If you’ve strolled Amsterdam’s streets and canals you are sure to have seen a bit of street art. Here are a few of my favorite places to see street art in the city, and some nice works I’ve spotted.
THE BEST PLACES TO CHECK OUT STREET ART IN AMSTERDAM
I like the large and elaborate works as well as some of the tiny sticker art you’ll find glued to various posts and poles around town. Word art can also be fun, sometimes one or two well chosen words can have so much meaning. Often my favorite street art is the most fleeting, done in colorful chalks, washed away with the next rain shower. Amsterdam street art culture is alive and kicking.
While there are certain areas in Amsterdam that might have more street art than others, I recommend just wandering around and keeping your eyes peeled for interesting examples. Most of my favorite works are found in random places around the city. In fact there are at least five small designs lurking within 20 steps of my front door that most passersby might not even notice.
NDSM
One of the most famous spots for street art in Amsterdam is definitely NDSM-werf. Hop on the free ferry to Noord and take a walk around the area to see all kinds of interesting works of art. Stop in at Pllek or Noorderlicht if you are feeling hungry and thirsty.
Noord in general has a few pockets of street art here and there. Go for a wander in the industrial areas and take a look.
Want to make your own street art? Try this
Amsterdam graffiti workshop
where you can create your own masterpiece.
Jordaan
This charming neighborhood is not only home to quaint small streets and flowering vines but is also a treasure trove of street art. Check out the famous mural on Prinsengracht by The London Police and walk through the small streets to spot lots more art.
When you get tired of wandering, stop for a coffee at Toki or a pizza at La Perla. They are both terrific! Or try a slice of appeltaart at one of the best places in town.
I love how the ghostly figures appear to be sweeping up the snow
Hey is that the girl from Stranger Things?
De Wallen
Wander the canals and alleys of De Wallen for some of Amsterdam’s coolest and most creative street art. Keep alert and don’t miss the smaller hidden examples. Just be careful with where you point your camera, don’t snap photos of the ladies in the windows.
If you feel like a snack or drink, or maybe want to do some shopping, check out our handy neighborhood guide to the Red Light District. I highly recommend Koffieschenkerij or Quartier Putain for a coffee, or De Prael for a beer and snack.
Near Cafe Belgique you’ll see changing street art exhibits
Spuistraat
Where is the colorful street in Amsterdam? The 200 block of Spuistraat and the Wijdesteeg used to be the place to go for the best street art in Amsterdam. You’d find De Slang, a daffodil colored former squatter building with the famous snake painted on the front as well as other amazing artworks. The city started a renovation project on the Spuistraat and many of the artworks have been destroyed. But venture down the small side streets nearby and you might still see some colorful examples.
Entrepotdok
Cross the “hippo bridge” from Entrepotdok and you’ll find a small sculpture garden with a rusty metal dinosaur, a kangaroo complete with baby in her pouch and a swinging baseball batter.
Zuiderzeeweg Amsterdam Oost
Just next to Flevopark there is an area with amazing grafitti art. To take a look, go to the pillars under the elevated Zuiderzeeweg road. Afterward head into the park to ‘t Nieuwe Diep for a drink and snack or to Amsterdam Roest. For more things to see and do in the area, check out our Neighborhood Guide to Oost.
Invaders
Do you know the French artist “Invader”? He makes mosaic artworks, mostly of video game characters, and places them on the corners of buildings in cities all over the world. Search around Amsterdam for some of his local artworks.
Words of Wisdom Street Art
Here are some of the random words of wisdom I’ve spotted while adventuring around the city. Keep your eyes open, you never know what pithy message you might receive!
Give each other a kiss, while you wait for green. (sounds better in Dutch since it rhymes)
Don’t be a moron, stop for red. (lights)
“Ik speel in de stad met alles wat er bestaat” by artist Parra from a poem by schoolgirl Lisa van der Schouw
Interested in learning more about the best street art in Amsterdam and Amsterdam graffiti locations? Check out the AllTourNative Amsterdam Street Art Tours.
Special Tip: Amsterdam Cafes for Street Art Fans
Head to Rembrandtplein to check out De Bajes, a restaurant that has street art from artists like Ben Eine, Fanakapan, D*Face, The London Police, Hugo Kaagman, Bortusk Leer, Ox Alien, Jaune, Laser 3.14, Soren Solkaer, Cranio and Luiz Risi on the walls.
You might also like Checkpoint Charlie, a super chill bar in West decorated with street art from The London Police.
And here’s a cool video about Amsterdam’s street art tours!
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