, you'll come across houses with clock faces and crested facades, such as numbers 301 to 309, which served as captains' houses during the 1700s. Additionally, the neo-classic houses at numbers 300-308 were once the residence of the renowned doctor Johan Georg Metzger in the 1800s. It's intriguing to note that Princess Sophia of Sweden, out of gratitude for his treatment, granted Metzger the land on which these houses stand.
By venturing down Nieuwendammerdijk, you'll be immersed in the rich history and architectural beauty that Amsterdam Noord has to offer.
Tolhuistuin
Formerly a bustling workers' canteen for Shell Company between the years 1941 and 2011, Tolhuistuin, located in the once Shell-dominated Overhoeks area, has transformed into a bustling hub of events and gastronomy. The first level of the pavilion is now host to the impressive THT cafe and restaurant, which operates a cashless system, whilst the small park tucked behind the edifice becomes a favored spot during the warmer months. Besides that, Tolhuistuin is also home to a revered art gallery, a lively concert hall, and dance studios that host regular events. There's an available audio tour to delve into the rich history of the locale, including the eerie tale of the gallows where convicts were publicly executed in full view of the river during the 17th century. The tour can be experienced either by renting an audio device or by downloading it directly through their app.
You can reach out at +31 207 63650, or visit tolhuistuin.nl
De IJ-Kantine
Drop into this large bright brasserie on the river IJ, right on the NDSM waterfront, for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks on the riverside terrace. The huge space is dominated by massive windows to the front and back, giving it a transparent, bright feel, and colourful furniture contrasts with the large grey industrial pipes overhead. The lunch menu includes salad, soup, sandwiches, steak and sea bass, while the dinner menu might include duck with rocket stew, baked sole with salad or beetroot risotto. It’s also right beside the NDSM ferry so popping over just for lunch is do-able.
Lunch from €6.50, dinner mains from €17.50, seafood platter from €19.25pp, +31 206 337 162, ijkantine.nl
How to get there
Free ferries run from behind Amsterdam Centraal station. For A’DAM Toren, Eye Film Institute, Nieuwendammerdijk and Clink Noord, take the Buiksloterweg ferry (five-minute crossing). For the NDSM shipyard, Pllek, IJKantine and Noorderlicht cafe, take the NDSM ferry (15-minute crossing). For Hotel de Goudfazant and Stork, take the IJPlein ferry (five-minute crossing then a 20-minute walk).