The Best Terraces In Amsterdam For Sunshine Outside The Summer Season
Posted on: juni 1, 2025
25 Best Terraces In Amsterdam For Sun Lovers
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!
🌞 Top 25 Sunny Terraces in Amsterdam (For Locals & Tourists)
1. Hannekes Boom – Central & Waterfront Fun
Just a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station, this vibrant, colorful terrace is located 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 trendy, sustainable, and ideal for afternoon sun into the golden hour.
3. Canvas (Volkshotel Rooftop) – Skyline Views from Oost
Perched atop the Volkshotel, Canvas offers sweeping views of the city and unbeatable sunlight from noon onward. Great for brunch, cocktails, and rooftop sunsets, it’s a must for those seeking atmosphere and elevation.
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 offers afternoon sun and is beloved for its intimate, old-Amsterdam ambiance.
5. Brouwerij Troost (Westergas) – Craft Beer in the Sun
Set in the beautiful Westergasfabriek park, this brewery’s terrace is perfect for long afternoons in the sun with house-made beers and bites. Great for groups and beer lovers.
6. ‘t Blauwe Theehuis – Iconic Circular Café in Vondelpark
Right in the heart of Vondelpark, this retro-modern structure features a wraparound terrace with sun from all sides. Perfect for sunny stroll breaks with coffee or a beer.
7. Het Groot Melkhuis – Family-Friendly Vondelpark Spot
Surrounded by greenery, this café has a spacious terrace with ample sun, a playground, and a relaxed vibe. Ideal for families or remote workers wanting to enjoy nature.
8. Vondeltuin – Local Secret with a Chill Garden Vibe
Tucked away at the southern edge of Vondelpark, Vondeltuin combines nature with good sun and local crowd energy. Think beer benches, shade-free zones, and affordable snacks.
9. Karavaan – Social Hub on Kwakersplein (West)
This spacious, modern terrace catches sun all day and offers a varied 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 boasts a huge open terrace that gets uninterrupted sun into the evening. Their Mediterranean-style menu and cocktails make it a local hotspot.
11. Bar Kantoor (Westerpark) – Sustainable, Sunny & Stylish
Part of the Conscious Hotel group, Bar Kantoor is both eco-conscious and elegant. Its sunny terrace faces the park and serves organic food and drinks with a focus on sustainability.
12. Pacific – Music, Food, and Westerpark Sun
Pacific offers a long terrace stretching along Westerpark. With DJ nights and quality brunch options, it attracts a fun crowd all day long. 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, this spacious terrace gets great afternoon sun and is loved by both locals and expats.
14. Café Sarphaat – Sunny Corner in De Pijp
This cozy, traditional café sits on a sunny street corner opposite Sarphatipark. It’s the perfect place for coffee, newspapers, and people-watching in the sun.
15. NEL – Laid-Back Elegance on Amstelveld
Situated on a picturesque square, NEL has an upscale yet unpretentious feel. Their large terrace basks in the sun and is great for a glass of wine or a full dinner.
16. Moos – Neighborhood Café with Soul
Moos, in the Spaarndammerbuurt, is loved for its friendly vibe, modern Dutch menu, and sunny sidewalk terrace. It feels like a local secret with international flair.
17. Binnenvisser – Natural Wines & Sunset Feels
Located near Bilderdijkpark, Binnenvisser is a wine bar with a modern Dutch kitchen. Its small but sunny terrace gets good late afternoon light, perfect for golden hour apéritifs.
18. Bar Lusconi – Full-Sun Italian Terrace on Mercatorplein
This Italian-style café offers strong espressos, wines, and snacks. Its corner terrace faces south, making it one of the best spots in West for basking in sunshine.
19. Café Cook – One of the Largest Terraces in West
A hidden gem in De Baarsjes, Café Cook features a surprisingly large back terrace flooded with sunlight. It’s calm, welcoming, and great for brunch, lunch, or relaxed drinks.
20. Mossel & Gin – Seafood & Sun in Oud-West
This seafood specialist in Westerpark combines high-quality dishes with a generous terrace that soaks up the afternoon sun. A must-visit for mussel fans and gin lovers.
21. Vooges aan ’t IJ – Central Yet Calm by the Water
Near Amsterdam Central Station but far from the chaos, this waterfront café offers unobstructed sunshine and great views of passing ferries and boats. Think wine, rosé, and tranquility.
22. De Tropen – Sunny Sophistication by Oosterpark
Set in the grand KIT building next to Oosterpark, this terrace is spacious, refined, and sunny throughout the 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 hidden gems, Merkelbach sits in a stately 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, features a modern riverside terrace with uninterrupted sunlight from mid-morning. It’s a sleek spot with a Mediterranean-influenced menu.
25. Café de Ceuvel – Sustainable Hangout in Noord
Built on a repurposed shipyard, Café de Ceuvel has an offbeat charm and 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 en 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 en 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 en 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 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 sekswerkers.
The Nieuwmarkt in the center of Amsterdam. Picture by: Roeland Koning.
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 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.
Veel Gestelde Vragen
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.
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