A few weeks ago we found our way to the Westerdok to visit the Silodam, the architectural wonder we passed by with the ferry many times, on our way to Amsterdam-Noord, yet never actually been close enough to.

I should say that the Westerdok is to Amsterdam West what the Eastern Docklands are for Amsterdam East – a relatively new residential area built on the former location of Amsterdam’s harbour. Hence, the industrial feel, the open space and the proximity to the waterfront.

Unlike the Eastern Docklands, completed in the early 90’s, the works at the Westerdock are of a more recent date, and, in some cases, they are still ongoing. Both areas have a lot of character, that’s for sure, yet I tend to see the Westerdok as a bit more avant-garde than its Eastern counterpart.

Here are some photos we took the morning we visited the Westerdok and the Silodam.

Thanks Ana for the invite to join and Sylvia / Si Amsterdam for organising the tour of the Silodam building! That part of the tour when the inhabitants of the Silodam invited us into their homes to get a better idea of what it feels like to be living there was my absolute favourite, no doubt.