(Last Updated On: October 16, 2020)Looking to see Amsterdam from the sky? The A’DAM LOOKOUT offers the next best thing, with both indoor and rooftop panoramic viewing areas, bars, and restaurants. There’s even a swing that lets thrill-seekers glide over the edge of the 21-story tower.
It’s all part of the action at the A’DAM Tower, which also includes a hotel, clubs, more restaurants, event space, and work areas for professionals in the music industry and other creative types.
Visit the A’DAM tower’s LOOKOUT observation decks with me and plan your own visit.
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Welcome to the A’DAM Tower
If you have walked along or cruised through Amsterdam’s harbor at some point over the last 40 years, you will recognize the A’DAM Tower.
The tower is a familiar landmark. One that was transformed from a staid office building into a modern hotel, entertainment complex, and workspace designed with both music fans and industry creatives in mind.
An old industrial landmark transformed
The building now known as the A’DAM Toren dates back to 1971, when it opened as the headquarters for the Royal Dutch Shell oil company. Known at the time as the Shell Overhoeks Tower, it was designed by local architect Arthur Staal (PDF). For a time, it was the tallest building in Amsterdam.
The Shell Overhoeks Tower. Photo courtesy of the Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed, via Wikimedia and re-edited for ExplorationVacation.
In 2003 Shell moved out, leaving the fate of both the tower and the rest of the company’s large research site in the hands of the city.
It took a few years (nearly a decade) for anything to happen on the site. But, finally, in 2012, the futuristic-looking EYE Film Museum opened and the area began to draw tourists.
Two years later, work began on the tower.
A’DAM Tower during renovation. Photo by Stefan Wisselink via Wikimedia, re-edited for ExplorationVacation
The tower’s transformation took another two years. In the process, workers gutted the inside and replaced all the windows. They also removed Shell’s rooftop canopy. In its place, they added a rotating restaurant, enclosed panorama floor, and a rooftop deck. And then they topped it all off with the building’s original crown.
Now 21 stories, it opened to the public in 2016 as the A’DAM Toren.
In its new incarnation, it’s part of a neighborhood sprouting modern apartments and trendy shops, restaurants, and bars. The A’DAM Tower itself houses a music-themed hotel, work space for music and related creative businesses, meeting and event space, restaurants, bars, and the LOOKOUT’s indoor and outdoor observation decks, a nightclub, and (most recently) a virtual reality gaming venue.
The A’DAM Tower is an around-the-clock venue. Graphic courtesy of the A’DAM Tower.
However, it’s the top two levels, the panoramic floors of the LOOKOUT, that have become particularly popular with both Amsterdammers and visitors alike.
Exploring the A’DAM LOOKOUT
Although no longer the tallest building in Amsterdam, the panoramic spaces in the A’DAM tower are pretty far above the ground – about 300 feet above. That makes the LOOKOUT the highest observation deck in Amsterdam.
A nightclub in an elevator
Of course, before you can go out on the rooftop and take a look, you have to get up there. And, while the trip to the 20th floor only takes 20 seconds, it’s enough time for a pulsating sound and light show that turns the elevator into a tiny nightclub – minus the drinks.
Click on the photo for a sample of the elevator ride, but do NOT do so if you suffer from epilepsy.
(Fortunately, there is another elevator available for anyone subject to seizures.)
Visitors exit on the 20th floor at the LOOKOUT’s Madam bar and restaurant. However, to get the full 360 panorama experience, first follow the stairs up to the 360° Sky Deck.
The LOOKOUT’s 360° Sky Deck
It’s best to visit on a still day. I went on a cloudy, windy, rainy day. It was not ideal weather for an outdoor observation deck!
The A’DAM Tower’s rooftop Sky Deck is mostly an open observation area. The outside edge is lined with informational signage, including historic photos, about Amsterdam’s buildings and the city’s development over time.
On a pleasant day, there’s a bar. And of course, there is also the swing. (More on that below.)
