Best Terraces in Amsterdam With the Most Sun

Posted on: mars 1, 2026

25 Best Terraces In Amsterdam For Sun Lovers

The best terraces in Amsterdam for sun are hard to pin down, because many fall into shade by mid-afternoon. On a warm day the sunny ones fill up fast, and if you pick wrong you lose the light before your second drink. So here I’ve sorted the terraces that hold their sun longest, by neighbourhood, so you can follow the light across the city.

Table des matières

🌞 Top 25 Sunny Terraces in Amsterdam (For Locals & Tourists)

1. Hannekes Boom – Central & Waterfront Fun

Just a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station, this colourful terrace sits right on the water with panoramic views of the IJ. It’s a lively spot with all-day sun and great energy—perfect for casual beers, burgers, and live music.

2. Pllek – Urban Beach Vibes in Amsterdam Noord

Located at NDSM-wharf, Pllek offers a huge sandy terrace with beanbags, DJ sets, and sunset views. Built from shipping containers, it’s good for the afternoon sun late in the day.

3. Canvas (Volkshotel Rooftop) – Skyline Views from Oost

Perched atop the Volkshotel, Canvas has wide views over the city and full sun from midday on. Great for brunch, cocktails, and rooftop sunsets, it’s a must when you want the city from above.

4. Café de Sluyswacht – Historic Charm and Canal Views

Located in a leaning 17th-century lockhouse, this terrace sits quietly along the Oudeschans canal. It gets afternoon sun and keeps the feel of old Amsterdam.

5. Brouwerij Troost (Westergas) – Craft Beer in the Sun

Set in Westergasfabriek park, this brewery’s terrace is perfect for long afternoons in the sun with house-made beers and bites.

6. ‘t Blauwe Theehuis – Iconic Circular Café in Vondelpark

In Vondelpark, this retro-modern pavilion has a wraparound terrace that catches sun from every side. Good for a coffee or a beer mid-walk.

7. Het Groot Melkhuis – Family-Friendly Vondelpark Spot

This café has a big sunny terrace, a playground and plenty of green around it. Good for families or anyone working outside for the day.

8. Vondeltuin – Local Secret with a Chill Garden Vibe

At the southern edge of Vondelpark, Vondeltuin gets good sun and a local crowd. Expect beer benches, open sun and cheap snacks.

9. Karavaan – Social Hub on Kwakersplein (West)

This big modern terrace catches sun all day and has an international menu. With lots of seating and a welcoming crowd, it’s great for groups and laptop-friendly hours.

10. Café Zurich – Massive West-Side Terrace

Located in Mercatorplein, Zurich has a huge open terrace that keeps sun into the evening. Their Mediterranean-style menu and cocktails draw a local crowd.

11. Bar Kantoor (Westerpark) – Sustainable, Sunny & Stylish

Bar Kantoor is part of the Conscious Hotel group. Its sunny terrace faces the park and serves organic food and drinks.

12. Pacific – Music, Food, and Westerpark Sun

Pacific offers a long terrace stretching along Westerpark. It has DJ nights and a good brunch, busy all day. Expect good sun from mid-morning into the evening.

13. De Biertuin (Oost & Centrum) – Beer Garden Done Right

Known for rotisserie chicken and a great selection of craft beers, the terrace gets strong afternoon sun and stays busy with locals and expats.

14. Café Sarphaat – Sunny Corner in De Pijp

This old-style café sits on a sunny corner opposite Sarphatipark. It’s the perfect place for coffee, newspapers, and people-watching in the sun.

15. NEL – Laid-Back Elegance on Amstelveld

On its square, NEL feels smart but easygoing. The big terrace gets full sun, good for a glass of wine or dinner.

16. Moos – Neighborhood Café with Soul

Moos, in the Spaarndammerbuurt, has a modern Dutch menu and a sunny sidewalk terrace.

