How long does it take to walk around NDSM Wharf?

A typical self-guided walk takes between 60 to 90 minutes. This includes the 10-minute ferry ride from Centraal Station and time to stop for photos at the various murals and industrial landmarks.

Is the ferry to NDSM Wharf free?

Yes, the GVB ferry from the back of Amsterdam Centraal Station to NDSM (Line F4) is completely free for pedestrians, cyclists, and moped riders. It runs frequently throughout the day and night.

Where can I see the big Anne Frank street art in Amsterdam?

The massive 'Let me be myself' portrait of Anne Frank is located on the side of the STRAAT Museum building at the NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam Noord. It is easily visible from the public square.

Is NDSM Wharf worth visiting?

Absolutely, especially if you enjoy industrial aesthetics and street art. It offers a unique contrast to the historic center and is home to creative hubs like Art City and the IJ-Hallen, Europe's largest flea market.

Can I do a self-guided walk of NDSM at night?

Yes, the area is accessible at night and many murals are lit by streetlights, but it is best experienced during daylight hours to fully appreciate the colors of the artwork and the scale of the shipyard.

Is the NDSM street art route wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the NDSM Wharf is mostly flat and paved with wide open spaces, making it very accessible for wheelchair users. Be cautious of some old tram tracks and occasional patches of unpaved ground.

What should I wear for a walking route in Amsterdam Noord?

The NDSM Wharf is located right on the IJ river and can be significantly windier and cooler than the city center. It is recommended to wear a windproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 15 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Step off the beaten path and cross the IJ river to discover Amsterdam’s most raw and creative frontier. This neighborhood stroll through the NDSM Wharf reveals a side of the city far removed from the 17th-century canal houses of the center. Once one of the world’s largest shipyards, this industrial wasteland has been reclaimed by a vibrant community of artists, hackers, and visionaries, transforming rusted warehouses into a sprawling open-air gallery. On this self-guided adventure, you will navigate the massive steel structures and shipping container villages that define the Amsterdam Noord skyline. The route highlights the evolution of urban art, from underground graffiti to world-class murals that tower over the wharf. You will encounter the iconic Faralda Crane Hotel, a soaring symbol of the area's industrial heritage, and explore the perimeter of the STRAAT Museum, which houses some of the most significant works in the contemporary street art scene. Because the landscape of NDSM is constantly shifting, with new murals appearing and old ones being reclaimed by the elements, every walking route through this district offers a unique experience. This is not a traditional walking tour Amsterdam experience; it is an independent exploration of a living, breathing laboratory of culture. You will learn about the history of the Nederlandsche Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij (NDSM) and how its collapse in the 1980s paved the way for the squatters and creatives who built the 'Art City' that thrives here today. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect industrial backdrop or an art lover seeking the giant portrait of Anne Frank by Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra, this self-guided walk provides the context and stories behind the spray paint. This route is perfect for those who want to explore independently and experience the gritty, artistic soul of Amsterdam Noord at their own pace. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

Free scenic ferry ride across the IJ river
The soaring Faralda Crane Hotel
Eduardo Kobra’s massive Anne Frank mural
Industrial-chic vibes at Pllek
The world-renowned STRAAT Museum exterior
Vibrant shipping container architecture

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Centraal Station (Ferry Terminal)

Your journey begins at the back of Amsterdam Centraal Station. Here, the city turns its back on the historic canals and looks toward the future across the IJ river. Look for the ferry terminal marked 'NDSM.' The free GVB ferry (Line F4) is a local rite of passage, offering a ten-minute mini-cruise with panoramic views of the harbor. As the boat pulls away, notice the contrast between the sleek architecture of the Eye Filmmuseum to your right and the rugged, crane-dotted horizon of the NDSM Wharf straight ahead. This waterway was once the lifeblood of Dutch shipbuilding, and today it serves as the bridge between the old city and its creative northern sibling.

2

Pllek

After disembarking, head toward the waterfront area known as Pllek. Constructed from stacked industrial shipping containers, this spot perfectly encapsulates the NDSM spirit of reuse and creativity. While it is a popular local hangout with its own urban beach, the surrounding area is a canvas for ever-changing graffiti. The art here is volatile; what you see today might be covered by a new masterpiece tomorrow. This area serves as the gateway to the wharf’s social scene, where the industrial past meets a sustainable, community-focused present. Take a moment to appreciate the views back toward the city center from this unique vantage point.

3

Faralda Crane Hotel

Towering 50 meters above the wharf is the Faralda Crane Hotel, a monumental piece of machinery that has become a landmark of Dutch engineering and luxury. Originally built in 1951 for the shipyard, it sat derelict for years after the NDSM went bankrupt. Instead of being scrapped, it was painstakingly restored and converted into a high-end boutique hotel with just three suites and a hot tub at the very top. It is a testament to the neighborhood's transformation from a site of heavy labor to a hub of high-concept design. Even from the ground, its rotating structure is an imposing sight and a favorite subject for photographers.

4

NDSM Loods (The Warehouse)

The heart of the creative community lies within the NDSM Loods, a massive former shipbuilding hall the size of several football pitches. This hangar now houses 'Kunststad' or Art City, a bi-level complex of over 100 artist studios, workshops, and offices. While the interior is often a hive of private activity, the exterior walls are a playground for street artists. Walk along the perimeter to see how the corrugated metal and brickwork have been claimed by muralists. The scale of the building reflects the massive ships that were once built here, like the tankers and passenger liners that dominated the Dutch maritime industry in the mid-20th century.

5

STRAAT Museum

You are now standing outside the STRAAT Museum, a venue that has redefined how urban art is displayed. Housed in a former warehouse, it features over 150 giant artworks created specifically for this space by artists from all over the world. Even if you don't head inside today, the exterior of the building is a work of art itself. The museum aims to give street art the same prestige as traditional fine art while maintaining its raw, public essence. The surrounding grounds often feature temporary installations and smaller pieces, making this the epicenter of the NDSM street art safari.

6

Anne Frank Portrait 'Let me be myself'

The final stop on this route is perhaps the most famous mural in Amsterdam. Created by the world-renowned Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra, this vibrant, multi-colored portrait of Anne Frank covers 240 square meters of the STRAAT Museum’s facade. Titled 'Let me be myself,' the piece uses Kobra’s signature kaleidoscope style to bring a message of hope and remembrance to this industrial setting. It took the artist and his team several weeks and hundreds of cans of spray paint to complete. It serves as a powerful reminder of Amsterdam’s history, reimagined through a modern, global lens. From here, you can continue exploring the nearby galleries or head back to the ferry for the return trip to the center.

Frequently Asked Questions

The NDSM Wharf self-guided walk is the top choice for art enthusiasts. It features the world-famous 240-square-meter Anne Frank mural by Eduardo Kobra and the exterior of the STRAAT Museum, providing a deep dive into urban creativity.