6 green hotspots in the Netherlands where it’s wonderful to relax
Do you live right in the middle of the hustle and bustle but, like me, often long for peace and quiet, surrounded by greenery? Then I have a few wonderful addresses for you, because it really does exist: a terrace in the city and yet surrounded by nature, as these 6 delightful hotspots prove.
Having lunch, dinner or drinks in the city centre and still being surrounded by greenery: you don’t have to go to France for this—there are terraces in the Netherlands where you can almost imagine yourself in the French Dordogne. From Amsterdam to Amersfoort, we’re sharing a few of our favourite green hidden gems.
Bar Kantoor – Amsterdam
Beautiful buildings on your left, lots of flowers on your right and right in the middle of Westerpark: that’s the view you’ll take in when you settle down on the terrace of Bar Kantoor, the restaurant at Conscious Hotel Westerpark. Even inside, you’re surrounded by greenery. As its English name already suggests, this all-day spot is also all about sustainability. Everything runs on electricity (no gas), and the menu consists of 100% organic dishes. From burrata and Caesar salad to sea bream and ravioli. And: SUN ALL DAY LONG. Top spot!
Zuster Margaux – Amersfoort
Meet the most beautiful terrace in Amersfoort. Now we can hear you thinking: according to whom? According to many people! I still remember the first time I walked in here and couldn’t believe my eyes. Zuster Margaux has a spacious terrace in the green monastery gardens, where you find yourself in an oasis of peace and quiet. Good news for wine lovers: the wine bar, which was nominated for ‘Wine Bar of the Year’ a few years ago for good reason, organises various activities, including high wines, private dinings, wine courses and wine tastings.
Dignita Hoftuin – Amsterdam
Right in the centre of Amsterdam but away from the hustle and bustle, you can enjoy delicious organic dishes in the garden café or in the glass restaurant surrounded by greenery. This all-day brunch spot isn’t called the oasis of Amsterdam for nothing. Our recommendation: the ‘Avo Benny’: two poached eggs with avocado, served on crispy potato cakes instead of toast. And speaking of five-star sandwiches: Dignita’s all-time favourite Chook Norris fried chicken sandwich should of course not be missed either. A seriously substantial sandwich with marinated fried chicken, black beans, avocado slices, white onions and chipotle mayonnaise—heavenly!
Juni Café in the Nutstuin – The Hague
Sometimes you suddenly discover a hidden treasure in the city. The Nutstuin is one of those places that has already delighted many people, but is still an unknown gem to many others. Juni Café is slightly hidden away, but once you find it, you’re in for a treat: there you are, among fruit and nut trees, beehives and a pond full of lilies in the heart of The Hague. From Monday to Saturday, you can enjoy a variety of salads, hot meals, quiches, sandwiches, wraps, homemade pies, cakes and biscuits here in complete peace and quiet.
Hotel Arena – Amsterdam
As if you were sitting in a park, only not on a picnic blanket but in a comfortable chair at a four-star boutique hotel, just a wink away from a flat white, a good glass of wine and a delicious sharing platter, crispy tatsuta chicken or a dinner featuring grilled bavette or skin-fried cod. And all of it at a table with white linen and a view of Oosterpark.
Tuincafé Botanica – Utrecht
Located in the entrance building of the Botanical Gardens at De Uithof, the sunny terrace overlooks one of Europe’s largest rock gardens and the centuries-old Fort Hoofddijk. Surrounded by botanical wilderness, Tuincafé Botanica may well be Utrecht’s best-kept secret. Lunching somewhere far abroad, but right in the middle of the Netherlands—and that’s no exaggeration. An extra bonus: Botanica will happily pack your lunch for a picnic in the gardens, filled with unusual flowers and plants.
Most beautiful courtyards
I’m a huge sucker for courtyards myself, so if you’re looking for even more beautiful places in the middle of the city’s hustle and bustle, don’t forget these wonderful courtyards in Amsterdam. Happy chillin!
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