Hotspots on the IJ Amsterdam
© Restaurant REM

20 X hotspots along the IJ in Amsterdam that you want to visit!

Team YLBB

 

September 8 2025
Last updated: September 8, 2025

Where better to be, especially in summer, than at a hotspot on the IJ? Nowhere, right? Wonderful by the water, in the sunshine. With a bit of luck, you can even moor your boat here. Or simply take your bike or the ferry. There are several waterfront spots on both the north side of the IJ and the west side of Amsterdam. So read this blog post about the best hotspots on the IJ!

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱! I've rounded up a complete list with the coziest and most festive Christmas markets in Amsterdam you don't want to miss this year. Think twinkling lights, mulled wine, food stalls, live music, unique gifts and lots of Christmas vibes all December long. Whether you're planning a festive day with the fam or friends, or just want to soak up that holiday spirit. These are the markets in Amsterdam to put on your calendar now. 🎄✨ 𝘿𝙧𝙤𝙥 “𝘾𝙃𝙍𝙄𝙎𝙏𝙈𝘼𝙎𝙈𝘼𝙍𝙆𝙀𝙏” 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝙔𝙇𝘽𝘽-𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙨. Send this list to your festive partner-in-crime, grab a hot chocolate (or mulled wine 😉), and have fun! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #yourlittleblackbook #christmasinamsterdam #amsterdammarkets #christmasmarkets #amsterdamguide thingstodoinamsterdam winterinthenetherlands festiveseason christmasvibes marktlovers amsterdamtips
HOME ALONE 4 INCOMING 😅 My trip to NYC ends in a bad (Christmas) movie when the hotel gives my carry-on with my passport to an old lady who doesn't realize it and checks it in for a flight to the UK! Now I'm stuck here in NY without my passport, and I've missed my flight. I've experienced a lot in all the years I've been traveling for Your Little Black Book, but this is a first 😅. This chat video is purely therapeutic in nature 🤣🤣🤣. Because really: HOW?! 🫢 Note to self: better to take my passport with me all day, instead of leaving it 'safely' in the hotel apparently... and from now on, suitcases should be tied together with a cable in the storage room. Even if you're in a luxurious and expensive hotel, everything is still human work. Now I'm stuck in one of the nicest cities in the world, but of course I just want to be home with Manuel as planned. 😔 To be continued 🧳✈️ And thanks for all the sweet DMs ❤️❤️❤️❤️ ✖️✖️✖️ Anne
And do you also have a nice garden? I want to thank you for your patience and help. 𝟳-𝗷𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲! This time we went to @williams.farmhouse one of my favorites for lunch in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid. But is this also fun during the day with kids? We ordered a 'plain' version of the Farmhouse burger 🍔: yes, really just meat + cheese 🤣… and together with the fries it was a mega success. Child happy, us happy… and it was such a cozy, rainy afternoon. I mean this interior, I immediately dream away to the Cotswolds again! Do you have a favorite 𝗸𝗶𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 in Amsterdam or the Netherlands? Let me know in the comments, I'll collect all for the next 𝗞𝗜𝗗𝗦𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗘𝗙! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #amsterdam #amsterdamfood #amsterdamrestaurants #amsterdamfoodie #amsterdamguide amsterdamwithkids kidsproef familyfriendly amsterdamlunch amsterdamoudzuid yourlittleblackbook kidsproofamsterdam
So happy to finally share this! @lefoodwalk is back this winter with four themed walks during the Amsterdam Light Festival, running from November 27th to January 18th. Perfect for a day out with friends, a date, colleagues, or family. From a Street Food Walk to an Oyster Walk and from Cocktails to an Old Amsterdam Drinks Walk. The Le Foodwalk team has listened to you, and there's a different experience available almost every day. Tickets (which are even cheaper than last year 🔥) are live now! I've added a link in my bio. 𝗟𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗫 𝗔𝗠𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Thurs-Sat Price: 4 bites + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99) 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽: ⦁ @weareedn_amsterdam ⦁ @caferestaurantdebazel ⦁ @soulkitchen_amsterdam ⦁ @blackandblue_reguliers 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: € 43,50 𝗢𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Thurs-Sat 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗱: 4 x 2 oysters + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth € 6,99) 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽: ⦁ Soulkitchen ⦁ De Bazel ⦁ @bellyofthebeastbar ⦁ @vermeerswijnkamer 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: € 43,50 𝗖𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Wed-Sat Included: 3 cocktails (also 0.0%) + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99) 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗯𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽: ⦁ @feijoaamsterdam⦁ @lottisamsterdam ⦁ Belly of the Beast 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: € 35,50 𝗔𝗠𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗠 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Sun-Wed 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗱: 3 Dutch drinks & 3 Dutch bar snacks + @amsterdamlightfestival app (worth €6,99) 𝗕𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽: ⦁ @hetkarbeel ⦁ @proeflokaalvanwees ⦁ @beertemple_amsterdam 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €33,50 Who do you want to do a Foodwalk with this winter? **Sunday in the evening in Amsterdam.** ✖️✖️✖️ @anne_de_buck #lightfestival #lefoodwalk #amsterdamlightfestival #amsterdamfoodguide #amsterdamfood #amsterdambynight #canalview