I was there mostly for the view. Unfortunately, the view is mostly behind a chain link fence. There are a few small “windows” cut into that fence, but they are small, very limited in number, and not particularly useful unless you are tall.
In addition to the windows in the fence, a few free telescopes let visitors zoom into the view.
On a beautiful summer day there would be a line to use the telescope or get a spot at one of the holes in the fence. Fortunately (?), the howling wind and threatening sky kept the number of visitors down on my visit. With fewer than a dozen of us wandering about, it wasn’t hard to find a spot to check out the view.
Amsterdam from above
While it might be easier to take pictures of the city from the roof, the view is virtually the same on the enclosed floor below. And you don’t have to look through a fence to enjoy it. That’s nice, because, even on a dark day with limited visibility, the view is impressive.
Most visitors will probably find the view over the heart of Amsterdam the most interesting. And, with the help of one of the telescopes or a telephoto lens, there is a lot to see — even at noon on a damp, cloudy day.
On the other hand, most of the neighborhood right around the A’DAM Tower is being redeveloped into a hipster neighborhood filled with residential towers. That means much of the area is a massive construction site with a lot of cranes.
Apparently, there was once a very old neighborhood on this side of the river as well. It’s visible in a few quaint buildings near the ferry landing.
There’s even one with a sod roof!
Swing Over the Edge of the A’DAM Tower
From the ground, you might not even notice the swing perched at the edge of the roof high above.
And, if you do, you might think it looks rather small and fragile.
However, it only looks small because it’s over 300 feet above your head. From the tower’s rooftop sky deck, it’s clear the A’DAM swing is not your typical playground toy. It is VERY substantial.
Perhaps too substantial for true thrill seekers. While not for suitable for anyone with a fear of heights, it’s clear there isn’t any meaningful risk to swinging over the edge here. But it still comes with bragging rights!
Given the cold, howling wind, none of us did the swing.
But it wasn’t just the weather. I’m into photography, and photography isn’t allowed.
Nor does the swing face the city. Instead the view from the swing is mostly of the river and the waterfront development beyond the historic heart of the city.
Given all that, I was more interested in photographing other people swinging.
That’s not to say I wouldn’t do it. I like high places and it looks fun. I just wish I could strap down my phone or camera and turn the video on.
(Yes, they sell video of your ride, but that’s not the same as taking your own.)
Madam panorama bar, restaurant, and exhibit area
The tower’s panoramic 20th floor houses exhibit space that flows around and through Madam bar and restaurant.
We could have bought tickets that included a drink in the bar. However, having visited a lot of sky deck lounges over the years, I didn’t expect much value for money. And we were all on a budget.
Fortunately, the roof tickets allow you to visit the bar area.
I say fortunately because, Madam is an indoor observation deck with a bar and restaurant, rather than the other way around. Floor to ceiling windows provide easy access to the 360-degree view.
But it’s not all about the view. The entire floor is an exhibit area with fun and informative signage, interactive displays, and scale models that tell the story of Amsterdam’s development and the A’DAM TOWER itself.
It would have been worth the cost of a drink just to relax for a bit and take it all in.
Plan your visit to the A’DAM LOOKOUT
The A’DAM Tower and its panoramic A’DAM LOOKOUT are easy to visit from central Amsterdam. You can get there and take in the view in less than a couple of hours.
However, given the cost, the number of exhibits available, and the opportunity to sit and enjoy the view over a drink, it’s worth at least another hour. Stay for lunch and a stroll along the waterfront and it’s a half-day adventure. Visit the EYE Film Museum or check out the galleries and street art in other parts of Amsterdam Noord and you’ll need a full day. (Rachel’s Ruminations has more ideas on what to do in Amsterdam’s more northerly neighborhoods.)
Also, if you are looking for an evening view, it’s included in the cost of dinner at Madam or Moon. Or, on evenings when Madam becomes a nightclub, you can take in the view for the cost of a drink.
Tickets
Tickets to visit the A’DAM LOOKOUT are always available online.
