Amsterdam · Creative District

NDSM Wharf Amsterdam: The Creative Shipyard on the IJ

NDSM Wharf is Amsterdam's most creative corner — a vast former shipyard on the north bank of the IJ where artists' studios, street art, festivals and waterside cafés have taken over the old slipways. Here is its story, the highlights, and how to visit.

By the AllTrips Editorial Team ·

People relaxing on the NDSM Wharf waterfront in Amsterdam at sunset with the Pontsteiger building across the IJ
A summer evening on the NDSM waterfront, looking across the IJ to the Pontsteiger building.

NDSM Wharf at a glance

Location: NDSM-Plein, Amsterdam-Noord, across the IJ from Centraal Station. Allow: 1–2 hours. Entry: the wharf is free; some events are ticketed. Nearby: A'DAM Lookout and the Eye Filmmuseum.

The story of NDSM

For most of the 20th century this was one of the largest shipyards in the world. The Nederlandsche Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij — the Dutch Dock and Shipbuilding Company — built and repaired huge ocean-going ships here, and tens of thousands of people worked on the slipways. When the yard finally closed in the 1980s, the enormous halls and cranes were left empty.

From the 1990s onwards, artists, skaters and squatters moved in, and the city eventually formalised what they had started: the wharf became an official creative district. Today the old shipbuilding halls hold studios, workshops and event spaces, and the waterfront has become one of Amsterdam's favourite places to spend a summer evening.

Visitors sitting by the water at NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam with boats passing on the IJ
The wharf's rough concrete quays are now Amsterdam's most laid-back waterside hangout.

What you will see

  • Street art everywhere — huge murals cover the old halls, containers and walls; the wharf is one of Europe's best open-air street-art spots.
  • The old shipyard halls and cranes — the industrial bones of the yard, including the towering NDSM crane, are still standing.
  • STRAAT Museum — a major street-art and graffiti museum inside one of the old ship halls (ticketed).
  • Waterside cafés and beach bars — laid-back terraces right on the IJ, at their best at sunset.
  • Markets and festivals — a big monthly flea market, food events and music festivals fill the wharf through the year.
  • The Anne Frank mural — a famous large portrait of Anne Frank by street artist Karski looks out over the water.

Tickets & tours

The wharf itself is free and open at all hours — you only need tickets for specific museums, festivals and events. If you want to explore Amsterdam-Noord with a guide or combine the wharf with other sights, booking ahead is easiest online.

Plan ahead

NDSM Wharf tours & tickets

Compare tours and tickets that include NDSM Wharf and Amsterdam-Noord — a good option when you want to book ahead.

Check prices on Tiqets

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Official information

NDSM — official website

For the current events calendar, markets and studio open days, always check the official NDSM website before your visit.

Visit ndsm.nl
Crowds enjoying a beach bar at NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam with the Pontsteiger building in the background
Deck chairs, beanbags and a view of the IJ — the wharf's beach-bar atmosphere on a warm day.

Getting there

Walk through Centraal Station to the ferry piers on the IJ side and take the free NDSM ferry (F4). It runs day and night, takes about 15 minutes, and lands right at the wharf. Bikes are welcome on board — cycling is the best way to explore Noord once you are across.

Practical tips

  • Come in the late afternoon and stay for sunset — the light over the IJ is the best in the city.
  • Check the NDSM events calendar before you go; a festival or flea market completely changes the atmosphere.
  • Combine the wharf with A'DAM Lookout and the Eye Filmmuseum for a full Amsterdam-Noord day.
  • See every stop on our Amsterdam attractions map.

Frequently asked questions

Is NDSM Wharf free to visit?

Yes. The wharf itself is a public space and free to wander — the street art, the waterfront and the old shipyard halls cost nothing. Individual festivals, exhibitions and events may be ticketed.

How do I get to NDSM Wharf?

Take the free NDSM ferry (F4) from the piers behind Amsterdam Centraal Station. The crossing takes about 15 minutes and lands right at the wharf. The shorter Buiksloterweg ferry gets you to A'DAM Lookout and the Eye, from where it is a 20-minute walk or a short bike ride along the IJ.

How long should I spend at NDSM Wharf?

Allow 1 to 2 hours for a relaxed wander, longer if you stop for a drink at one of the waterside cafés or visit during a market or festival.

What does NDSM stand for?

NDSM stands for Nederlandsche Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij — the Dutch Dock and Shipbuilding Company. Ships were built and repaired here for most of the 20th century until the yard closed in the 1980s.

What is near NDSM Wharf?

A'DAM Lookout and the Eye Filmmuseum are a short ride or walk east along the IJ, so the three make an easy half-day in Amsterdam-Noord together.

Sources