Image from Harry Brieffies
Updated 21 March 2025 at 13:44
With its vast, open spaces, repurposed industrial architecture and a tempting selection of waterside bars and restaurants, it's little wonder that the locals flock to Amsterdam Noord and NDSM when the sun shines. Thanks to their south-facing position, many of the terraces here enjoy full sunshine until late into the evening, and there's no better place to kick back with a beer and watch the sunset over the water.
An iconic riverside setting made famous from the Dutch TV series Anne+; there's nowhere better to watch the passing ships than on the terrace at boutique cinema FC Hyena. Before catching an arthouse film, slurp up the natural wines, small plates and sun-soaked views.
FC Hyena | Aambeeldstraat 24, Noord
Discover Noord's most stunning wharfside terrace at Lagerwal, where scenic cityscapes of the passing boats are paired with local beers on tap, pitcher cocktails, great food and music. In collaboration with the neighbouring restaurant, Helling7, most dishes are prepared on an open fire. Both locations offer one of the most romantic perspectives over the river, complete with industrial vibes typical of Amsterdam Noord.
Lagerwal | TT Melissaweg 57, NDSM Wharf
Undoubtedly one of the most popular terrace bars in Amsterdam, this large hangar-style restaurant boasts an enviable city beach with a covetable view of the IJ. On sultry summer evenings, relax here, sheltered from the wind, with your feet in the sand and a chilled drink in your hand. You can also grab a spot next to the big campfire that regularly burns into the night - and if the flames get too warm, why not be brazen and take a dip in the river.
Pllek| TT Neveritaweg 59, NDSM Wharf
A brasserie, brown café and restaurant in one, Polly Goudvisch is the perfect pitstop for anyone hopping off the Buiksloterweg ferry. There's also a beautiful sun-soaked terrace where you can observe the passing throng. Enjoy cosy beers at the bar or a long dinner in the evening; everything is possible.
Fishermen and shipbuilders once built their homes along the scenic Niewendammerdijk in Noord and most likely frequented Cafe ‘t Sluisje - a 100-year-old brown café overlooking the harbour. Sit down for a wonderfully simple lunch or dinner with a stunning view from the Nieuwendammerhaven. The terrace is situated so that the sun hits it at every hour of the day.
Everything about Café de Ceuvel is unique and sustainable, from the hammocks on the veranda to the seats on the boat deck. Not only is De Ceuvel’s kitchen organic, but its kitchen waste is composted to create a mix used as fertiliser for fruit trees on the property. As a final touch, the building itself is constructed out of multiple old houseboats.
Planted in the middle of the NDSM Wharf in a 100-year-old shipbuilding hangar, IJver is a multifunctional space with sprawling indoor and outdoor terraces that catch the sun late into the afternoon. Enjoy a thirst-quenching drink from the 34 beer taps and pick your favourite bites from the seasonal menu. The kitchen is open from breakfast to late-night snacks.
IJver | Scheepsbouwkade 72, NDSM Wharf
What used to be the old cafeteria of Shell has been transformed into one of Amsterdam Noord’s hippest neighbourhood terraces. The menu is comprised of small dishes that are meant for sharing, which is a nearly stress-free way of enjoying the slow process of culinary discovery – if you don’t fancy it, let someone else polish it off. For those who are simply travelling through on their way to a concert or festival, it is the perfect place to prepare yourself for the night ahead.
Paulaner Biergarten at Noorderlicht
In the summer months, the Noorderlicht café is taken over by the Paulaner Biergarten, a jewel to be discovered on the NDSM wharf. Take a seat at the famous picnic tables on the water, slurp fresh weiss beer and enjoy an extensive cultural program which includes events during Over het IJ Festival and the Grachtenfestival.
For over a decade, the reputation of this funky craft brewery has been going from strength to strength to the point where you’ll find their beers now sold across the city. However, a visit to their taproom in Noord is well worth the trip, and on a sunny day, the vibrant terrace will be packed with beer lovers in their element. Sample a flight of experimental creations such as the Thai Thai Tripel flavoured with East Asian aromatics or the Mannenliefde Saison made with lemongrass and Szechuan pepper.