Usually they are also available on-site at the ticket office, as well as through various third-party vendors. However, it appears that tickets are currently available only through the LOOKOUT’s website.
Tickets to the A’DAM swing can be purchased online AFTER booking your entrance ticket. Usually swing tickets are also available at the ticket office or right on the rooftop, but that might not be true this summer.
It’s always better to book in advance, as you’ll get a lower price online and be able to get up to the roof quicker.
Ticket packages
A range of ticket options are available for the LOOKOUT, NONE of which include the swing.
Options seem to change periodically (current information differs slightly between various A’DAM LOOKOUT web pages, as well as from my visit in March), but are more-or-less as follows.
- All LOOKOUT tickets include access to the 20th and 21st floor (the rooftop sky deck and the enclosed panorama deck), the experience elevator, and a digital photo stop.
In addition, a variety of add-ons are available:
- LOOKOUT +Drinks tickets can be used in either Madam or the rooftop bar. Tickets are for one or two drinks, depending on the type of beverage selected.
- LOOKOUT + Snack tickets include a variety of snack options in Madam or the rooftop bar.
- LOOKOUT + 360 lunch or dinner tickets usually include either a 2-course lunch or 3-course dinner in the revolving Moon restaurant. Picky eaters should note that menu choices are limited.
- Rock the City tickets include the LOOKOUT, a canal cruise, and the Heineken Experience.
- LOOKOUT + This is Holland tickets include a virtual reality tour of the Netherlands from above.
Tickets to Swing Over the Edge are usually available online, at the ticket office, or up by the swing itself. Swing tickets are timed and non-refundable. If unsure about doing this, it’s usually a good idea to wait until you get there to decide.
Purchasing tickets
LOOKOUT tickets currently start at about $14 and go up in price based on the package you chose. It’s always a little cheaper to purchase them online. Date-specific tickets can be changed.
Tickets for the swing are about $6.
The LOOKOUT appears to be a cashless business, so have a usable card if you will be purchasing swing tickets or drinks on-site. The website says a card with a PIN is required. I’m pretty sure I used an American chip card without a pin, but travelers from the USA should be prepared to use a card with a pin if you plan to purchase tickets, drinks, or other items once you arrive.
Buying your tickets in advance not only saves money, but it helps you avoid lines and credit card issues. It also gives you time to shop around for the best price, as tickets to the LOOKOUT are often available through Viator, Get Your Guide, or others.
Entry to the LOOKOUT (but not the swing) is also included in both the Amsterdam City Card and Amsterdam Pass.
Special requirements for summer 2020
Currently, it appears that you MUST buy tickets to the LOOKOUT in advance through the A’DAM LOOKOUT ticket page. For the time being, all tickets to visit the LOOKOUT are for specific time slots. Dates and times can be changed.
If you plan to visit using an Amsterdam City Card or Pass, check what the current rules are for the LOOKOUT.
Check the weather forecast
If you want the best view from the A’DAM LOOKOUT and/or a ride on the swing, weather matters.
- Dress for the weather and then some. Depending on the day, it can be a lot hotter or a lot windier and colder on the roof. If it’s cool, bring something warmer than you think you need, as the wind can be fierce. On hot, sunny days, you’ll want sunscreen and a hat, as shade is limited.
- Whether cloudy or sunny, it’s also likely to be windier on the roof. A lot windier. The day I visited, it was breezy on the ground, but so windy (and cold) on the roof it was almost impossible to stand still!
- Not surprisingly, rain and low clouds are best avoided, although a break in the clouds where the sun shines through can be glorious. But even hazy, humid weather makes it hard to get a great view of the city.
Get there
The A’DAM LOOKOUT is located across the river from the Central Rail Station.
By ferry
For most visitors, the easiest way to get to the A’DAM Tower will be on the FREE commuter ferry that runs between the Central station and Amsterdam-Noord.
It runs continuously 24-hours a day and is heavily used by local residents, so expect it to be busy. But that means you shouldn’t ever have to wait more than ten minutes, even at off-hours.
