NDSM Wharf

Former shipyard, now cultural hotspot--this art district is filled with graffiti hangers, sustainable cafes, bars made out of shipping containers, and always happening local events.

The Netherlands Dock and Shipbuilding Company-- known as NDSM--was the largest ship building company in the entire world from the 1920s into the 1980s. After bankruptcy forced the shipyard to close, a group of artists and creative minds decided to join together to repurpose the abandoned area. The outcome exceeded anyone’s expectations: the people of Amsterdam were able to transform this once empty space into one of Amsterdam’s most aesthetic spots.

Enjoy that Ferry Breeze

So, what exactly is there for you do at NDSM? Well, first you take the (free!) ferry over, and get a scenic view of the “city within a city” while you’re at it. Once you’ve hit land, there’s really an endless list of cool things to do! All things trendy live at NDSM--flea markets and thrifting, street art museums, arcade bars, outdoor film screenings, and even music festivals. Getting over to NDSM is quick, and easy. After that you can wander around and explore all of NDSM’s post-industrial vibes.

Art City

One of the shipbuildings is now called Kunststad, which means “art city.” This space houses over 400 artists, designers, and architects, which makes it one of the most popular and innovative spots for the arts in the Netherlands. Fun fact: Even Hema and Red Bull have created home bases on NDSM! There is something equally unique and unconventional about NDSM that’s got a strong pull on everyone! The creatives at NDSM are currently working on bringing the entire community together. They have opened an installation called the Tower of Babel, which will display the voices of local Amsterdam-ers in a unique way.

• Food and drinks at the wharf: there are plenty of options for dining and wine-ing at NDSM, all equally trendy and delicious. Some highlights include: the Nooderlicht cafe, sustainably sourced food served on their funky terrace with mismatched furniture, and hosts to free cultural events on the weekend. Pllek is the summer hot spot for a bar, complete with a sandy beach area that looks out across the water. IJver is an 18-meter long bar located inside one of the old shipbuilding hangars, where you still get the industrial vibe while stopping here for lunch, dinner, or drinks!
• The Street Art Museum is one of the permanent collections at NDSM. Let yourself take in and be amazed by all the different variations and genres of street art displayed here. NDSM tends to have different themes to bring in new art, so you can definitely go back more than once!
• NDSM Treehouse: Since NDSM is first and foremost an “art city” they offer living spaces for artists looking to make their work on the wharf. Lucky for you, part of the agreement is that their work gets presented publically! The art can be presented as an exhibition in the performance hall, or be accessible to the public 24/7 in the main square. There is no lack of interesting art on the wharf.
• What’s the strangest place to consider as a hotel? At NDSM, they’ve turned an old, towering crane into three luxury suites (with a hot tub!) for one of the world’s most outrageous accommodations. We hope you aren’t afraid of heights!