Events for August 2009
Some say it’s the district of the future, some say it’s not really part of Amsterdam and others say it’s a boring area where there’s not much to do. But whatever people say Amsterdam Noord (north of Amsterdam) is as much a part of the city as the Red Light District or the Museum Square, and there’s much to be explored!
Story Highlights
- Amsterdam Noord
- NDSM‐werf
- Valtifest
- The Tolhuistuin
- Nieuwendammer Bootje
Amsterdam Noord
Amsterdam Noord is just on the other side of the river IJ. You can find the pedestrian ferries to Amsterdam Noord at the back of the Central Station. They run every 5‐10 minutes and are free. Amsterdam Noord is mostly a residential area and there aren’t as many attractions as there are in the city centre but because of its location on the city limits, it has some great walking and cycling opportunities. You’ll get a taste of the Dutch countryside without ever leaving the city!
NDSM‐werf
One of the best places in Amsterdam Noord is the NDSM‐werf. A former shipyard on the northern banks of the IJ and larger than 10 football fields, the NDSM wharf is now a centre for underground culture in Amsterdam. This huge area contains the NDSM hall, the Docklandshal and two historic ship slipways (Hellingen) ‐ housing workshops and artist studios.
The NDSM hall houses 10,000 square meters of workshops, a 2000 square meter skate park, 4,200 square meters devoted to other youth activities and 6,000 square meters of exhibition, and theatre space.
Under the two historic slipways are a number of spaces that artists have turned into workshops. These artists include sculptors, painters, a photographer, set builders and a coppersmith. A canteen is situated at the top of one of the slipways, offering amazing views of the IJ and the city.
Valtifest ‐ September 5, 2009
One of the large scale events happening at the NDSM outside area is Valtifest ‐ on September 5, 2009. This open air city dance event is hosted by MTV and Meubelstukken. Valtifest has a strict dress code and this year it’s animals. So if you want to dress up like a tiger, a cow or an ugly duckling ‐ Valtifest is the place to do it! The musical line up is a mix of DJs and bands, playing everything form old school classics to progressive dance.
The Tolhuistuin
Another great place to visit in Amsterdam Noord is the Tolhuistuin, directly opposite the central station. After being a private garden for 70 years (Shell used to own it) the Tolhuistuin finally opened its doors to the public in July, 2008. Every weekend until September 19, 2009, the Tolhuistuin will be the place to be if you’re looking for a fun night out. There will be live performances from rappers, poets, folk singers and then some. There will be also be theatre events, movies and more. The dance floor is in the evening sun or under the stars. Expect the summer at De tolhuistuin to be celebrated with cocktails, cold beers and lots of Tapas!
Nieuwendammer Bootje
If you’re tired from all the partying or simply need a break from city life, then the special tourist season ferry, Nieuwendammer Bootje, is a great place to calm down. This historical ferry takes you from the central station to Amsterdam Noord, to the maritime quarter and to the KNSM island ‐ the newest area of Amsterdam, built on reclaimed land in the middle of the river IJ. The ferry ride takes about two hours and costs €4.50.
‐ Eva Dam