During busy periods, the first ferry to arrive may fill before you are able to board. But don’t worry, another one will arrive very soon. And expect a mass of people and bikes getting on and no formal line.
To get to the ferry:
From the harbor-side entrance of the Centraal Station, turn to the left and follow the signs for the IJ-Zijde (IJ-Side) ferry. The ferry landing is almost directly across from the end of the rail station. Depending on where you exit the station, it will either almost directly outside the entrance or to the left and down by the end of the station.
Two ferries depart from this area. You want the Centraal Station-Buiksloterweg. It should be on the right-hand side of the ferry landing.
It only takes a couple of minutes to cross the river. One you arrive, head to the A’DAM Tower and look for entrance A.
By car
There is a car park very near the Buiksloterweg ferry landing.
Tips for visitors
This is a rather random list of tips and observations to help you make the most of your visit to the A’DAM LOOKOUT.
You’ll start with pictures
Once you check-in you’ll be directed to a line to have your picture taken on an I-beam in front of a green screen. You’ll have the “opportunity” to buy a print after your visit.
I hate how these slow down the line and I usually avoid them like the plague, but I was with friends, so we did a couple photos together and then individual ones. (You get a couple of poses for each ticket.) Besides, there’s no charge to download a low-resolution copy. (More than a money-maker, I suspect this is an attempt to manage elevator capacity when it is busy.)
Once you’ve been photographed for your “digital memory,” you can go to the elevator.
Swing Over the Edge
I suspect that at least as many tourists come here to check out the swing, as to take in the view. After all, that swing has awesome selfie potential.
There are a few things to know about the Amsterdam swing:
- Usually tickets are available on the roof. That means you can take a look at it before you decide whether or not to do it.
- While it’s super sturdy, the A’DAM swing occasionally closes when it’s too windy and/or stormy.
- If you aren’t actually going on the swing, or with someone who is, there are very few places to get a good close look at it. And photos are not allowed from the best spots. (Yes, I got yelled at while photographing the seats.)
- The swing is situated parallel to the river, with the heart of Amsterdam off to the far right. This means the best view is not in front of you. You won’t be able to see the city from the left-hand seat in any pair of swings. And you’ll have to look far to the right to see it even from the right-hand seat.
- Cameras and phones are not allowed on the swing. I thought this included Go-Pro cameras, but some websites indicate that staff can attach them for you so you can film your ride. (Ask in advance if this is important to you.) There are cameras set up to photograph you on the swing from an angle that shows the city in the background. (Great for social media.) I think they will also do video from one of their cameras. Digital photos are free. There’s a charge for prints and, I assume, video.
How much you’ll enjoy the swing depends a lot on your expectations and what you find thrilling. (And your fear of heights.) I like heights, so I think it would be fun, but not adrenaline inducing. Think Ferris wheel, rather than bungie jumping.
For another perspective, WanderlustingK has a review of the Overlook that includes her experience on the A’DAM swing. (Spoiler alert: She wasn’t very impressed.)
Observations (and frustrations) with the rooftop observation deck
I’m a huge fan of observation decks. Usually, I prefer outdoor decks. Surprisingly, that wasn’t the case at the A’DAM LOOKOUT. Here’s why:
- The view from the roof is good and, on a clear day, might be great. But there are only a few small viewing areas cut into the fence. That means options for seeing, let alone photographing, the view without a barrier are very limited. (Want to move over a few feet so those towers line up? Not an option.) And, with so few “windows,” lines seem inevitable at just about any time.
- Unlike many observation decks, the telescopes are free. Unfortunately, there aren’t many of them. Expect to wait.
- The “windows” in the fence and the telescopes are set too high to be used by children, the disabled, and many others. The Dutch are the tallest people in the world. At just under 5’2” the bottom of the window was at eye level for me. To look down, I had to pull myself up and balance on my toes. To take pictures I had to balance my camera above eye-level on the narrow, rounded edge and look up at the camera back to frame and focus my picture. Even with an adjustable screen, it was basically impossible to take photos in this position on a windy day.
