Noord is Amsterdam's premier wharf area, a redeveloped district that now boasts hip hotspots, trendy restaurants, chic art galleries, and more. You probably already want to check it out since it looks different from the rest of the city. While most of
Amsterdam captivates with old-world Dutch Renaissance and Baroque architecture and its famous scenic canals. Noord offers a more contemporary flavor with repurposed warehouses, indie stores, unique shops, and more. Almost everything about the place looks and feels fresh, a world away from the historic beauty that the Dutch capital is known for.
Where is Noord in Amsterdam?
Because of how popular it's becoming over the years, many people think that Noord is one of
Amsterdam's central neighborhoods. However, Noord is an entirely different borough that's a fair distance away from the city center. To be exact, the area is about five kilometers away from Amsterdam's central canal ring, just north of the IJ River. While the distance isn't that big, the vast river between Noord and the central neighborhoods makes it look and feel like the former is an entirely different city altogether. It also doesn't help that Noord is decidedly more modern than the famously historic-looking city center.
Is it Safe in Noord, Amsterdam?
Don't worry! Noord is a safe part of Amsterdam. Even with how industrial many parts of it look, it's widely regarded as one of the safest neighborhoods in the city. It helps that, beyond the more commercial areas, Noord is a largely residential borough. It's much quieter than Amsterdam-Centrum, which is why countless families prefer and have settled down here over the years. At the same time, let's not forget that
Amsterdam's crime rates were never that high to begin with. With a general crime rate that's usually less than 30%, all of the city's neighborhoods are bound to be safe, especially the more peaceful ones like Noord.
What's The Vibe in Noord, Amsterdam?
It can't be stressed enough how different Noord's vibes are compared to the rest of the city, especially Amsterdam-Centrum. While the latter enchants with its old-world appeal, historic landmarks, and scenic canals, Noord stands as proof of the Dutch capital's ever-evolving infrastructure and modernity. Here, warehouses are repurposed into popular eateries, chic art galleries, and other amazing hotspots. Even the homes here are much simpler than the Dutch Renaissance and Baroque architecture in the city center. The more residential parts look straight out of a 1950s American suburb, perfect for any family
moving to Amsterdam in search of a more peaceful life.
Is it Expensive in Noord, Amsterdam?
Without a doubt, Noord is one of the more expensive parts of Amsterdam. For one thing, it's still part of the Dutch capital, even with how separate it is from the central districts.
Amsterdam's living costs are generally high, so it's no surprise that Noord, which is one of the city's main boroughs, is pretty pricey too. Take eating out here, for instance. The average price for a meal in Noord, Amsterdam, is a minimum of €15.00 in an inexpensive restaurant to a maximum of €50.00 in a mid-range hotspot. There are also some high-end shopping malls, stores, and boutiques here, which will increase your costs tenfold.
What to See in Noord, Amsterdam
The stark contrast between Noord's more modern district and Amsterdam's historic central neighborhoods is most evident in the former's most notable sights to see. While the latter boasts its iconic canals, centuries-long churches, and important landmarks, most of Noord's worthwhile spots are modern museums. There's the seaside Eye Filmmuseum, for example, which features a huge collection of Dutch and foreign films, memorabilia, and the like. The building itself is an impressive architectural marvel as well! Don't miss the A'DAM Lookout, too, which is perched atop a 20-story skyscraper and offers some of the most amazing views of the rest of the city.
What to Do in Noord, Amsterdam
While Amsterdam's city center is a tourist's dream, Noord is all about living the contemporary cosmopolitan lifestyle. Here, you can eat, shop, and luxuriate for as much as you can, all while enjoying the modern conveniences and the relatively peaceful atmosphere that the borough is known for. At night, you can go to the trendiest restaurants or the hippest bars to hang out with some of the coolest locals on the scene. They'll then likely bring you to the hottest clubs to party all night long! Such is the glamorous lifestyle that awaits those who want to stay in Noord, Amsterdam.
The Best Restaurants in Noord, Amsterdam
There's no denying that Noord's fabulous culinary scene plays a vital role in popularizing the district. Trendy gastropubs, chic bistros, and even a few of
Amsterdam's best Michelin-starred restaurants define the borough's foodie haven. These are the kinds of hotspots that serve experimental twists on traditional cuisines or are so popular that you simply have to check them out for yourself. Restaurant Europa on Gedempt Hamerkanaal specializes in various European cuisines. You also shouldn't miss Lazuur on Purmerplein, which boasts both a Michelin star, thanks to its fascinating fusion of French and Portuguese dishes and delicacies. What's not to love?
Check out Amsterdam-Noord’s must-try culinary hotspots listed below:
- Bacalar on Chrysantenstraat
- Café Modern on Meidoornweg
- Cannibale Royale du Nord on Mt. Ondinaweg
- Hangar Amsterdam on Aambeeldstraat
- Lazuur on Purmerplein
- Loetje Amsterdam aan 't IJ on Werfkade
- Mosob Asmara on Van der Pekstraat
- Papa Thang - Street Food Bistro on Melkdistelstraat
- Restaurant Europa on Gedempt Hamerkanaal
- SmaaQt on Van der Pekstraat
What to Know About Renting in Noord, Amsterdam
Remember how Noord is one of the more expensive parts of Amsterdam? Well, you'll realize this further when you see how much it costs to rent here. The average rent in Noord, Amsterdam, is about €1,000.00 to €2,500.00 per month. Though this is fairly close to the citywide average, the rental fees in the area lean more toward the latter than the former. Imagine that a studio apartment, which tend to be some of the smallest
luxury homes to rent in Amsterdam, commonly cost around €1,200.00 per month. And if you need a bigger place, you'll have to pay an even bigger price every month!
As Amsterdam's main wharf area, Noord offers a tinge of modernity that's a stark contrast to the city's more captivating historic beauty. The district itself serves as a nice palette cleanser from the Dutch capital's signature old-world appeal.