I hope everyone gets into the Christmas spirit this Christmas 2020 🎅🏼 The countdown to Christmas has officially begun and I can tell you: this list will immediately get you in the Christmas spirit. 🎄 📍In this new video, I've listed the most beautiful Christmas markets and winter fairs in the Netherlands, from Maastricht to The Hague. Whether you're in the mood for mulled wine, raclette, Christmas carols, ice skating with your besties, or planning a cozy weekend getaway in December, now's the time to block your calendar. Send the tips to your Christmas date ❤️ and comment "CHRISTMAS MARKET" to receive a link to ALL the Christmas market shortlists on Your Little Black Book. Let the Christmas anticipation begin! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #yourlittleblackbook #kerstmarktnederland #kerstuitje #winterfair #kerst2025 #weekendtips #thingstodointhenetherlands #magischmaastricht #royalchristmasfair #kerstmarktamsterdam #winterinthenetherlands #kerstvibes #yourlbb #kerstmarkt #christmasmarket
Amsterdam, get your skates ready — ice skating season has officially begun! ⛸️ The first rinks, like @schatbaanmuseumplein, are opening this weekend and we are so ready for it. I already planned a mom & son date — that's how excited we are to hit the ice. 💙 This year, there are some new rinks to discover across the city too. And who knows... maybe we'll even get lucky with natural ice again. Until then, these are the 7 best ice skating rinks in Amsterdam you don't want to miss. Whether you're planning a festive date, a day with friends, or skating with the kids — this guide has you covered. 📍All details are in the Amsterdam Ice Skating Listicle on Your Little Black Book (link in bio). Send this to your skating buddy and start planning your first winter weekend on ice! ❄️ ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #yourlittleblackbook #yourlbb #amsterdamwinter #iceskatinginamsterdam #amsterdamchristmas #thingstodoinamsterdam #amsterdamguide #winterinthenetherlands #amsterdamlife #cityguide #amsterdamcheck #wintervibes #travelamsterdam #weekendinams #holidayseason #schaatsen
𝟱 𝘅𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗻. From new hotspots to lowspots and from hand-pulled noodles to an intimate Mediterranean bistro, I've listed 5 new favorite restaurants for you that you definitely want to try. Save this guide for your next dinner date 🍽️ 📍 Orchid House (Oost) Vibe: all day dining at Oosterpark, family friendly and good vibes. Must orders: ceviche, angel hair pasta with sea urchin and picanha. @orchidhouse.ams 📍 Omri (De Pijp) Vibe: small and cozy corner building with a warm interior and dimmed lights. Perfect for a date night. Must orders: the dolmas and lamb shawarma tostada with watermelon. @omri_amsterdam 📍 Chingu (De Pijp) Vibe: mainly focused on take-away, but trust me: you'll want to go out of your way for these Taiwanese rice balls. Must orders: Jumeok Bap with king crab or mayak egg, so delicious. English: @chinguamsterdam 📍 Leonardo's Ravioli Bar (De Pijp) Vibe: Italian bistro full of cozy corners in the always lively Pijp. Now also open for lunch on the weekend. Must orders: as many as possible. And share everything. I can be brief about it. @leonardosraviolibar 📍 Yellow River Handpulled Noodles (Centrum) Vibe: like you've ended up in a Chinese canteen. You order via the kiosk and wait until your number is called. Must orders: choose your favorite thickness noodles + the minced meat noodles. The dumplings are really worth trying too. @yellowrivernoodles Let me know where you're going first. Or where you've had the most delicious meal recently, I'm curious! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #amsterdamfood #amsterdam #amsterdamrestaurant #amsterdamlife #amsterdamtravel #amsterdamrestaurants #hotspots
The most beautiful Christmas shows at garden centers throughout the Netherlands are now open! 🎄 Only 7 more weekends until Christmas... and this cozy and free Christmas outing is perfect to get into the Christmas spirit. Trust me, I've already been ;-). Do you have a favorite that's not in this video? Let me know in the comments! You can also find the complete list of 30 tips via the link in my bio ✨. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #christmasshows #christmasshow2025 #christmasdecoration #christmasinspiration #gardencenter #weekendtip #thingstodo #discoveringthenetherlands #winterouting #cozyoutings #christmasholiday #christmasfeeling #christmasmarkets #decembertips

