How to Visit STRAAT Museum Amsterdam & What to Expect

Thinking of visiting STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam but not sure if it’s worth the effort? You’re not alone.

I had the same questions the first time I went: How do you get there? Is it far? Is there anything else to do nearby?

I visited STRAAT last year (before moving to the Netherlands), and even now—after relocating and visiting Amsterdam almost weekly—I still remember wondering if the ferry would be a hassle. But it turned out to be completely free and surprisingly easy to catch from just behind Amsterdam Central Station. It’s actually one of the more low-stress ways to get around, especially if you’re still figuring out public transport in Amsterdam.

STRAAT, which means street in Dutch, is home to the city’s biggest graffiti and street art collection. It’s housed in a former shipyard in Amsterdam North and showcases large-scale works from artists around the world. The museum is huge, and because it’s not in the city center, it feels less touristy than many of the city’s major attractions.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visiting STRAAT Museum—from how to get there and ticket options (including free entry with the I amsterdam City Card), to how much time to allow, what else to do at NDSM Wharf, and whether it’s worth adding to your Amsterdam itinerary.

What is STRAAT Museum? 

STRAAT is Amsterdam’s main street art museum. It’s located on the NDSM Wharf in a massive repurposed warehouse. The space has a raw, industrial feel, but the layout is fully curated and easy to navigate.  

Inside, you’ll find more than 180 works by over 170 different street artists from around the world. Some pieces are permanent, while others rotate throughout the year—so there’s always something new to see. 

The museum also occasionally hosts curator talks that take you behind the scenes of specific exhibitions for a small extra fee. Check the official website for upcoming dates and more info.

The artwork covers a range of styles. Some pieces are quirky, others more serious, but all are big, bold, and made up of murals, installations, or mixed media.

Since it’s fully indoors, it’s also a solid option for a rainy day—which you’ll probably encounter at least once during your trip.

A Few of My Favorite Pieces

As mentioned, the museum rotates some of the work throughout the year, but these stood out during my visit:

Entry Fees & Opening Hours

Tickets cost €21.50 for adults and €11.50 for teens aged 13–18, while kids under 13 can enter for free. 

If you have the Amsterdam City Card, entry is free — just remember to bring your pass. I used my Museumkaart when I visited and paid a reduced rate, but that option no longer appears on STRAAT’s ticket page, so double-check before you book.

You can book tickets online in advance, which is helpful if you like to plan ahead, but it’s not essential. I just showed up and bought mine at the door. Just a heads-up, they only accept card payments.  

How to Get There

The easiest way to get to STRAAT is by taking the free ferry from behind Amsterdam Central Station to NDSM. You’ll want the F4 ferry to NDSM.

Centraal Station is huge and can feel a bit hectic, especially if it’s your first time in the city. Just follow the signs to the ferry terminal, then head toward the northwest side—that’s where the NDSM ferry departs. Here’s the exact location on Google Maps.

The ferry to NDSM wharf runs every 15 minutes from 06:30 to 22:15, with additional departures every 30 minutes until 01:45. You can check the live schedule on the GVB website, but I’ve also included screenshots of the departure times below for quick reference. 

It’s completely free, and you can bring your bike if you’ve rented one for the day. Once you arrive at NDSM Wharf, it’s a 3-minute walk to the museum. Just look for the massive mural of Anne Frank.

Other Things to Know Before You Go

Photography

You can take photos and videos inside—just remember to turn off your flash. Tripods and selfie sticks aren’t allowed.

It Gets Cold Inside

The main hall is massive, so heating it isn’t exactly easy. It can get pretty chilly, especially in the colder months—so bring a jacket or an extra layer.

I visited in late summer and found it quite cold. But to be fair, I get cold easily—and after living in Taiwan for 14 years, I’m used to a much warmer climate.

Museum Shop

The shop sells a mix of street art and graffiti-related books, prints (many from pieces in the museum), puzzles, toys, and merch like T-shirts, hoodies, and caps.

Café

The café upstairs near the panorama deck is a good place to grab a drink and a snack or just view the exhibition from above.

What Else to Do Nearby

If you want to explore more of the NDSM Wharf area, it’s easy to make a day of it on this side of the IJ River.

You’ll find more street art, other galleries to pop into, and even repurposed shipping containers turned into bars and cafés, like Pllek (I haven’t it tried yet, but it looks amazing). We grabbed sundowners (and the obligatory nachos) at IJver—a laid-back spot with a big terrace, solid food, and seriously good Bloody Marys.

With a bit of planning, you can also check out IJ-Hallen, one of Europe’s biggest flea markets. It pops up here once or twice a month. Check their website for exact dates.

STRAAT is also just an 8-minute taxi ride (or a 40-minute walk) from major sights like the Eye Film Museum and A’DAM Lookout, making it easy to combine with other nearby attractions.

Is STRAAT Worth Visiting?

If you’re into street art or just want to see something different from the usual Amsterdam museums, it’s absolutely worth adding to your list.

You can easily see the whole museum in 1–2 hours, though I stayed a bit longer without even realizing it. What I really liked is that you don’t need to know anything about art to enjoy it. The layout is easy to follow, and some pieces reimagine familiar figures or classic works in really creative ways.

STRAAT feels totally different from the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum—and that’s exactly why I’d recommend it.