15 X hotspots to celebrate your birthday in Amsterdam

In this Amsterdam North Guide you find all the best hotspots. It’s no secret that Amsterdam North is one of our favourite neighbourhoods in Amsterdam. Close to nature, but still industrial. And it seems that new restaurants open there every month due to lower rents.

So hop on the (free of charge) ferry at Amsterdam Central Station and cross the IJ-lake to discover this raw part of town. Even though it already changed a lot the past 10 years, Amsterdam North still has an industrial feel. Almost like the ‘Brooklyn’ of Amsterdam!

From urban beaches to flea markets in this Amsterdam North Guide

Visit urban beaches like Café de Ceuvel and Pllek! Both perfect spots to relax and enjoy the warmer weather months on the waterfront. Other nice places overlooking the IJ-lake are Helling7 (enjoy the sunset on their beautiful terrace!), seafood restaurant Stork, Hangar and Hotel de Goudfazant.

One of our favourite areas in Amsterdam North is the NDSM Wharf. Known as one of the best festival locations of Amsterdam. North is also the place to be for vintage and thrift shopping. You can’t miss the monthly flea market in the IJ-hallen, a true second hand heaven and one of the largest flea markets in Europe. Discover these and more hotspots in in this Amsterdam North Guide.

Are you visiting Amsterdam during the weekend? Make sure to check the one and only Amsterdam Weekend Guide that is updated with new weekendtips every week! And did you know there’s a complete complete neighbourhood guide and an amsterdam bucketlist to experience Amsterdam like a local.

Our favourite hotels in Amsterdam North:

VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
☾ The Panorama Suite (Mandelahuisje): a unique one-bedroom B&B in Amsterdam North.
☾ SWEETS IJdoornlaanbrug: a former bridge house turned hotel.
☾ SWEETS Meeuwenpleinbrug: another unique stay to escape the busy city.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // €
☾ Yotel: budget design hotel close to many hotspots in Amsterdam North.

Amsterdam North Guide – our shortlist with the best things to do

THINGS TO DO IN AMSTERDAM NORTH 
⋙ NXT Museum
⋙ STRAAT street art museum
⋙ Eye Film Museum
⋙ Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
⋙ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
⋙ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
⋙ Outside of Amsterdam: windmills & Zaanse Schans
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ A’DAM Lookout & Swing
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
⋙ Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
⋙ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
⋙ Private Canal Boat Tour
⋙ Fabrique des Lumières
⋙ MOCO Museum for street and modern art
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ Canal Cruise in the evening
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
⋙ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
⋙ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at € 20,-! Check tickets & prices >>
AMSTERDAM TRAVEL GUIDE WITH KIDS:
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
⋙ Go an a bike tour with the kids 
⋙ NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Paddle board tour on the canals
⋙ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour 

| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>

Follow Your Little Black Book on Instagram

I really hope you enjoy your time in town with this Amsterdam City Guide! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.