13 of the Best and Most Beautiful Courtyard Gardens in Amsterdam
When the sun is shining, we can only think of one thing: get out onto the terrace. By the water, on a city beach or right in the heart of the centre: the city is bursting with lovely spots for lunch, drinks or dinner. But besides these terraces, there are also plenty of fantastic courtyard gardens to be found—if you know where to look. These are our favourite hidden gems in Amsterdam.
Garden Bistro Oriole
The courtyard garden of Garden Bistro Oriole in Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is a must-visit when it comes to courtyard gardens. In the overgrown garden, you can hide away for a romantic late-summer lunch or dinner. In less pleasant weather, you can also sit wonderfully among the plants in the conservatory. Extra fun: the Summer Sunday at Oriole.
Lion Noir
Lion Noir is one of the best-known hotspots in Amsterdam. A glamorous, luxurious place where you can enjoy the most delicious cocktails at the bar or dine for hours. But this restaurant also has an incredible courtyard garden where you can spend plenty of peaceful hours this summer.
De Vergulde Eenhoorn
In the green part of Amsterdam, you’ll find De Vergulde Eenhoorn in an old city farm. De Vergulde Eenhoorn is a restaurant, hotel and café with a secret courtyard garden, ideal for endless terrace sessions. Every so often, a Sangria Party is organised here, where you can play pétanque and drink unlimited rosé. Mark 19 July 2024 in your calendar: the well-known Sangria Party will be back in full swing. The doors open at 16:00, and you can enjoy jugs of sangria and live music all evening. You don’t need to make a reservation, but arrive on time—this is an evening you won’t want to miss!
Pulitzer Garden
Amid all the hustle and bustle of the city lies Pulitzer Garden, tucked away as a green refuge surrounded by the characteristic canal houses of Pulitzer Amsterdam, with a view of the iconic Westertoren. The garden with its sunny terrace is surrounded by the 25 canal houses that make up Pulitzer Amsterdam. The Mediterranean-inspired menu includes dishes such as lobster spaghetti and pistachio cannoli.
Jansz.
Also at Pulitzer: the beautiful Jansz. restaurant, which also has a lovely courtyard garden. This is a wonderful hideaway for a romantic lunch or drinks, and an oasis of calm in the middle of the busy Nine Streets. The menu features delicious classics with a modern twist and, even better, the courtyard garden is heated with heaters in winter, when you can sit down for a divine cheese fondue in the winter garden.
Restaurant Merkelbach
In the east of the city, you’ll find Restaurant Merkelbach with a courtyard garden that is a true gem. The restaurant is located in the coach house of the 18th-century Huize Frankendael. This place is breathtakingly beautiful, both inside and out. At Restaurant Merkelbach, you can enjoy lunch, drinks or dinner in the formal garden on the terrace.
Het Rijk van de Keizer
Tucked away among the greenery of the Tuinen van West is Het Rijk van de Keizer. This summer paradise on the edge of the city is a wonderful place to lie in a hammock at the Cantina, sipping a cocktail. You can also enjoy a generous lunch or eat homemade snacks here.
Hotel Canal House
The courtyard garden of Hotel Canal House is a true city escape. Reclining in your deckchair with the sound of water gently bobbing in the mini fountains in the background, you’ll completely unwind here. Prefer a little more privacy? Then the Summer House, with room for just two, is the perfect spot in the courtyard garden.
Bar Brasserie Occo
In the five-star boutique hotel The Dylan, you’ll find Bar Brasserie Occo. Here you can enjoy incredible food and drinks, including in the urban courtyard garden. During the sunny months, this courtyard garden has its own outdoor bar, making this cosy, peaceful spot a complete summer hotspot.
De Oranjerie
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the Netherlands is Hortus Botanicus. Alongside its beautiful botanical garden, Hortus Botanicus also has a museum café: De Oranjerie. On the terrace at De Oranjerie, you can unwind after a long day at work or enjoy Sunday dinner accompanied by live jazz-band music. Surrounded by many special and exotic plants, this really is one of the most beautiful terraces in Amsterdam.
Mondi Zuid
Recently named the best terrace in Amsterdam. Mondi Zuid has a wonderful courtyard garden at boutique hotel The College Hotel. Here, in a green oasis surrounded by Amsterdam’s oldest olive trees and tallest cypresses, you can enjoy Caribbean delicacies. From an array of raw fish dishes and outrageously delicious tacos to risottos and pasta—everything comes with a Caribbean twist.
Bar Restaurant Pompstation
In the industrial building on Zeeburgerdijk, formerly an Amsterdam school, you’ll find Bar Restaurant Pompstation, which also has a lovely courtyard garden. For dinner, Pompstation offers a choice of a three-, four- or five-course menu, including homemade bresaola and langoustine with chorizo.
Morgan and Mees
Morgan and Mees is a French brasserie on the edge of the Jordaan with a beautiful city garden. The city garden terrace is the perfect place for delicious bouillabaisse, ceviche or roasted ribs, accompanied by a Cherry Tai cocktail or Morgan and Mees’ Negroni.
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