Amsterdam/Noord

Noord (Dutch for North) is the borough of Amsterdam north of the IJ. It is a residential district, and with about 86,000 inhabitants, it is a medium-sized city (and it is growing at a rapid pace—three new neighbourhoods are under construction). This district has remained well off the radar among tourists visiting Amsterdam, so amenities are not well-developed. It looks strikingly different from the city centre, so get in with an open mind. Yet, there is more to see than you might think. The ferry to it in itself is a breeze, crossing the river IJ and showing the urban landscape of Noord. Get off at the NDSM shipyard, which functioned as a shipyard until the 1980s, but now boasts a lively art scene. Urban culture comes alive in its large skate park. Then patch up your bicycle, and ride it through the rural farmland in the east. The picturesque villages Ransdorp and Zunderdorp are favorites among the locals for their traditional Dutch farmhouses.



Get in
The north lies fairly isolated from the rest of Amsterdam, but there is a free GVB ferry from Centraal Station in the Binnenstad. Instead of just being a way to get in, the ferry ride is an attraction in itself. It gives a great view over the urban harbor-front, and shows the diversity of the north's residents. Large signs show when the next boat is departing, and when it does, expect masses of locals to get on with their bicycles. Getting on just before the boat leaves seems to have turned into a sport here. You can take off at different piers, the NDSM shipyard being the most notable. If you want to do some further exploring, be sure to bring a bicycle and a decent map.

Noord is also connected to the rest of Amsterdam by the Schellingwouderbrug bridge and the three road tunnels the Coentunnel, IJtunnel, and Zeeburgertunnel. Amsterdam's Central Station connects via tramline 52, the North/South-line, which has two stops in Noord: and. Line 52 is served by one train every six minutes, or ten per hour going either direction. Hence, planning your journey isn't a necessity.

See
There's not much to see around here, but you might want to check out the windmill. It's not open to the public. The NDSM-shipyard is also home to the headquarters of Greenpeace.





Do
Take the ferry over the IJ that runs on the north side of Amsterdam Centraal. These are free of charge and provide nice views of the harbor and skyline. Take the ferry to Buiksloterweg and make a short walk to the EYE Film Institute for its architecture and free exhibition in the basement.



Go next
You can make a full-day cycling tour along the coast, taking in Marken, Monnickendam, Volendam, Edam, Broek in Waterland and other villages of the Waterland region.