The best terraces in Amsterdam by district
The weather is gorgeous and it looks like it’s going to stay that way for a while. So come on: let’s hit the terrace! And where should you go? We’ve listed our favourite terraces in Amsterdam, by district, for you.
The best terraces in Amsterdam by district
Terraces in De Pijp
1. Venster 33
My all-time favourite in De Pijp. They have a large terrace that gets the afternoon sun, but where you can also sit wonderfully until late in the evening. The snack menu is delicious (you can eat well here in general), extensive, the staff are very friendly and they serve the tastiest Moscow Mules in De Pijp and the surrounding area — and now frozen Pornstar Martinis too.
Eerste van der Helstraat 42
2. De Tulp
Just around the corner from Venster 33, you’ll find De Tulp, which has by now also become a household name in Amsterdam. A wonderfully large terrace, but you’ll have to be lucky to get a table. And once you’re seated, never let it go.
Marie Heinekenplein 33
3. Café Binnen Buiten
I think this is a seriously underrated place; I used to come here very often, but I’d kind of forgotten about it in recent years. Such a shame, because they have a great terrace here (partly beside the water), and it’s still somewhat away from the crowds. No unnecessary fuss here, just good beers and decent food.
Ruysdaelkade 115
4. QLIQUE Bar Bistro
You can imagine yourself in the south of France here, with the lovely bistro chairs and tables. The menu features delicious shared-dining dishes that go very well with the drinks. Oysters and bubbles? Then you’re definitely in the right place. We’ve written about it before: Qlique really is a gem in De Pijp.
Quellijnstraat 104
5. Caffè Pico
The newest addition to De Pijp, and I’m already willing to bet money that this is going to be a success. It’s just a little away from the crowds, but has a spacious, open terrace. Be sure to order one of the pizzas here, because they’re amazing. Deliciously thin crust and fresh ingredients. And don’t forget the cocktail menu either…
Ferdinand Bolstraat 72
6. Arie
Arie has become an essential part of De Pijp; hugely popular, but completely deservedly so. You get plenty of sun here (especially if you have a table on the other side of the road), and I love their lunch and snack menu. It’s so delicious that I’ve never even tried the dinner menu, which in this case is only good news.
Ferdinand Bolstraat 42
Terraces in the city centre
1. Lion Noir
I have a real soft spot for lovely courtyards, so you can understand why Lion Noir is one of my favourites. Especially since this spot is right in the middle of the busy city centre, and you can truly escape all the people for a moment.
Reguliersdwarsstraat 28
2. Jansz.
Sticking with the courtyards for a moment, because the one at Jansz obviously shouldn’t be left out. Whether you’re just stopping by for a coffee, having an elaborate lunch, drinks or dinner — this is such a lovely place.
Reestraat 8
3. Waterkant
Personally, I’m not a big fan of self-service on a terrace, but even I was won over: Waterkant is simply a lot of fun. Their own beers, made in collaboration with Brouwerij ‘t IJ, go down more than nicely, and I’m also very happy with the Surinamese menu — as well as the fact that you get sun here for a very long time.
Marnixstraat 246
4. Oriole Garden Bistro
Another wonderful oasis in the busy city centre: the terrace of hotel Sofitel Legend The Grand. Ranked 24th in the top 100 terraces in the Netherlands, but we think that’s a little low for the delightful Oriole. If, like us, you’re a sucker for courtyards: this is one of the most beautiful courtyards in Amsterdam. Just around the corner from the hectic Red Light District, you can quietly sip a freshly released AIX rosé. And don’t forget to order a portion of bitterballen, because they’re incredibly delicious here.
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197
Terraces in the west
1. Café Restaurant Amsterdam
When I don’t know what I’m in the mood for, I always choose Cradam, as this restaurant is affectionately known. Because they have almost literally everything on the menu, because the wine selection is extensive too, and because the service is always cheerful. And if you can get a spot by the water, my day couldn’t get any better.
Watertorenplein 6
2. Bar Kantoor
For the vegetarians among us: you’re going to be very happy here. The entire menu at Bar Kantoor is almost entirely vegetarian. Aside from that, the menu consists of 100% organic dishes, from burrata and Caesar salad to sea bream and ravioli – prepared in the 100% electric kitchen and bar – they’re serious about sustainability here. And the terrace is gigantic, as is the mezze platter. Finished eating and drinking? Then you can walk straight into Westerpark.
