Urban exploring Amsterdam: this is what you must see!

🏙️ Are you thinking about spending a day urban exploring in Amsterdam? Great idea! The city is bursting with hidden gems, abandoned places and mysterious locations waiting to be discovered. Urban exploring, or 'urbex', is an exciting way to explore a city. Whether you want to discover abandoned buildings, hidden alleyways or special street art, in Amsterdam there's something for everyone to find. In this blog we'll tell you everything about urban exploring in Amsterdam, which places you can't skip and give you tips to go on an adventure well prepared.

What is urban exploring actually?

🔍 Urban exploring is all about discovering forgotten and hidden places, often in an urban environment. It's about places that aren't accessible to the general public, think of abandoned buildings, old factories or tunnels. But in a city like Amsterdam, urban exploring doesn't always have to be forbidden territory. Think of hidden courtyards, secret inner gardens or unknown artworks that are hidden in the city's alleyways.

🌟 The fun thing about urban exploring is that you end up in places where you'd normally never go. You see the city from a different side. It's all about the experience, the excitement and the unique story behind every location. But before you get started, it's important to know that urban exploring must always happen with respect for the environment. Leave no traces behind and respect the rules.

The best places for urban exploring in Amsterdam

📍 Amsterdam has countless places that are perfect for urban exploring. Here are a few places you definitely can't skip:

🏗️ NDSM-werf: the NDSM-werf is the ultimate place for urban exploring in Amsterdam. This former shipyard area in Amsterdam-Noord has been transformed into a creative place full of graffiti, street art and abandoned warehouses. The raw, industrial atmosphere makes it a unique location. Explore the abandoned ship halls, admire the gigantic murals and let yourself be surprised by the creative vibe of this place.

🏭 Het Hembrugterrein: just outside Amsterdam, in Zaandam, lies het Hembrugterrein. This old industrial area is full of abandoned factory buildings and mysterious corners. Nowadays some buildings are used for art and culture projects. Still, many places have retained their original raw atmosphere. Perfect for those who love a mix of history and adventure.

🏰 Het Begijnhof: for a quieter form of urban exploring you can pay a visit to het Begijnhof. This hidden courtyard lies right in the center of Amsterdam and brings a peaceful atmosphere with it in this busy city. The courtyard is one of the oldest places in Amsterdam and brings a lot of history with it. While most tourists walk past here, this is a great place to stop by and absorb the history.

🎨 Amsterdam's street art circuit: Amsterdam has a vibrant street art scene. Throughout the city, impressive murals and hidden artworks can be found. Think of the work by famous artists like The London Police and Laser 3.14. Explore the Jordaan, the Spaarndammerbuurt or around the Wibaustraat to discover the most beautiful works. Another tip we'd like to share with you is to download a street art map, so you won't miss any artwork!

🚇 Amsterdam's tunnels: did you know that Amsterdam has a hidden world underground? From old tunnels to forgotten cellars, there are tons of places waiting to be discovered. Some tunnels, like the bike tunnel under the Rijksmuseum, are accessible to the public. But to visit other tunnels you need a bit more research or permission.

How do you get started with urban exploring in Amsterdam?

Want to get started with urban exploring in Amsterdam yourself? Then there are a few things you need to watch out for. Here are our tips:

🔍 Do your research: not all places in Amsterdam are accessible to the public. Make sure you research beforehand which locations are safe and legal to explore. There are plenty of urbex groups and forums where you can find tips.

🎒 Bring the right equipment: good shoes, a flashlight and a camera are essential for urban exploring. Don't forget to bring a bottle of water and some snacks, because you can't buy these at the locations themselves. If you're going to take photos, a tripod can be handy, especially in dark places.

🌍 Explore with respect: urban exploring is about admiring places, not causing damage. Don't leave any trash behind, don't break anything open and respect others' privacy. The motto of passionate urbexers is: 'Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures'.

⚠️ Be careful: safety always comes first. Never go alone and pay close attention to your surroundings. Abandoned buildings can be unstable, and you obviously don't want to take any risks.

🤝 Join a group: if you're new to the world of urban exploring, it can be helpful to join an experienced group. There are various urbex communities in Amsterdam where you can meet people with the same interests. Exploring together is not only more fun, but also safer.

Ready for your urban exploring adventure?

🗺️ Amsterdam is a city full of unique places, from centuries-old buildings to industrial areas full of art. Urban exploring gives you the chance to experience the city in a completely different way. You discover places that most people will never see, and you learn more about Amsterdam's history and culture.

✨ Curious about more tips and inspiration around urban exploring? Check out our page about urban exploring and dive deeper into this interesting topic!