The NDSM is a great place; one of the nicest places in the North of Amsterdam, a stone’s throw away from the Central Railway Station. If you are looking for the Dutch roots of Dance Music this is the place to go. And if generally, you like things to be a bit different from the ordinary it’s a great place to be. NDSM is a very popular place, the young and the old, everybody likes it here. On this former shipyard in the middle of the harbor of Amsterdam, there are about 100 creative companies and businesses in their self-build workshops. My blog gives you only a very limited impression of what is going on in the sanctuary. So you better go there and find out for yourself.
NDSM Ship Yard – A Free Haven
Take the free Ferry GVB nr. 52 behind Amsterdam Central Railway Station to go to the NDSM sanctuary. After a short boat trip, you arrive at the post-industrial shipyard of NDSM. Time has overtaken the industrial glory of the past. Hidden in this former industrial zone you will find theaters, urban art, underground cafes, galleries, and weekly events.
NDSM has a hotel in a Crane: “Kraanhotel”
This hotel is in the impressive historical ship crane called “Kraan 13”, it is a real eye-catcher. Crane 13 is the only remaining crane on the NDSM shipyard. There are three luxuriously furnished suites created at a height of 35 and 50 meters. All three suites offer a magnificent view over Amsterdam and the river IJ. For total relaxation enjoy a Jacuzzi at 50 meters height. For this extraordinary hotel, you’ll have to reach deep into your pocket, one night costs about 435 Euros.
DJs, life and dance music, good healty meals at trendy restaurant at NDSM warf
Restaurant PLLek
Cafe restaurant Noorderlicht
Nearby the Crane hotel is the cultural cafe/restaurant Noorderlicht, or in English Northernlight. This is a worthwhile cultural ‘hang-out’ for anyone who wants to escape the bustle of the city. Here you can enjoy a deliciously healthy and responsible lunch or evening dinner. Or just sit and chill on the shore of the IJ. A venue for Amsterdam’s subculture, with a focus on live music and performing arts. We think it’s a great place to spend some time. Cafe Noorderlight is temporarily closed for renovation.
Another great place on NDSM is restaurant IJver.
A monthly giant Fleamarket at IJhallen near NDSM
Once a month there is the giant NDSM shipyard Fleamarket. Even if you don’t want to buy anything it is great to be there. The flea market offers everyone a business opportunity, you can rent a market stall for just €30 a day. You do not need a license.
STREET ART MUSEUM NDSM AMSTERDAM
In an immense former ship shed of 8000 m2, you will find STRAAT, the Graffiti, and Street Art museum. In this museum, you can admire 150 huge Street Art works made by 130 artists. Some of these works of art were created in the museum. The entire collection is much bigger but not continuously exhibited, the artwork rotates. The museum strives for a national and international collection. STRAAT museum offers an educational tour where questions will be answered if possible. In 2021, STRAAT Street Art museum was the museum of the year.
Address: STRAAT Street Art museum, NDSM-Plein 1, 1033 WC Amsterdam
Festivals at NDSM Port
A lot of festivals are organized on the NDSM sanctuary, some are free but for most of them, you have to buy a ticket.
Greenpeace headquarters at NDSM
Recently the main office of Greenpeace Holland has moved the restored forge at the national wharf monument NDSM. The Greenpeace Netherlands Foundation rents part of the Smederij, a national monument on the NDSM-werf. The sustainable aspects of the building and the immediate waterside environment were important for choosing the Smederij. Greenpeace Netherlands works for a green and peaceful planet and investigates and reveals environmental problems around the world, their goal is a sustainable world.
Submarine for sale at NDSM
In the harbor lies a Russian submarine. The story goes, that you can buy it for € 1, -. But we didn’t find a reliable source that confirms this rumor, yet.
Book a trip on a Pancake boat at NDSM
Everybody loves Pancakes! Book a romantic Pancake cruise and eat as many Pancakes as you like while the ship sails over the IJ along to the Central Station and the new EYE Film Museum.
This blog only gives a limited impression of things that are going on in the former NDSM shipyard. If you visit Amsterdam make sure you do not miss this place. A place “beyond the law” where almost anything is possible.
How to get to NDSM:
Take the free Ferry 52 behind the Central Railway Station to NDSM Shipyard.
What to Find, See and Do at NSDM
Top things to see around Amsterdam: The port of Amsterdam is a national thing but the port of Rotterdam is international mainstream. Do you want to see the largest containerships of the world being unloaded by robots? Well, make a trip around Rotterdam Harbor starting in the little town Hoek van Holland.