Hotspots on the IJ – Amsterdam city center

Vooges on the IJ

Close to the city center and with the most delicious dishes on the menu. This is a great place to be, especially in the summer. They have a lovely terrace right on the water.
Westerdoksdijk 40H, Amsterdam – vooges.nl

Moss

Not only does this waterfront spot look stunning (high ceilings, a whopping three floors, and a large bar) with an interior inspired by elements of Paris and Marrakech, but you can also enjoy delicious French food here!
IJdok 185, Amsterdam – mosamsterdam.nl

HANNEKES BOOM

Hannekes Boom is and remains an icon when the sun shines in Amsterdam. Tucked away among the greenery, right next to Central Station, this spot feels like a beach club in the heart of the city. Whether you're relaxing at the picnic tables or simply on the quay with your feet dangling over the water, you'll want to linger here for hours.
Dijksgracht 4, Amsterdam – hannekesboom.nl

© HANNEKES BOOM

Hotspots on the IJ – Amsterdam-West

restaurant BAK

BAK is a fine dining restaurant where the seasons dictate the menu. Expect a gastronomic menu featuring local ingredients, served in a minimalist yet warm interior. The view over the old Houthavens makes it extra special – especially as the sun slowly sets over the IJ River.
Van Diemenstraat 408, Amsterdam – bakrestaurant.nl

Ferry Amsterdam

Ferry Amsterdam has breathed new life into the iconic ferry that used to be Pont 13. At this historic location in the Houthavens, you can now enjoy shared dining, fine drinks, and a sunny waterfront terrace. The atmosphere is relaxed, the view fantastic, and the menu surprisingly diverse. Whether you're coming for lunch, dinner, or drinks with friends, Ferry is the perfect place all summer long.
Haparandadam 50, Amsterdam – ferry-amsterdam.com

Restaurant REM

REM Amsterdam is one of those places where everything comes together: a unique story, spectacular views, and truly exceptional food. Located 22 meters above the water on the iconic REM Island at the NDSM wharf, you'll literally dine above the IJ River. Chef Bobby Rust creates high-quality dishes without any fuss. In summer, the rooftop terrace is the perfect spot for a cocktail overlooking Amsterdam. 
Haparandadam 45, Amsterdam – rem.amsterdam

Hotspots on the IJ Amsterdam

© Restaurant REM

Hotspots on the IJ – Amsterdam-Noord

WARUNG PAS

"Pas" means something like "just right" in Bahasa. And that's exactly what you can expect at Warung Pas Amsterdam. The view of the IJ River and Central Station is reason enough to take the ferry, but it's the Indonesian classics that will keep you coming back time and time again. Don't expect any fuss, just the right food, as the name suggests. 
Noordwal 1, Amsterdam – cafewarungpas.com

