Architectural Highlights walking route

Route

Whether you're a casual observer or an architecture aficionado, this walking route is a journey through brick, steel, and imagination, revealing just how much a city’s character lives in its buildings.

• Time: 45 minutes – 1.5 hours (with stops)
• Distance: approx. 3.5 km
• Good to know: How to walk in Amsterdam (because bikes are everywhere).

• Museum Het Schip

1. Haarlemmerpoort

• Begin your walk at the Haarlemmerpoort, a neoclassical city gate constructed in 1840 to commemorate King William II's inauguration. This monumental structure, with its Corinthian columns and symmetrical design, historically served as a customs gate, marking the western entrance to Amsterdam and symbolising the city's expansion and openness to trade.

2. De Willem

• Beneath the gate, you'll find De Willem, a contemporary café and restaurant that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern flair. Housed in a monumental building, it's an ideal spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch or a glass of wine on the spacious terrace, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the Haarlemmerbuurt neighbourhood.

3. Westerpark

• Continue into Westerpark, where nature meets adaptive reuse. This sprawling urban park was once the site of the city’s gasworks, but it is now transformed into a vibrant cultural and recreational hub. As you walk through, admire the mix of restored industrial structures and newer additions, surrounded by open green spaces, art installations, and water features.

4. Ketelhuis

• In the heart of the park, stop by Ketelhuis Cinema, a former boiler house now operating as a beloved independent cinema. With its original steel beams, brick walls, and neon signage, it’s a perfect example of how function meets aesthetic charm. Pop in for an arthouse film, or just grab a coffee and enjoy the industrial atmosphere on the terrace.

5. Gashouder

• Next up is the impressive Gashouder, a colossal iron structure once used to store natural gas. Today, it’s a renowned event venue that hosts everything from art exhibitions to techno parties. Even when empty, its circular frame and sheer scale make it a dramatic sight – a powerful symbol of Amsterdam’s industrial past reimagined for the future.

6. Museum Het Schip

• Leave the park and head west to Museum Het Schip, a jewel of the Amsterdamse School movement – a uniquely expressive architectural style defined by rounded brick forms, ornate ironwork, and sculptural details. Designed by Michel de Klerk, this former workers’ housing block is now a museum (included in the I amsterdam City Card) dedicated to the social housing movement and architectural experimentation of early 20th-century Amsterdam.

7. Houthavens

• From the museum, head westward into Houthavens – Amsterdam’s former timber harbour, now transformed into a cutting-edge waterfront neighbourhood. This area blends striking new residential architecture with sustainable design and calm canals. Look out for community gardens, bridges with sculptural railings, and sleek brick facades that reflect the area's industrial past.

8. VESSEL

• End your walk at VESSEL, a contemporary brasserie nestled at the edge of the IJ. The riverside terrace here is one of the area’s gems – perfect for a drink with panoramic views of REM Eiland and harbour cranes in the distance. Just below, locals gather for open-air swims by the quay. Whether you're toasting the sunset, taking a dip, or simply watching the boats go by, this final stop captures Amsterdam at its most vibrant and forward-looking.

Follow the route on your phone

Keen to head out on this walk? Follow the route on Google Maps, where you'll find all the stops condensed into one tidy package. If you're curious about other routes, we've got some for every neighbourhood.