The Damen Silos in Amsterdam North stand as a striking example of industrial heritage transformed into a cultural landmark that draws architecture enthusiasts and curious visitors to a rapidly evolving district. These monumental grain silos, built in 1897, represent one of the last visible reminders of Amsterdam’s maritime and industrial past along the IJ waterfront.
This guide covers what makes the Damen Silos worth visiting, how to reach them, what you can see and do in the surrounding area, and how to plan a visit that connects industrial history with Amsterdam’s contemporary creative scene.
What Are the Damen Silos and Why Visit?
The Damen Silos are four cylindrical concrete grain storage towers located along the IJ river in Amsterdam Noord, built to store grain arriving by ship during Amsterdam’s peak as a trading port. While the silos themselves are not open for interior tours as a traditional attraction, they serve as a distinctive landmark and focal point for the redeveloped NDSM wharf area, one of Europe’s largest creative communities housed in former shipyard buildings.
Understanding the Historical Significance
These silos were constructed during Amsterdam’s industrial expansion when the port needed efficient grain storage facilities to support flour mills and trade. The four towers, each rising approximately 30 meters (98 feet), could store thousands of tons of grain and remained operational into the late 20th century.
The surrounding NDSM shipyard was once home to one of the world’s largest ship-building operations before closing in 1984. The gradual transformation of this industrial zone into a cultural district has made the Damen Silos a symbol of Amsterdam’s approach to adaptive reuse and urban regeneration.
Getting to the Damen Silos
The silos are located in Amsterdam Noord, across the IJ river from Amsterdam Central Station. You reach them by taking the free ferry from behind Central Station to the NDSM wharf, a journey of approximately 15 minutes.
The ferry runs frequently throughout the day and evening, typically every 15 to 30 minutes depending on time of day and day of week. Check current schedules with GVB Amsterdam public transport before planning your visit, as times may vary seasonally and on public holidays.
From the Ferry to the Silos
Upon arriving at the NDSM ferry terminal, the Damen Silos are visible to your left, approximately a 10-minute walk along the waterfront. The area is flat and accessible, though the industrial environment means surfaces may be uneven in places.
Bicycles are permitted on the ferry and provide an excellent way to explore the broader Amsterdam Noord district if you plan to visit multiple sites.
What You Can See and Do
While the interiors of the Damen Silos are not regularly accessible to the public, the structures themselves create a dramatic backdrop for the creative activities surrounding them. The real experience here combines industrial architecture, street art, and the vibrant cultural scene of the NDSM wharf.
Exploring the NDSM Wharf Area
The former shipyard now houses artist studios, event spaces, restaurants, and cultural venues spread across massive industrial halls and outdoor spaces. You can freely walk through the area to view large-scale murals and street art, observe the ongoing creative projects, and experience an alternative side of Amsterdam far removed from the central canal district.
The area hosts weekend flea markets, typically on the first Sunday of each month, where vintage goods, antiques, and handmade items are sold in a sprawling open-air setting. Confirm current market dates before planning a visit, as schedules may change.
Photography Opportunities
The Damen Silos provide striking architectural subjects for photography, particularly during golden hour when the concrete towers contrast with the sky and water. The surrounding industrial landscape, street art, and views across the IJ toward Amsterdam’s skyline create diverse composition options.
Respect any posted restrictions around active construction or private areas, and be mindful of people working in the studios and businesses that operate in the former shipyard buildings.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
The NDSM area offers several venues and experiences worth combining with a visit to see the silos. Plan for at least two to three hours if you want to explore the district properly.
Dining and Refreshments
Pllek is a waterfront restaurant and beach club constructed from shipping containers, offering food, drinks, and outdoor seating with views of the IJ. It’s a short walk from the silos and provides a relaxed atmosphere popular with both locals and visitors.
Several other cafes and eateries operate within the NDSM complex, though options may be more limited than in central Amsterdam. Check opening hours before visiting, as some venues close certain weekdays or operate reduced hours outside peak season.
Cultural Venues
The Skatecafe and indoor skate park offer a glimpse into Amsterdam’s skateboarding culture within a repurposed industrial space. Kunststad, the largest artist collective in the area, occasionally opens studios to the public during special events and open studio days.
The Treehouse NDSM hotel occupies part of the former crane building and features distinctive architecture worth viewing from the exterior even if you’re not staying there.
Best Time to Visit
The Damen Silos and NDSM wharf are accessible year-round, but your experience will vary significantly with weather and season. The area is largely outdoor and exposed to wind from the water, making warm, dry weather more comfortable for exploration.
Spring through early autumn (April to September) offers the most pleasant conditions for walking around the outdoor spaces and enjoying waterfront venues. Summer weekends bring the most activity, with events, markets, and fuller restaurant terraces, but also larger crowds.
Seasonal Considerations
Winter visits are feasible but require appropriate clothing for wind and cold, particularly near the water. Some outdoor venues and markets may operate reduced schedules or close during colder months.
The free ferry service makes timing flexible, but allow extra time for potential ferry waits during peak commuting hours on weekdays or popular weekend times when the NDSM wharf hosts special events.
How Long to Spend
A brief visit focused solely on viewing and photographing the Damen Silos requires about one hour including ferry travel from Central Station. Most visitors find two to three hours appropriate for exploring the silos, walking through the NDSM area, viewing street art, and having a meal or drink.
If you’re visiting during a monthly flea market or special event, plan for a half-day excursion. The area’s creative atmosphere and waterfront setting make it suitable for a relaxed afternoon rather than a rushed stop.
Connecting with Other Amsterdam Noord Attractions
Amsterdam Noord has developed into a destination worth extended exploration beyond just the NDSM wharf. The EYE Film Museum, with its distinctive contemporary architecture, sits near a different ferry dock (also free from Central Station) and offers exhibitions, film screenings, and a waterfront terrace.
The A’DAM Lookout observation deck and swing ride provide panoramic city views from a former Shell office tower. These Noord attractions can be combined in various ways depending on your interests and available time, though reaching all of them requires walking, cycling, or using local buses between ferry terminals.
Planning a Noord Route
Consider the distances between Noord attractions when planning. The EYE Film Museum and A’DAM Lookout are located near the Buiksloterweg ferry (approximately 5 minutes from Central Station), while the NDSM wharf with the Damen Silos requires the separate NDSM ferry (approximately 15 minutes).
Cycling between Noord sites is practical and reduces waiting time between ferries. Rental bikes can cross on ferries, or you can use the city’s bike-share system if you’re comfortable navigating bike-friendly but sometimes busy routes.
Practical Visitor Information
The NDSM wharf is a working creative district rather than a curated tourist attraction, which shapes how you should approach your visit. Facilities are more limited and informal than in Amsterdam’s city center.
What to Bring
- Weather-appropriate clothing, including wind protection near the water
- Comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven industrial surfaces
- Camera or smartphone for photography
- Cash, as not all small vendors and market stalls accept cards
Accessibility Notes
The ferry is wheelchair accessible, and the NDSM wharf grounds are generally flat. However, the industrial nature of the site means that surfaces vary in quality, and not all buildings or venues have full accessibility features.
Contact specific restaurants or cultural venues in advance if you have particular accessibility requirements, as facilities differ significantly across the repurposed industrial buildings.
What the Damen Silos Are Not
It’s important to understand that the Damen Silos are not a museum or attraction with admission fees, guided tours, or interpretive signage. You view them as part of the landscape while exploring a creative district built around former industrial infrastructure.
If you’re expecting a traditional heritage site with historical displays or structured visitor experiences, you may be disappointed. The value lies in the atmosphere, architecture, and creative community rather than a conventional tourist attraction format.
Responsible Visiting
The NDSM wharf is home to working artists, small businesses, and creative enterprises that depend on the space for their livelihoods. Respect private areas, studio spaces not open to the public, and any posted restrictions.
The area’s alternative character and street art culture exist within a functioning community. Avoid trespassing, disturbing active work spaces, or treating residents and workers as part of a spectacle.
Environmental Awareness
Dispose of waste properly using available bins, particularly after visiting food vendors or markets. The waterfront location makes litter especially problematic for the IJ river ecosystem.
Consider the environmental benefit of the free ferry service, which runs on cleaner fuel compared to individual vehicle trips, as part of Amsterdam’s sustainable transport network.
Budget Considerations
Reaching the Damen Silos and walking around the NDSM wharf is free, making this an accessible option for budget-conscious visitors. Costs come from food, drinks, market purchases, or any paid cultural events you choose to attend.
Restaurant and cafe prices at NDSM venues are generally comparable to or slightly lower than Amsterdam’s tourist-heavy center areas. Flea market bargaining is common, though prices vary with item quality and vendor.
Combining Industrial and Traditional Amsterdam
The Damen Silos and NDSM wharf offer a deliberate contrast to Amsterdam’s famous canal ring and historic center. This makes them particularly valuable for visitors spending several days in the city who want to see beyond the traditional tourist areas.
The short ferry ride creates a clear separation between experiences while requiring minimal travel time or expense. Consider visiting Noord during late afternoon, staying for early evening dining as the silos catch changing light across the water.
Before You Go
Verify current ferry schedules with GVB Amsterdam, particularly if visiting during early morning, late evening, or public holidays when service frequency changes. Confirm operating hours for specific restaurants or venues you plan to visit, as businesses in creative districts may keep irregular schedules.
Check for upcoming events at the NDSM wharf through the official NDSM website or Amsterdam Noord tourism channels. Monthly flea markets, cultural festivals, and special exhibitions can significantly enhance your visit but also draw larger crowds and affect access to certain areas.
Making the Most of Your Visit
The Damen Silos reward visitors who approach them as part of a broader exploration of Amsterdam’s post-industrial transformation rather than as a single landmark to check off a list. Allow time to wander, observe the creative activity, and absorb the distinct atmosphere that sets Noord apart from central Amsterdam.
The combination of dramatic industrial architecture, contemporary street art, waterfront setting, and working creative community creates an experience quite different from traditional heritage tourism. Adjust your expectations accordingly, and you’ll find the silos and their surroundings offer genuine insight into how European cities are reimagining their industrial past.
When planning your Amsterdam visit, start by confirming current ferry schedules and any special events or markets happening during your dates, then build your Noord itinerary around realistic travel times and your specific interests in architecture, culture, food, or local creative scenes.
We hope this guide helps you plan a rewarding visit to the Damen Silos and discover Amsterdam’s creative industrial waterfront with confidence and realistic expectations.