Amsterdam/Noord

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 getting 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.

There's not much to see around here, but you might want to check out the windmill. It's not open to the public.

• D'Admiraal (1792)

  address: Noordhollandschkanaaldijk 21
  Windmill on the bank of the Noordhollands Kanaal in the north, ferry from Central Station.

Take the ferry over the IJ that run 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.

• EYE Film Institute Netherlands

  phone: +31 20 589-1400
  address: IJpromenade 1
  EYE is an institute dedicated to the preservation of film for future generations. Its the successor of the Filmmuseum. It has four film theatres with alternative screenings such as art films. In April the Imagine Film Festival is held here with screenings dedicated to exploitation, cult and lower budget films. Well worth it if you're a fan of the genre.

• Buikslotermeerplein Boven 't Y Shopping Mall

  address: Buikslotermeerplein Amsterdam

• Café Modern B.V.

  phone: +31 20 494 0684
  address: Meidoornweg 2
  A restaurant and cafe in a hall which used to be a bank.

• Café-restaurant Stork

  phone: +31 20 634 4000
  address: Gedempt Hamerkanaal 201
  A fish and seafood restaurant in an old factory on the banks of the river.

• Hangar Amsterdam

  phone: +31 20 363 8657
  address: Aambeeldstraat 36
  A redesigned aircraft hangar, turned restaurant.

• Mount Everest Tandoori

  phone: +31 20 632 6055
  address: Spreeuwenpark 3
  An Indian and Nepalese restaurant. Vegetarian friendly.

• Pllek

  phone: +31 20 290 0020
  address: Tt. Neveritaweg 59
  A bar and restaurant in an old industrial area, by the river.

• Cafe De Pont

  phone: +31 20 636 3388
  address: Buiksloterweg 3-5, 1031 CC Amsterdam

• Tolhuistuin

  phone: +31 20 7630650
  address: Tolhuisweg 5, 1031 CL Amsterdam

• NH Galaxy

  phone: +31 20 634-800
  address: Distelkade 21, 1031 XP Amsterdam

• Bastion Hotel Amsterdam Noord

  phone: +31 20 632-3131
  address: Rode Kruisstraat 28
  3-star hotel with 86 rooms.

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.