On Realeneiland's eastern shore, the Zandhoek is a photogenic stretch of waterfront. It's now a modern yacht harbour, but back in the 17th century it was a 'sandmarket', where ships would purchase bags of the stuff for ballast. Many a VOC skipper lived hereabouts, carousing in local bars and enjoying the view over the IJ between voyages. The street south of Zandhoek is the Galgenstraat (Gallows St), which on a clear day afforded a look at the executions in Amsterdam-Noord.
