Five Reasons To Visit NDSM-Werf In Amsterdam 2026
INTRODUCTION
Across the river from Amsterdam Centraal lies a completely different world 🌍. NDSM-Werf is a former shipyard turned creative playground filled with street art, ships, cafés and festivals. A free ferry ride takes you into one of the most artistic areas of the city 🚢✨.
1. Graffiti Art Everywhere 🎨🖌️
Where: NDSM-Werf, Amsterdam Noord
Info: Open-air street art zone & STRAAT Museum
Walking around the old shipyard feels like entering an open-air art gallery 🏗️. Colourful murals cover warehouses, containers and walls, each telling a different story. The highlight is STRAAT Museum, housing over 160 massive street artworks from 150+ artists worldwide 🌍.
• Giant outdoor murals 🎨
• Container wall paintings 📦
• STRAAT Museum inside warehouse 🖼️
• Global street artists 🌎
2. Cool Cafés & Restaurants 🍔🍹
Where: Pllek, Noorderlicht Café, Cannibale Royale du Noord
Info: Creative food spots inside old containers
Eating at NDSM-Werf feels different — you dine inside recycled shipping containers or greenhouse-style cafés 🌱. Pllek is famous for its beach vibe in summer and nightclub mood at night 🌅. Noorderlicht looks like a glass spaceship and hosts live music 🎶.
• Pllek beach-style café 🏖️
• Noorderlicht Café greenhouse vibe 🌿
• Family-friendly spaces 👨👩👧
• Live music nights 🎵
3. Inside The Warehouse Art City – NDSM-Loods 🏗️🎭
Where: NDSM-Loods
Info: Studios, theatre spaces & start-ups
One giant warehouse now contains over 100 studios, theatres and creative businesses 🧠. Inside feels like a mini-city stacked with little buildings inside a big one 🧱. You’ll discover art studios, pop-up exhibitions and unique events.
• 100+ creative studios 🎨
• Theatre & performance halls 🎭
• Start-up workspaces 💻
• Pop-up art events 🖼️
4. Historic Ships & Floating Attractions 🚢⚓
Where: NDSM Wharf
Info: Old ships, floating hotels & pancake boats
Even though it’s no longer an active shipyard, the wharf is still full of fascinating boats 🛥️. You’ll see paddle steamers, lighthouse boats, a floating hotel (Botel) and even a pancake boat restaurant 🥞. Chains clink in the wind as you explore.
• Historic ships docked ⚓
• Botel floating hotel 🛏️
• Pancake boat restaurant 🥞
• Radio ship Veronica 🎙️
5. Events, Flea Markets & Festivals 🎪🛍️
Where: IJ-Hallen Flea Market, Treehouse Studios
Info: Monthly markets & music festivals
The huge open spaces make NDSM-Werf perfect for events 🌟. The IJ-Hallen Flea Market is Europe’s largest flea market and happens once a month 🛍️. Music festivals, dance parties and workshops happen all year.
• IJ-Hallen flea market 🛒
• Dance music festivals 🎧
• Art & craft workshops 🧵
• Treehouse creative events 🌳
Bike Taxi – Ride To NDSM-Werf In Style 🌸🚲
Where: From Amsterdam Centraal to NDSM-Werf
Info: Private bike taxi rides to the ferry & around Amsterdam Noord
Instead of walking long distances or waiting for public transport, hop into a Flower Bike Taxi and reach the free ferry relaxed and comfortable ✨. Your local driver takes you through hidden streets and river views, so the journey itself becomes part of the experience 🌊. Perfect for families, couples and anyone who wants to enjoy the ride without stress 💑.
• Door-to-door service 🚪
• Free ferry connection included 🚢
• Ideal for families & couples 👨👩👧👦
• No tired legs after exploring 🥱
Conclusion 🌅
NDSM-Werf is not just a neighbourhood — it’s an experience. Graffiti art, creative cafés, giant warehouses, historic ships and Europe’s biggest flea market make it one of Amsterdam’s most unforgettable places 💥.
Last updated: January 2026 🔄✨