Amsterdam North Ferries & Waterfront – What to See Beyond the Canals

Most visitors focus on the inner canals, but the wide IJ waterfront adds a completely different mood to Amsterdam.

The free ferry system

Behind Central Station, a row of blue-and-white GVB ferries shuttles people across the IJ.

• They are free for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Departures are frequent: often every 5–10 minutes.
• Crossings take only a few minutes, but the views are big.

Consider doing a short ferry ride before or after your canal cruise – you’ll see Amsterdam from a wider, more open angle.

What to see on the north side

• A'DAM Tower – Observation deck with panoramic views.
• EYE Filmmuseum – Striking modern building with a waterfront café.
• Creative spaces, street art, and repurposed industrial areas.

Simple mini-itinerary

text Canal cruise (inner canals) ↓ Walk to the back of Central Station ↓ Take a free ferry to Amsterdam North ↓ Enjoy views, coffee, or sunset from the waterfront

How this complements a canal cruise

• The canal belt shows tight, historic urban patterns.
• The IJ waterfront reveals large-scale harbour infrastructure and new architecture.
• Ferries let you feel Amsterdam as a living, working port, not just an open-air museum.

Bottom line

For the cost of zero euros, the IJ ferries extend your canal experience into a much bigger water landscape.

You’ve seen the narrow canals; let the wide river give you a different perspective on Amsterdam.