Posted on: January 3, 2024
As the weather warms up in Amsterdam, locals and tourists alike flock to the terraces in Amsterdam to enjoy some of the best views, food, and drinks in the world. Whether you’re in the mood for a Dutch beer, a French wine, a refreshing cocktail or a delicious meal, there is a terrace in Amsterdam that will exceed your expectations. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the top 25 best terraces in Amsterdam. From canal-side cafes to hidden rooftop bars, each terrace has its unique specialty, picturesque location, and atmosphere. So sit back, grab a drink, and get ready to explore the best of Amsterdam’s terrace culture!
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.
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.
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 and de Vergulde Eenhoorn, where even a watery sun is pleasant.
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.
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 and Ton Ton Club West you’ll be in the sun for a long time.
Where do you find a terrace in the center that isn’t very touristy? We would like to be in: Hanneke’s Boom and 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.
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 fascinating Red Light District tour. It’s an app with an amazing audio tour hosted by a virtual guide and it has real stories from 22 experts, including sex workers.
The Nieuwmarkt in the center of Amsterdam. Picture by: Roeland Koning.
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.
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.
Amsterdam’s terrace culture is incredibly popular, and you may find that some terraces are packed during peak hours or the weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit during the early afternoon or mid-week. Additionally, some of the terraces may require a reservation, especially during the summer months. 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. Make sure you checker the weather in Amsterdam with these forecast apps.
Some of the best terraces in Amsterdam with a canal view include Café de Jaren, Hannekes Boom, and Waterkant.
Yes, Amsterdam has several rooftop bars with terraces, including SkyLounge Amsterdam, Canvas Op de 7e, and Madam.
Smoking is banned in all indoor public spaces in Amsterdam, including terraces. However, some terraces may have designated smoking areas.
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.
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.
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