Hotspots

10x the best waterside terraces in Amsterdam

Ode aan de Amstel

Yesss, the sun is shining, which can only mean one thing: all of Amsterdam is back on the terraces. And of course, Amsterdam has plenty of terraces — but as far as I’m concerned, a spot by the water is the ultimate summer feeling.

Foto van culinair journalist Wieke Veenboer

That’s why I’ve put together a list of my favorite waterside hotspots in Amsterdam. There are ten of them, and if your favorite is (unjustly) missing; let me know, because I’m always looking for new recommendations.

The best waterside terraces in Amsterdam

1. Waterkant
I’m usually not a big fan of self-service places, but I’m happy to make an exception for Waterkant; you can simply see that the food here is really good, they have tasty beers and decent food and snacks. The only downside is that you have to be lucky to find a free spot.
Marnixstraat 246

2. Café Lennep
A place that is often forgotten when it comes to waterside hotspots; so (fortunately) the chances of finding a free table here are a little higher. A really fun place for drinks, and the burgers are pretty good too.
Jacob Van Lennepkade 334

3. De Neef van Fred
The latest addition from the guys who by now have half of Amsterdam in their pocket: 3WO. But, honestly, this has once again turned into a really fun place, and you’re sitting wonderfully by the water here.
Jan Evertsenstraat 41HS

4. Pllek
For a holiday feeling in Amsterdam, this is the very best place to go. Just like at Waterkant, it’s self-service here, but that fits the whole beach atmosphere. Come early, because here too: spots are scarce on a sunny day. And this summer, film lovers can once again enjoy themselves even more on the city beach at Pllek. Films with a View is back. All summer long, you can watch films from your beach chair on Tuesday evenings. Popcorn in hand, feet in the sand. Pllek presses play half an hour after sunset. Headphones for the film can be picked up from 1.5 hours beforehand for €9. While stocks last.
T.T. Neveritaweg 59

5. Bam Boa
Perhaps Amsterdam’s most Instagrammable restaurant, but as far as I’m concerned, the terrace here gets far too little credit. It’s large, you get plenty of sun for a long time, and they serve sangria. Nothing but plus points, if you ask me.
Weesperzijde 135

6. Café Wester
You always make me happiest with an old-fashioned brown café — and you’re absolutely in the right place here. On the corner of the Prinsengracht, in an ideal location: you get sun for a long time here, and you’re surrounded by lovely restaurants if you want to go out for dinner after drinks.
Nieuwe Leliestraat 2

7. Ode aan de Amstel
But if you’d rather dine in the sunshine, this is a good option (just make a reservation). It’s also wonderful to watch all the boats passing by here in summer, as well as all the people swimming in the Amstel.
Amstelboulevard 1

8. MR PORTER
Okay, this is a bit of an odd one out, but it’s a fun tip. MR PORTER, on the sixth floor of the W Amsterdam hotel, has not only a rooftop terrace with an incredible view over Amsterdam’s city center, but also a 22-meter-long rooftop swimming pool.
Spuistraat 175

9. Lowlander Botanical Bar & Restaurant
At the former location of Stork, diagonally opposite Amsterdam Central Station, Lowlander Beer has embarked on a new adventure: a botanical restaurant with a large terrace on the IJ along the Gedempt Hamerkanaal. Botanical ingredients flourish in this plant-forward restaurant. And a nice touch: each dish on the menu immediately lists beer pairings. Alongside Lowlander’s famous beers, the menu also features Lowlander’s new natural sodas, fresh teas, juices, botanical cocktails and beertails (cocktails based on beer). It’s an ideal place for drinks and dinner in the early evening sun. Because let’s be honest: raising a cold beer while looking out over the IJ—isn’t that simply pure enjoyment?
Gedempt Hamerkanaal 201

10. Daalder
Want to relax on a terrace while also enjoying genuinely great food and drinks? From now on, you can. The team at Michelin-starred Daalder loves trying new things. And this year, they’re showing a completely different side of the star-studded team—on the terrace! There by the water in West, the menu is packed with creative street food. Dennis’ Moluccan Fried Chicken, (smash) burgers and tarte flambée. Not in the mood for an ordinary beer or rosé? You can also order gems from Daalder’s wine cellar to go with this street food.
Postjesweg 1

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Image: Ode aan de Amstel

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