BARRACUDA

Barracuda is the seafood restaurant in Amsterdam-Noord where you decide what's on the menu. On Aambeeldstraat, you can enjoy an evening of shared dining with a twist: simply select what you'd like. Think scallops in white wine, the catch of the day, or something vegetarian like fennel with sea aster. When the weather is nice, you can dine al fresco and feel like you're on vacation.
Anvil Street 10, Amsterdam – barracuda.amsterdam

LOWLANDER BOTANICAL BAR & GARDEN

Lowlander Botanical Bar & Garden is a green oasis where food, drinks, and nature converge. Everything on the menu—from the dishes to the cocktails—focuses on botanicals, herbs, and flowers, inspired by Lowlander's iconic beers. The spacious terrace nestled in greenery is the perfect place to escape the city.
Filled-in Hamerkanaal 201, Amsterdam – restaurant.lowlander.nl

NEXT

NEXT at the NDSM wharf is the stylish rebel among North's hotspots. An all-day hangout where you can just as easily enjoy a good cup of coffee as a lavish dinner with the largely vegan chef's menu. The sunny terrace invites you for long drinks, which effortlessly transition into cocktails until late.
NDSM-Kade 2, Amsterdam – nextndsm.nl

KWIE KWIE

KWIEKWIE is the Surinamese pop-up from the team behind Barracuda, temporarily located in their own building in Amsterdam-Noord. Expect the same laid-back atmosphere, but with roti, bara, and other Surinamese favorites on the menu. The sunny waterfront terrace is perfect for a Parbo beer or an ice-cold slushie while sharing with friends. 
Aambeeldstraat 28, Amsterdam – kwiekwie.nl 

SLOPE 7

Tucked among the cranes at the NDSM wharf, you'll find this raw yet stylish restaurant with a spectacular terrace overlooking the IJ River. At Helling7, you can dine with views of the water and the Amsterdam skyline. On the menu? Creative, flavorful dishes cooked over an open fire. 
tt. Melissaweg 57, Amsterdam – slope7.nl

POLLY GOUDVISH

This restaurant feels like coming home, but with better beer and no dishes. Right next to the ferry in Amsterdam-Noord, Polly Goudvisch's spacious terrace is perfect for an afternoon of drinks or a long evening of dining. Inside, it's an ode to the classic traditional Dutch pub, but with a fresh and contemporary twist. 
Buiksloterweg 3-5, Amsterdam – polly.goudvisch.nl

© POLLY GOUDVISCH

more Hotspots on the IJ – Amsterdam-Noord

FC Hyena 

At this hotspot, you can enjoy a delicious meal and then catch a movie! When the weather is nice, the tables are outside. You'll find this spot next to Hotel de Goudfazant.
Aambeeldstraat 24, Amsterdam – fchyena.nl

plek

A great summer hotspot where you can sit on the beach overlooking the IJ River. In the winter, you can also cozy up by the fireplace. Be sure to check Pllek's schedule. They organize all sorts of fun events, including workshops and live music!
TT Neveritaweg 59, Amsterdam – pllek.nl

Hotel de Goudfazant

A favorite in Noord, and no, Hotel de Goudfazant isn't a hotel, but simply a very good restaurant! Here you'll enjoy a fantastic three-course dinner: pure and no-nonsense.
Aambeeldstraat 30, Amsterdam – hoteldegoudfazant.nl

Eye Bar & Restaurant

Enjoy lunch or dinner with a stunning view at the EYE bar/restaurant. Afterwards, it's a great idea to catch a movie at the film museum. Highly recommended!
IJpromenade 1, Amsterdam – eyefilm.nl

THT

From an old Shell canteen to a food spot. We're talking, of course, about the Tolhuistuin restaurant, THT, where you go for a simple, good bite and a view of the IJ River.
IJpromenade 2, Amsterdam – tolhuistuin.nl

Northern lights

A great place for a bite to eat in the evening. Noorderlicht's menu is full of sustainable dishes, and the decor is also primarily based on recycled materials.
NDSM Square 102, Amsterdam – noorderlichtcafe.nl

Hangar

A restaurant built in a former hangar. The industrial and raw character of Noord meets the warmth of the Southern European dishes on the menu. A fantastic addition to Noord, and we love it!
Aambeeldstraat 36, Amsterdam – hangar.amsterdam

Hangar-Amsterdam

© Hangar

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