- I’m not sure there’s ever really nice light on the central city itself, given the tower is mostly to the north. Morning is the best bet.
Despite having to look and photograph through glass, the enclosed floor around Madam was better for enjoying the view. That should be true even on a pleasant day.
Since the walls are basically windows, you can get right up next to them and stand or sit wherever you want. Nor do you need to be at least 5’8” to see the view without a fence in front of your face. And, in some light, the glazing on the windows actually removes some of the sun’s glare and haze. Just get your camera right up against the glass to take a picture.
Eat
Amsterdam Noord’s large old industrial area is rapidly redeveloping into an artsy neighborhood with lots of bars and restaurants. But you don’t have to wander very far from the A’DAM Tower to find something to eat. Heck, you don’t even have to leave the tower.
Dining options in the A’DAM Tower
Madam
As noted above, Madam (website with menu and/or reviews on TripAdvisor) offers snacks and light lunches.
It’s also open for dinner early in the week. (It becomes a nightclub later in the week, which is a good way to take in the view for the cost of a drink.) A two-course dinner with a shared starter and choice of entrée can be selected from a fixed-price menu. A couple of additional sides and desserts are also available at an extra cost. Reservations are required for dinner.
Moon
Revolving Moon Restaurant (slow-loading website in Dutch and/or reviews on TripAdvisor) is the A’DAM Tower’s spot for fine dining. Located on the 19th floor, its panoramic windows offer a continually changing view as you dine. (The restaurant rotates completely once each hour.)
All meals seem to be from a fixed-price menu. Usually lunch is a chosen from a two-course menu while dinner is a three-course (or more) affair. Diners have a choice between fish, meat, and vegetarian options. Reservations are required.
The Butcher Social Club
The largest outlet of a popular chain, the Butcher Social Club (website or reviews on TripAdvisor), is a Dutch take on an American grill that also serves as the hotel restaurant. The main dining room is open, airy, and inviting, if a bit loud. A separate game hall has ping-pong tables, pool tables, pinball machines and more. In good weather, there is also an outside dining area.
It’s open from breakfast until very late all the time and round-the-clock on weekends.
In the neighborhood
There are lots of dining options for both lunch and dinner in Amsterdam Noord.
TripAdvisor has a good list of restaurants and snack shops located around the A’DAM Tower. Unlike a lot of search-engine generated lists, it actually lists places by distance, giving those located in and around the tower priority over those on the other side of the river. (Don’t laugh. Yelp’s result for the same search are located all over the city.) And, as with all TripAdvisor information, there are tons of reviews.
The area between the A’DAM Tower and the ferry landing is rather quaint and park-like. It includes a couple of restaurants and snack shacks, and this is where my friends and I ate.
Café De Pont
Not many things were open in early spring, so we were lucky to snag a table for a late lunch at Café De Pont (website with menu and/or reviews on TripAdvisor). It’s a charming spot near the ferry landing with good food at reasonable (not cheap) prices.
At first, we were a bit put-off, as we were shown to seats in a dark corner of the rapidly emptying restaurant – but they offered a table by a window when it became clear we might leave otherwise. And then the small lunch menu of mostly unfamiliar Dutch dishes, made us further question our choice.
But as we looked more closely, we discovered a number of tempting options. A couple of us ordered the shellfish bisque and agreed it was absolutely delicious. And the non-bisque eaters seemed equally pleased with their dishes.
I highly recommend it, but understand that it will be packed with regulars right at lunch time and, while some of the staff are wonderful, others don’t seem to care much for tourists.
Spend the night
The A’DAM Tower bills itself as a round-the-clock destination, with nightclubs that allow visitors to party until the sun comes up.
However, if you’d rather get some sleep, the tower’s Sir Adam Hotel offers a variety of music-themed rooms at a variety of prices. It also has a vinyl music library where you can put together a soundtrack for your stay.
