Courtyard Gardens in Amsterdam

Even if you live in the city, every now and then you want to have coffee or lunch in a quiet place. And you certainly don’t have to leave the city for that. Simply go to one of these five courtyard gardens.

The Grand

On the edge of the busy Red Light District, you’ll find the chic The Grand hotel (Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197), and what very few people know is that it has a beautiful courtyard garden. You can’t see the garden from the street. Here, you can have coffee (or champagne) or enjoy an extensive afternoon tea (photo above the article).

Lion Noir

In the heart of the city centre is Lion Noir (Reguliersdwarsstraat 28a), one of the many establishments owned by entrepreneur Casper Reinders. On a sunny day, you should definitely come here, because the garden at the restaurant is stunning and large. It’s also a lovely place in winter, as they have a large fireplace.

De School

At night, you dance the night away here, and at all other times you can relax or enjoy a meal in the magical garden of De School (Jan van Breemenstraat 1). Be sure to check out this video.

De Hermitage

The Hermitage on the Amstel (Amstel 51) is a must-visit anyway because of all the exhibitions, but you can also go there just for a cup of coffee with apple pie in the courtyard garden.

De Hoftuin

Just behind the Hermitage is another beautiful garden: the one at Hoftuin (Nieuwe Herengracht 18). The kitchen employs homeless people and people without a permanent home, and uses many organic products.

Image: The Grand