Why go

A’DAM Lookout sits on top of the A’DAM Tower, a former Shell office block on the north bank of the IJ, directly across the water from Amsterdam Centraal. From the observation deck, about 100 metres up, you get a 360-degree view over the old city, the harbour, the new districts of Amsterdam Noord and, on clear days, far out across the flat Dutch landscape.

The view is the main reason to come, but most people remember the ‘Over the Edge’ swing, which launches riders out beyond the edge of the roof and over the drop. There is also a bar, a revolving restaurant and DJs at weekends, so the tower works as well for an evening drink as for sightseeing.

The trip itself is part of the fun. The free ferry behind Amsterdam Centraal takes a few minutes to cross the busy IJ, and the tower stands next to EYE, the striking white film museum, in a part of the city that has changed fast in recent years. It is a good way to see a different side of Amsterdam from the canal ring.

The tower was built in the early 1970s as the headquarters of Royal Dutch Shell and reopened in 2016 as a mixed-use building with a hotel, restaurants and clubs as well as the observation deck. Sunset is the most popular time to visit, when the lights come on across the city and the harbour.

What to see

  • The rooftop deck. The open-air Skydeck gives an uninterrupted view in every direction.
  • The indoor deck. Floor-to-ceiling windows and binoculars on the 20th floor, useful in bad weather.
  • The ‘Over the Edge’ swing. Amsterdam’s highest swing, for riders at least 1.20 metres tall.
  • The lift ride. A fast lift with a light and sound show takes you to the top in seconds.
  • Moon and Madam. The revolving restaurant on the 19th floor and the Skybar and restaurant on the 20th floor.

Plan your visit

A’DAM Lookout is open every day. From Monday to Thursday it opens from 11am to 7pm, with last entry at 6pm, and from Friday to Sunday from 11am to 9pm, with last entry at 8pm. Adult tickets start at €16.50 online, which is €2 less than at the ticket office, and children aged 4 to 12 pay less, with a family discount available. The swing, a VR ride and lunch or dinner packages cost extra. Every ticket includes a free audio tour and a digital souvenir photo.

Take the free F3 ferry from the piers behind Amsterdam Centraal to Buiksloterweg; the crossing takes a few minutes and the tower is a short walk from the landing. Allow one to one and a half hours, longer if you stay for a drink. There are lockers on the 20th floor for a coat and a small bag. The building is accessible, with staff assistance available.

Nearby

EYE Filmmuseum stands next to the tower on the waterfront. The NDSM wharf, with its street art, flea market and creative studios, is a short ferry ride west along the IJ. Back across the water, Amsterdam Centraal, the canal cruise piers and NEMO Science Museum are all within easy reach.