Is this the best view of Amsterdam?
Maybe.
If you come in the morning on a beautiful day and you like your city views large and expansive, the A’DAM LOOKOUT provides the biggest view of Amsterdam you’ll find without a helicopter. It’s particularly appealing because you can enjoy the view from the roof or indoors. And the informational signage turns the view into a museum of Amsterdam’s history (for those of us interested in that sort of thing).
But there are a few other places where you can see the city from above.
Map of Amsterdam’s best panoramic views
For a more intimate view: Blue Amsterdam
My go-to spot to see the city from above is Blue Amsterdam, a bar/café/restaurant in a glass tower above the Kalvertoren shopping center. (Your friends will not believe you when you tell them there is a great restaurant with fabulous views above this rather ordinary shopping mall.)
Only about 100 feet above the street, Blue offers a 360° view of the historic canal belt from just above the tallest rooftops. It’s the perfect height to get an intimate view of the city. Even the trip up in the glass elevator is fun and the stairway provides an ever-changing view all the way down. When the weather is nice, step outside to fully take in the view.
Blue has lovely food and drinks in a friendly, casual atmosphere. And the staff is awesome.
If you love looking at cities from above and will be in Amsterdam for a few days, I recommend visiting both Blue and the LOOKOUT. Each offers a very different experience.
Other panoramic options
The streets of Amsterdam are so enticing that I seldom think to view the city from a higher vantage point. But there are several other bars, restaurants, and towers that promise panoramic views over the city.
Amsterdam’s Central Library, the OBA Oosterdok, is also located near the Centraal station. It’s along the harbor next to the floating Chinese restaurant. The 7th floor has a terrace with great views of the old central city. There’s a cafe, but you don’t need to buy anything to take in the view.
NEMO, the odd-shaped science museum along the harbor, has a slanted terrace that faces central Amsterdam. It’s about 70 feet up, offering a nice view of the city from across the water. There’s also a café and bar on the terrace. While it is usually open to the public for free, right now it is only open to museum visitors who buy a drink or snack.
SkyLounge Amsterdam is located on the 11th floor roof of a Hilton DoubleTree hotel near the Centraal station. The bar/restaurant has an open deck with 360° views of the city center.
Canvas bar/restaurant sits on the roof of the Volkshotel just outside the canal belt. It includes an outdoor deck and indoor spaces with panoramic windows. The canal belt and many of Amsterdam’s historic landmarks are said to be visible from here. Currently, reservations are required.
Twenty Third Bar is located, appropriately, on the 23rd floor of the Okura Hotel. This is an indoor cocktail bar with panoramic view through the windows. It’s located in the mostly residential De Pijp district south of central Amsterdam. While it’s said to have a great view of the city, it seems a little far out for it to be in the same league as the others. But I haven’t been there to know for sure.
Of course, you can also take a more traditional route to seeing Amsterdam from above by climbing a church tower.
- Westertoren, the tower at Westerkerk, is the highest church tower in Amsterdam. During summer, visitors can climb to the first balcony. There’s likely a charge to do so.
- Oudekerkstoern is located in the Red Light district and, apparently, provides good views over Amsterdam. The tower is open through the summer on guided tours, although there doesn’t seem to be any information available online. The church itself holds art installations, for which there is a charge. I expect there is a charge to climb the tower as well.
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Great article! I loved your reference to the high windows on the observation deck. The Dutch do the same with their bathroom mirrors: place them too high for people under about 5’5″.
I have another place to add to you list of where to see views of the city. Try the public library (openbare bibliotheek) on Oosterdokskade. Just take a left out of Amsterdam Central Station and walk along the water with the water on your right. You’ll see a floating Chinese restaurant on your right and the library is on the left just after that. Go up to the top floor where there’s a cafe. The cafe has a balcony with a view, and it’s absolutely free to go there! It’s not all that high but gives a great view over the older part of the city.
Thanks for suggesting the library, Rachel. “Free” and “a great view over the older part of the city” sound like a great combination to me.