17. Binnenvisser – Natural Wines & Sunset Feels

Located near Bilderdijkpark, Binnenvisser is a wine bar with a modern Dutch kitchen. The small terrace gets good late-afternoon light, ideal for a pre-dinner drink.

18. Bar Lusconi – Full-Sun Italian Terrace on Mercatorplein

This Italian-style café offers strong espressos, wines, and snacks. Its corner terrace faces south, one of the sunniest spots in West.

19. Café Cook – One of the Largest Terraces in West

In De Baarsjes, Café Cook has a surprisingly large back terrace in full sun. It’s calm, welcoming, and great for brunch, lunch, or relaxed drinks.

20. Mossel & Gin – Seafood & Sun in Oud-West

This Westerpark seafood spot has a big terrace that gets the afternoon sun. Good for mussels and gin.

21. Vooges aan ‘t IJ – Central Yet Calm by the Water

This waterfront café near Central Station gets open sun and views of the passing ferries. Come for wine or rosé and quiet.

22. De Tropen – Sunny Sophistication by Oosterpark

Set by the KIT building next to Oosterpark, this terrace stays sunny all day. It’s ideal for weekend brunches or relaxed lunches in the sun.

23. Merkelbach – Garden Tranquility at Huize Frankendael

One of the city’s green retreats, Merkelbach sits in a grand garden in East Amsterdam. Expect fine seasonal food and peaceful, sunlit dining under the trees.

24. Vessel – Modern Terrace Overlooking the IJ River

Vessel, located at the Boat&Co hotel, has a modern riverside terrace in sun from mid-morning. It’s a sleek spot with a Mediterranean-influenced menu.

25. Café de Ceuvel – Sustainable Hangout in Noord

Built on an old shipyard, Café de Ceuvel has lots of outdoor seating right on the water. Solar-powered and super sunny, it’s a magnet for eco-conscious sunseekers.

Nothing beats hanging out at one of Amsterdam’s many terraces. And with a jacket on, it can also be done outside of the summer season. What follows are the best terraces in Amsterdam, with the most sun throughout the day, according to Dutch newspaper Het Parool.

Best Terraces in Amsterdam North

Amsterdam North has terraces by the waterfront and it still has plenty of open space. In North one can do some great sunbathing. For example, at Hangar and at de Ceuvel. Both have a Industrial design and everything well assembled. Another great spot for some early or late summer time chilling is Pllek? Pllek’s beach will have you in a heat wave in early March!

The beach at Pllek in Amsterdam North.

Best Terraces in Amsterdam East

This part of Amsterdam has many roof terraces like: GAPP at Casa 400 and Badplaats van het Volkshotel (bathing terrace). But you also have some nice places below sea level in the Eastern part of Amsterdam like Elsa’s et de Vergulde Eenhoorn, where even a watery sun is pleasant.

Best Terraces in Amsterdam South

At Gent aan de Schinkel you can sit with a blanket on the terrace as the sun shines. If you find that place too noisy, you can cycle on towards the Blue Tea House in the Vondelpark. Don’t feel like doing self-service? Then go to the beer terrace Vondelpark3.

Het Bosch located on the waterfront of de Nieuwe Meer will provide you with plenty of sunshine, but you’ll need a windjacket.

The Blue Thee House located in the center of the Vondelpark.

Best Terraces in Amsterdam West

In West, Rooftop terraces have also become a normal sight. At Floor17 you’ll sit like a royal in a beanbag slurping a cocktail. A more fashionable audience can be found at Radijs at the Admiralengracht. And, of course, the Westerpark is a wonderful place for some careful sunbathing; at Pacific Park et Ton Ton Club West you’ll be in the sun for a long time.

Best Terraces in Amsterdam City Centre

Where do you find a terrace in the center that isn’t very touristy? We would like to be in: Hanneke’s Boom et Roest though they are on the edges of the center of Amsterdam. For some real center terrace action we’d advice the Soundgarden. The terrace is on the side of the Lijnbaansgracht, not far from the ‘tropical’ waterfront terrace. Nice and quit is the terrace of Pension Homeland, which received five stars from a reviewer of the Parool.

