Lunch at Greenhouse Cafe, Bungee Jump from a Crane & Hunt Graffitti at Amsterdam's Hidden Gem!

This quirky hotel is as unique as its name. Crane Hotel Faralda in NDSM is a one-of-its-kind hotel in Amsterdam where you can stay in a luxurious suite hanging 30-plus metres in the air. Faralda used to be a massive industrial crane, looming tall over the NDSM Wharf. But, can you imagine bungee jumping from a hotel? You can do so here.

Pllek is a one-of-its-kind bar-cum-restaurant that's constructed using old shipping containers to create a place which blends in the surroundings of NDSM Wharf and its rich history of being one of the biggest shipyards in the world! Situated along the River IJ, it's the perfect place to relax on the artificial beach with a nice snack and some drinks. Their entire menu is interesting and I can personally vouch for the taste and quality of the dishes. On top of that, they have regular cultural and music events happening throughout the year.

Guess where can you find the largest flea market in all of Europe? Right here in NDSM. IJ-Hallen Flea market takes place every month for 2 days in this artistic neighbourhood and has hundreds of stalls selling everything from clothes and accessories to furniture and showpieces. You can literally get everything at throwaway prices (I got myself a shirt, a top as well as a necklace for just 1 euro!). It’s a treasure trove, especially for antique and vintage goods, and a rather fascinating site to just observe.

There’s no better location for a greenhouse-turned-cafe than NDSM Wharf, the epitome of transformation. With colourful furniture, glimmering night lights and a greenhouse dome, this cafe is one of a kind and one of the biggest crowd-pullers near the coast. You can visit this place while strolling down the coast of the IJ River and walk up the beer garden to witness this architectural beauty in its full glory. You can even attend a live music or a poetry performance which is pretty common at this cafe.

Just a 30-second walk from the ferry stop, this is a hidden treasure that a lot of people miss out on! Nieuw Dakota is a free-for-all art exhibition that features artworks from prominent local and international artists. They keep rotating the artworks to keep their collection fresh. Often, the artists conduct live presentations of their artworks as well. It’s just the perfect spot to indulge in some tranquillity and get lost in the world of art!

A haven of street art and graffiti, there is a lot that will catch your eye as you explore NDSM Wharf. Featuring an awe-inspiring mural of Anne Frank on the Lasloods building which was painted by the famous artist, Eduardo Kobra, this place is full of artistic treasures. Everything from shipping containers to the old cranes and metal beams is fully covered in street art for passersby to admire. What’s more, the world’s largest street art museum is also coming up in NDSM soon!

So, did I make you want to go to NDSM yet? I'm sure I did. Pack your bags and explore this cultural hub, and don't forget to click some amazing pictures.

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