Waterfront/North Amsterdam – All our local tips

Since 1913 luxurious steamboats have been navigated through the World Seas. The six shipping societies in Amsterdam (Royal Dutch Steamboat Company, Royal West-Indian Mail Service, New Rijn Navigation Company, Dutch Steam Navigation Company, Royal Package Company and the Java-China-Japan-Line) combined their strengths. They wanted a new building, a symbol of their power, that fit within the canal system of Amsterdam.

They decided upon a new architectural style, full of nautical symbolism: ships, oceans and continents. The Dutch merchants and explorers build the Navigate House on the exact spot where the first Dutch sailboats set out on their journeys over the entire world.

The Shipping house is considered to be the first building fully constructed in Amsterdam School Style. The building was designed by J.M. van der Mey and the Van Gendt brothers. The model they made at that time was lost during World War II. The monument is shaped like a harboured ship: The “starboard side” is on the Prins Hendrikkade, “the bow” points to the direction of Amsterdam Central Station.

The shipping companies are no longer; the Shipping house still stands, completely in tact. What remains is the romance of the ocean, designed in authentic materials. In 2007 the Shipping house became a luxury hotel, with respect for the monumental beauty of the building.

Just walk in there and feel the ambiance of the ocean. The hotel is full with details and items which reminds you of the history of the building, boats everywhere, entrance door that rotates in a compass rose and doors that closes like the pre-existing lock-gates.

Click here to check hotel rooms at the Amrath!

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Amrath Hotel | Art & culture | Free
Prins Hendrikkade 108 | Waterfront/North | +31205520000
24 hours daily

I must say this is one of my favourite restaurants. I just had dinner here and I still love this place at the water. You come here to sit for a drink on the terrace, relax or to have dinner. They have a large terrace with lots of sun (when the sun shines of course) in a very nice neighborhood. It is in directly located at the water next to a small harbour. There are all cozy apartments and houses with small bridges and a perfect view over the water. Take a long walk before or after diner, and you will be surprised that this is a part of Amsterdam. I really love it here!

The restaurant is located in a cozy basement, but with more than enough daylight. It has a natural look with wooden tables and chairs. In the back they have tables with bar stools.

The open kitchen is in the middle of the restaurant and is in charge of the owner. His wife is the host of the restaurant. She is a very pleasant woman with knowledge about the food and wines. They both are exited to work there every day; they really have heart for their business.

The food is great, some common things on the menu like spare ribs and satay, but also more uncommon things as stingray and rabbit. The salad with beef is perfect, never had a dish which was so perfectly made and tasteful. All dishes are created with care and creativity.  Every dish is accompanied by a specifically chosen wine. A real must have are the desserts, especially the ice truffles are delicious.

I would say a great place with lovely staff and tasty food!

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Bickers aan de Werf | Snacks, Restaurants | Main course € 14.00
Bickerswerf 2 | Waterfront/North | +31203202951
Wed – Sun 12:00 – 22:30

I must admit I’m not the best in bargain hunting. Every once in a while I try to do my best at flea markets or vintage stores but most of the time I have to face the facts: I’m incapable of finding the nice clothes in the midst of all the junk. Still I keep on trying because I do know people that do succeed and I can’t stand the idea that I might miss out on a great bargain just because I didn’t give it a try…

So I gave it a try at the IJhallen in the North of Amsterdam. Every month there is a huge flea market here where people sell mostly clothes but also other things. Everyone is free to rent a stall and display the stuff they don’t longer want to wear or use themselves. And for an entrance fee of 3,50 everyone is free to spend as long as they want to rummage around the piles and piles of stuff that are on offer.

The last time I was there the market was inside. But in the summer season it is an open air market, which is really nice. The stuff people sell is really very cheap so if you do have an eye for a bargain you rally can’t miss this.

You should visit this market even because if the fact that you have to take the boat over to the other side of the water where the north of Amsterdam is. Behind Central Station you can take different ferries which take you to different parts of the north. To get to the flea market you should take the ferry to the ‘NDSM-werf’ this is an industrial area that is quite interesting to have a look at. The trip over is nice to, and its free!

(Check the website for the coming markets)

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IJhallen | Shopping, Festivals & events | Entrance adults € 3.50
T.T. Neveritaweg 15 | Waterfront/North
Usually 09:00 – 16:30, check website to be sure

The big branch of the public library near the river IJ has been there for only a few years, but it already fits into the cityscape naturally, as if it’s been there forever.

If you feel like taking a break from all the impulses that the city is constantly shooting off, this is the place to explore. The front of the building is turned towards the city-centre, the opposite side faces the passing trains, and the whole of it is surrounded by water. The architect has created a lot of intimate spaces in its interior, filled with designer chairs that will sooth your aching back and legs.

Nevertheless it feels spacious everywhere, and as there is a lot of light coming through the big windows, you are constantly aware of the surroundings. At a little distance from it, you will be able to observe the city in all its glory, without being absorbed by all its tumultuousness. For the best view of Amsterdam you need to make your way to the balcony of the restaurant on the top floor.

If you happen to leave the library late in the afternoon or early in the evening, be sure to notice how the nearby Central Station is radiating in the sunset. Made up of elements of the old city and the groundwork of the new buildings arising on the construction site, this area has an almost utopian glow in the sunset. I find it one of the most magical places in Amsterdam.

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Public library | Art & culture | Free
Oosterdokskade 143 | Waterfront/North | +31205230900
10:00 – 22:00 daily

“Here you buy a dishcloth, trousers or a nice roll”, says Maaike, one of the saleswoman of Sissy-Boy Homeland.

The furniture is partly new and partly ‘brocante’. The department ‘Daily’ has fresh biological bread and cheeses. There is Brandmeesters coffee (famous old Dutch brand) and various olive oils of Amsterdam known olive oil supplier Meeuwig (His slogan: Check your oil levels!). Last but not least you find clothing of Sissy Boy. I love the shop and her attitude to today’s lifestyle.

It is a visit worthwhile, also to see the this rapidly developing area of Amsterdam with modern architecture on the water-shores of Amsterdam.

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Sissy-Boy Homeland | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks | Espressso € 1.70
KNSM-laan 19 | Waterfront/North | +31204181559
Mon – Sat 08:00 – 19:00, Sun 11:00 – 18:00

The first chapel was built in 1440 to protect the entrance routes from the west. The patron saint was Saint Odulphus from the Dutch province of Brabant, patron saint of the dykes. After the alteration, the church was empty for a while. After that in 1586 the building had many uses; an event location, a stock exchange, a cheese market and a church.

In 1967 Foundation Hendrick de Keyser bought the church. Since there was a lack of money, nothing happened and the church eventually burned down. Until 1991 nothing was done with this place, and the municipality paid for the reconstruction of the chapel together with the Barbizon Hotel. It took a few years to rebuild everything and get the graves replaced. At the moment it is a luxurious conference centre.

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St. Olofskapel | Art & culture | Free
Prins Hendrikkade 59-72 | Waterfront/North
on request