Amsterdam offers countless neighborhoods to explore, but if you’re looking for something a bit off the beaten path, hit up Amsterdam Noord. This up-and-coming district is accessible (right near Centraal Station) from the city center; you can easily get there by car or ferry. Often referred to as a hipster neighborhood, Noord resembles Williamsburg, Brooklyn, of 20 years ago — mostly filled with locals instead of tourists and a hub for street art, along with funky bars and cafés.

Artwork in STRAAT Museum © Amanda Mactas

In the NDSM area, you’ll find STRAAT Museum, a hub dedicated to graffiti and street art housed in an 86,000-square-foot warehouse. It’s definitely worth a visit for art lovers. Nearby, you’ll also stumble upon Pllek, a sustainable bar and restaurant right on the waterfront that hosts a whole bevvy of events, from yoga and breathing workshops to live music and movie nights. The area as a whole is known for its unique nightlife scene, pop-up events and local markets for those in the know. This once-overlooked industrial area of the charming city is now an enclave for creatives and some not-to-be-overlooked food.

© Amanda Mactas

If a stroll (or, more likely, bike ride) around the neighborhood isn’t enough to keep your attention for long, you’ll find plenty of other cultural destinations nestled around the area.

A’Dam Lookout is probably one of the more touristy spots in Noord with its 328-foot-high observation deck overlooking the entire city. Get your adrenaline pumping by hopping on a swing at the very top, or opt for a VR Ride instead. You might choose to explore Eye Filmmuseum, which you quite literally can’t miss. Its striking architecture stands out among the many more industrial buildings in the area, and the museum showcases exhibits on film and also screens movies.

Lastly, NXT Museum, also reflecting the area’s emphasis on culture, features immersive art, science and technology experiences and will round out your entire Noord visit.