Where Is Amsterdam-Noord?
As you’d expect from the name, Amsterdam-Noord is located in the northern part of the city. The river IJ separates it from the rest of Amsterdam. From Noord, you're only minutes away from nearby polder villages and peaceful natural areas.
Neighbourhoods within Amsterdam-Noord include: Buiksloterham, Volewijck, Nieuwendammerham, IJplein & Vogelbuurt, Nieuwendammerdijk & Buiksloterdijk, Tuindorp Nieuwendam, Tuindorp Buiksloot, Tuindorp Oostzaan, Oostzanerwerf, Molenwijk, Kadoelen, Banne Buiksloot, Waterlandpleinbuurt, Buikslotermeer and Landelijk Noord (including Zunderdorp and Ransdorp).
Living in Amsterdam-Noord
Amsterdam-Noord has become a trendy place to live — everyone seems to be looking for a spot “on the other side.” Unsurprisingly, thousands of new homes are planned for the coming years. The neighbourhood’s once-negative reputation is now a thing of the past.
It’s a multicultural district with a rich history. Urban and green areas alternate, and the area is full of peaceful, hidden corners. The NDSM wharf adds an international flair reminiscent of Berlin’s eastern quarters.
In addition to industrial hotspots like NDSM, Noord also boasts nine ‘garden villages’ — 20th-century districts designed to feel like small villages within the city.
For now, living in Amsterdam-Noord remains relatively affordable. In Q1 2022, the average rent was €20/m², making it one of the more affordable areas in the city.
Here’s a breakdown of average monthly rents:
- 0–30 m²: €1,039
- 30–50 m²: €1,226
- 50–70 m²: €1,313
- 70–150 m²: €1,631
Looking for a rental flat in Amsterdam-Noord? Stekkies can help.
Working in Amsterdam-Noord
- A Lab – A creative community in a former Shell lab. Rent a workspace, share ideas, or just enjoy a coffee.
- A’DAM&Co – Located at the top of the A’DAM Tower, this coworking hub focuses on creatives like musicians and filmmakers.
- Pand Noord – A former warehouse transformed into stylish office units with a dynamic, collaborative atmosphere.
Shopping Centres
- Boven ’t Y: Large mall with shops and supermarkets, easily accessible via Noord Station.
- Banne Centrum: The most modern shopping centre in Noord, with over 7,500m² of indoor retail space.
- Waterlandplein Centre: A lively hub for daily shopping.
- Molenwijk Shopping Centre: A covered shopping centre in Molenwijk.
Markets
- Van der Pek Market: A lively street market on Wed, Fri, and Sat (9:00–18:00), offering groceries, vintage items, and live music.
- Buitenslotermeerplein Market: A daily market for food and non-food goods (Mon 12:00–18:00, Tues–Sat 8:00–18:00). Includes an organic farmers’ market on Saturdays.
- IJ-hallen: Europe’s largest flea market, held twice a month in old shipyards at the NDSM site. Entry: €5.
Amsterdam-Noord for Families
Schools
Playgrounds
- Diereneiland Nature Playground: With a petting zoo where kids can care for animals.
- NoordOogst: The largest nature play area in Noord, part of an urban farming project.
- Darteldome: An indoor play centre with climbing equipment, slides, and toddler areas. Also includes an indoor climbing gym and trampoline park.
Sports & Clubs
Noord has clubs for football, Aussie rules, hockey, gymnastics, baseball, chess, athletics, swimming, tennis, canoeing, horse riding, and yoga.
Leisure in Amsterdam-Noord
Sights & Attractions
- Eye Film Museum: Watch arthouse films or attend festivals and exhibitions. Don’t miss the interactive film gear collection.
- A’DAM Tower: At the top, you’ll find LOOKOUT with panoramic views and the OverTheEdge swing; the highest in Europe.
- This is Holland: A 5D flight simulator experience over Dutch landscapes; complete with scents and water droplets.
- Nieuwendam: A historic dike village with charming homes, churches, and winding paths. Also home to Tuindorp Nieuwendam, a 1920s garden village in Amsterdam School style.
Green Spaces
- Noorderpark: Spacious park with playgrounds and both indoor and outdoor pools. Barbecuing allowed.
- Schellingwouderpark: Natural park along the IJ river, perfect for spotting local wildlife.
- Helofytenveld: Peaceful green zone starting in Elpermeer. Follow the trail to Buikslotermeerdijk.
- Het Twiske: A large recreation area (just outside Noord) with water sports, play zones, and nature; only 30 minutes by bike.
Food & Drink in Amsterdam-Noord
- Stadsstrand de VerbroederIJ: A relaxing urban beach with garden-to-table food and sand between your toes.
- Royalvis & Traiteur: Moroccan fish shop where your fresh pick is grilled on the spot. Affordable and tasty.
- Loetje aan ’t IJ: Enjoy the famous Loetje steak with stunning waterfront views.
- Pilek: Organic restaurant with yoga, live music, film screenings, and micro-festivals — plus a beautiful view of central Amsterdam.
Nightlife in Amsterdam-Noord
- Tolhuistuin: A cultural centre that’s been revived as a hotspot for music, theatre, and community events.
- Shelter Amsterdam: Underground club in the A’DAM Tower — a must for electronic music lovers.
- DEPOT: Industrial venue with world-famous and emerging DJs.
Getting Around: Accessibility in Amsterdam-Noord
By Ferry
Several ferry lines connect Noord to central Amsterdam. Most depart from Central Station, but some also serve Houthaven and the Eastern Docklands.
- Oostveer: Azartplein ↔ Zamenhofstraat. At least 2x/hr, 6:30–22:30 (from 8:30 on weekends).
- IJpleinveer: Central Station ↔ IJplein. At least 1x/hr, 6:20–23:57 (from 9:05 on Sundays/holidays).
- Buiksloterwegveer: Central Station ↔ Buiksloterweg. At least 5x/hr, 24/7.
- NDSM-werfveer: Central Station ↔ NDSM Wharf. At least 1x/hr, 6:45–23:45 (from 7:15 weekends/holidays).
- Night West Ferry: Central Station ↔ NDSM ↔ Pontsteiger (Houthaven). Friday & Saturday nights until 3:04.
- Distelwegveer: Pontsteiger ↔ Distelweg. At least 1x/hr, weekdays 6:30–19:22.
- Houthavenveer: Pontsteiger ↔ NDSM Wharf. At least 1x/hr, 6:44–23:40 (from 9:00 weekends/holidays).
By Public Transport
Metro line 52 (North/South Line) connects Noord directly to the city centre. Noord has two metro stations: Noord and Noorderpark. Route: Noord > Noorderpark > Central Station > Rokin > Vijzelgracht > De Pijp > Europaplein > Zuid. The full journey takes just 15 minutes.
There is no train station in Noord — take a train to Amsterdam Central or Zuid, then transfer to metro or ferry.
By Car
Amsterdam-Noord is accessible via the A10 ring road. From the city centre, use the IJ Tunnel.
