NDSM Amsterdam
Street art in all its glory
Ana from Amsterdam
When in Amsterdam, do the following. Take the ferry behind central station. Choose the one that says NDSM-Werf. Enjoy the free 10 minute commute and the view over the river Ij (technically it's a canal, but who cares). Arrive at the wharf. If upon walking a few meters you see a sign stating "Sexyland", you're at the right place.
NDSM stands for the unpronounceable Nederlandsche Dok en Sheepsgebouw Matschappij; in English, Dutch Shipbuilding Company. As the name suggests, this is a former shipbuilding site, an industrial area which was abandoned after 1984, following the bankruptcy of the NDSM. The massive site, where you still can see a huge slipway that led the tankers to the water, got populated by artists and squatters in the 90s. This was the original movement that turned a desolate area into a free haven of creativity, in which MTV Benelux settled their headquarters in 2007.
The huge ship warehouse became a breeding ground for artists, the Kunststad or Art City, which can be visited daily. This community repurposed the space, building ateliers, and a sustainable energy and water system, self-managing the enterprise all the way.
The NDSM ground is fruitful in street art, including an enormous homage to Anne Frank by the renowned graffiti artist Cobra. Home to cool cafes, restaurants, markets and festivals, this is surely the best place for a sunny afternoon spent marvelling at the great wide open and the banks of the Ij. As for conceptual club Sexyland, oh well, go see for yourself.
Amsterdam Spotter Ana
Our Amsterdam City Guide
Find your way with 173 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Amsterdam
Restaurant NOMADS
Travel through food
"Restaurant NOMADS" in Amsterdam Oost allows you to travel around the world through food with its country-themed menu that changes twice per year!
by
Olya
Kartcheva
Café 't Smalle
Charming canal view
If you, like me, are always looking for places with relaxing views, you will love "Cafe 't Smalle" on Prinsengracht in Amsterdam...
by
Olya
Kartcheva
the Otherist
A handmade paradise!
"the Otherist" in Amsterdam is a shop that aims to offer 'the wow, the unconventional, the other' with beautiful handmade items you can't find elsewhere!
by
Olya
Kartcheva
Vrij Paleis
Underground exhibitions
"Vrij Paleis" is an art center in Amsterdam driven by a local community of artists. What I love about it is its underground, rough-around-the-edges feel...
by
Olya
Kartcheva
Restaurant Moeders
A Dutch cuisine heaven
If you have been wondering where to try traditional Dutch cuisine in Amsterdam, "Restaurant Moeders" is the answer! You should try their stamppot...
by
Olya
Kartcheva
Café Winkel 43
My routine coffee
Going to "Café Winkel 43" in Amsterdam after some grocery shopping for a homemade appeltaart w/ a friend is one of my favorite Saturday activities!
by
Olya
Kartcheva
Slagerij Vet
The most famous sandwich of the city
"Slagerij Vet" is a family-owned butcher that's been a household name for years, but what they're really famous for is the best sandwich in Amsterdam...
by
Kristel
van der Burgh
Robin Food, vegan
Let’s combat food waste
Dedicated and positive volunteers run Robin Food and offer a three-course menu at a fixed and affordable price every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
by
Olya
Kartcheva
Heading to Amsterdam?
173 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 173 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Amsterdam
Our team loves Amsterdam
Get to know our other Spotters from Amsterdam
As featured on:
