While Amsterdam may be best known for its Golden Age charms\u2014canals, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old gabled houses\u2014there\u2019s an edgier side to the Dutch capital that\u2019s worth exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The River IJ, a vast body of water that divides the two halves of the city, has been transformed over the past decade, with a wealth of exciting architectural and cultural offerings springing up all along its banks. Hop one of the free ferries from the Amsterdam Central railway station to Amsterdam Noord, a former industrial district whose waterfront now teems with museums, restaurants, and hotels, or to the once-abandoned shipyard of NDSM Wharf, where warehouses have been reimagined as art spaces and flea markets. Or stroll over a pedestrian bridge to the man-made island of IJdok, with its glassy new towers and string of waterside cafes. Here are some of our favourite riverfront spots to check out on an Amsterdam city break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Pllek pioneered Amsterdam\u2019s urban beach bar concept, trucking in sand to form an actual beach on the banks of the River IJ\u2014complete with sun loungers, umbrellas, and a sprawling wood terrace with picnic tables. It\u2019s one of NDSM Wharf\u2019s hippest hangouts in warm weather, with live concerts, open-air movies, and dance parties all summer long. Just as cool is the restaurant itself, a ramshackle assortment of old shipping containers spread over two levels, with brightly colored corrugated-metal walls and enormous windows looking out over the water. The seasonal menu is mostly plant-based, using organic veggies from its own farm, and the salads here are particularly good. There\u2019s also a nice selection of freshly pressed juices and bio wines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At Amsterdam Noord\u2019s dockside eatery Caf\u00e9 de Ceuvel, you won\u2019t just eat well, you can also feel good about it knowing that everything here is completely vegan, organic, and sustainable. That starts with the architecture of the cafe, a funky amalgam of recycled materials that include an old lifeguarding stand and 80-year-old mooring posts rescued from the Amsterdam harbour. The Mediterranean-tinged menu is entirely plant-based, with veggies sourced from local farmers; the bar also makes its own soft drinks using organic syrups and serves CO2-free coffee and beer from small regional brewers. In winter, the wood-beamed interiors and wood-burning stove give the space a cosy feel, while in summer, the waterfront terrace is a lively gathering spot for locals.<\/p>\n\n\n