Best Terraces in Red Light District

De Wallen or Red Light District is also located in the city centre of Amsterdam. This is the oldest and most beautiful part of the city. The terraces on the a square which is named the Nieuwmarkt, have surprisingly long sunshine, lots of cafes and really great for people watching. Combine your terrace visit with this visite du Quartier Rouge. It’s an app with an audio tour hosted by a virtual guide and it has real stories from 22 experts, including travailleuses du sexe.

Best Terraces In Amsterdam New West

At Hotel Buiten, on the north side of the Sloterplas, You’ll see the sun disappear in the water of the Sloterplas. And it’s a bicycle ride, but at Het Rijk van de Keizer you’ll sit heavenly in the meadow at the edge of the city. Close to Sloterdijk, Bret’s roof also is quite nice to bath in the sun.

Best Terraces In Amsterdam’s Southeast

There aren’t that many nice terraces in the Southeast part of Amsterdam, but at Oma Ietje at the Heesterveld, you can sit well. Here you can enjoy tasty sandwiches and salads and they also serve a nice seasonal beer. A little further away, at the Gaasperplas, is Boerderij Langerlust, an idyllic spot in the middle of the greens.

Tips on the best time to visit and reservations or booking requirements

Amsterdam’s terrace culture gets busy, and terraces fill up at peak hours and on weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit during the early afternoon or mid-week. In summer, some terraces need a reservation. It’s always best to check beforehand, especially if you’re visiting with a large group. Finally, don’t forget to dress appropriately for the weather; Amsterdam can be unpredictable, and you don’t want to get caught in the rain while enjoying a drink on a terrace. Check the weather in Amsterdam with these forecast apps.

Questions fréquemment posées

1 | What are some of the best terraces in Amsterdam with a canal view?

Some of the best terraces in Amsterdam with a canal view include Café de Jaren, Hannekes Boom, and Waterkant.

2 | Are there any rooftop bars with a terrace in Amsterdam?

Yes, Amsterdam has several rooftop bars with terraces, including SkyLounge Amsterdam, Canvas Op de 7e, and Madam.

3 | Can I smoke on terraces in Amsterdam?

Smoking is banned in all indoor public spaces in Amsterdam, including terraces. However, some terraces may have designated smoking areas.

4 | Are there any terraces in Amsterdam that are open year-round?

Many terraces in Amsterdam are only open seasonally, from April to September. However, some terraces like Café Wildschut and Café de Jaren are open year-round.

5 | Are there any family-friendly terraces in Amsterdam?

Yes, there are several family-friendly terraces in Amsterdam, such as Pllek, Roest, and Westergasterras. These terraces offer a variety of food and drink options and often have outdoor play areas for children.

A LIRE AUSSI :

5 Bars in Amsterdam Dam Square

15 choses à faire dans le Quartier rouge d’Amsterdam

12x Free Must See in Amsterdam

Prix du quartier rouge d'Amsterdam

Amsterdam Red Light District guide Martijn

À propos de l'auteur — Martijn, guide à Amsterdam

Martijn a guidé des centaines de visites du Quartier Rouge et de De Wallen à Amsterdam ces dernières années. Il écrit à partir de son expérience directe — les spectacles qu’il a vus, les bars qu’il connaît et les rues qu’il arpente chaque semaine — et ses visites et photos figurent aussi sur TripAdvisor. Tout ici est vérifié au regard de ce que lui et nos guides locaux constatent sur le terrain.

Expérience : des années à guider en personne des visites du Quartier Rouge & de De Wallen
Normes : de première main, vérifié sur place, utile pour les vrais visiteurs
Transparence: certains liens sont des liens affiliés (sans coût supplémentaire pour vous)

Basé à : Amsterdam, Netherlands · Meet our guides →