Eastern Docklands

A well-hidden and surprising new area in Amsterdam is the Eastern docklands, situated between the Central Station and Zeeburger Island. In the past ten years it has developed into Amsterdam’s architectural showpiece and a great way to discover this area is by taking the free ferry that departs from jetty 8 at the Central Station.

Formerly the heart of Amsterdam's industrial harbour, these four man-made peninsulas were built between 1876 and 1927 to provide the maximum length of quayside for Amsterdam's thriving docklands. Now reborn as the cool place to live, an address on Java, KNSM, Borneo or Sporenburg "islands" is highly sought after by Amsterdam's trendy population. With their cutting edge architecture admired around the world and KNSM island's design shops it's easy to see why. Borneo island has sixty unique houses as a result of the 'Live in a house of your own design' project. The only things they have in common are their height, a door on the street side and a private area behind. The Eastern Docklands have also attracted their fair share of trendy restaurants.

Amsterdam, city of design
As no other historical city, Amsterdam has succeeded in remaining a contemporary breeding ground for creative talents. The many galleries, studios and museums offer fine jewellery, furniture, glass and ceramic objects, fashion and interior design. Amsterdam’s historical ambience, relatively small size, freedom and openness to new ideas is a source of inspiration for both young and renowned artists.