Haarlemmerweg 8
3. Karavaan
I think this is such a lovely place, and it seems as though everyone sitting on the terrace is in an exceptionally good mood — I always find the atmosphere here very pleasant. But you do need a bit of luck to get a spot, because you won’t be the only one with that idea on a sunny day. So go early.
Kwakersplein 2
4. Bar Kosta
When I know I really want to spend the entire day on a terrace, I always come here. This is where you catch the last rays of sunshine of the day. And staying for dinner is no punishment either, because the menu is excellent, as is the snack menu — and they have delicious rosé.
Derde Kostverlorenkade 42
5. Café Cook
A bit of a hidden gem in Amsterdam West, because for years I didn’t realise that this residential neighbourhood was home to a gigantic terrace. Even though Café Cook itself isn’t very large inside. Ideal if you want to have a quiet drink or you’re with children.
James Cookstraat 2
6. BARTACK
This is the place in the west where you can enjoy endless breakfasts, lunches and drinks in the sunshine on the large terrace near Rembrandtpark. Take a seat on the metre-long terrace at the front, or on the side of BARTACK. Be sure to order the classic burger with top-quality meat from Lindenhoff in Baambrugge and the crispy fries from Friethoes. Vegetarians will also feel right at home here, as there are quite a few vegetarian snacks on the menu. An extra plus: the friendly service and laid-back living-room feel.
Postjesweg 124
7. Daalder
The team at Michelin-starred Daalder manages to surprise us every year. Whereas last year the dishes featured mainly Spanish and Mexican influences, this year’s approach is completely different. Dennis Huwaë is returning to his roots with spicy Indonesian flavours and is now serving amazing street food on the lovely terrace by the water. The star of the show is the fried chicken. Dennis was inspired by tasting various Korean fried chicken dishes and created his own Indonesian version. IRRESISTIBLE!
Postjesweg 1
Terraces in the north
1. Tolhuistuin
One of the nicest places in Amsterdam Noord, with an incredible terrace. Be sure to keep an eye on the schedule too, because there are often fun festivals and/or concerts here — so you can easily combine them with a day on the terrace.
IJpromenade 2
2. Café de Ceuvel
If you want to swim and unwind on a terrace, De Ceuvel is the place to go. You can also moor a boat at this hotspot in Noord, so if you’re lucky enough to go boating on a summer’s day, you’ll definitely want to make a pit stop here.
Korte Papaverweg 4
3. Pllek
Of course, this spot can’t be left out of the list, and it’s certainly recommended if you’re vegetarian. It’s great that you see so many different kinds of people here: students, families, tourists — everyone together.
TT. Neveritaweg 59
4. Lowlander Botanical Bar & Restaurant
Lowlander Botanical Bar & Restaurant is located on the Gedempt Hamerkanaal, diagonally opposite Amsterdam Central Station on the IJ, at the industrial site where fish restaurant Stork operated for twelve years. Inside, it’s spacious, and when the sun shines, the restaurant’s large glass façade opens to transform the interior into an outdoor space. Though if you’re here for drinks, you’ll catch the most sun on the terrace by the water. Moor your boat here or watch all the boats passing by from the terrace. A top spot – where you can drink plenty of Lowlander beers.
Gedempt Hamerkanaal 201
Terraces in the south
1. De Vondeltuin
You sit so wonderfully here in summer, especially if you have children (there’s a playground right next door). A lovely, relaxed atmosphere, and you can often still manage to find a table in the sun.
Vondelpark 7
2. Proeflokaal ‘t Blauwe Theehuis
This place was taken over by Brouwerij ‘t IJ some time ago, and in my opinion that was a very good move. Because now you can enjoy excellent drinks here, but also very good food. They have various types of tables and chairs here (including some hanging chairs, for example), and you can play pétanque.
Vondelpark 5
3. StrandZuid
When it comes to terraces, I always think this one is a real winner. You can grab a lounge chair in the sand or a table by the water, and for a moment you’ll feel completely outside the city. Be sure to keep an eye on the schedule, because there are often fun drinks events and parties here.
Europaplein 22
4. TapZuid
No, this isn’t related to the one above, but it really is highly recommended. They have more than twenty beers on tap, delicious flammkuchen and a large terrace with sun until late. One of my favourites in Amsterdam Zuid.
Maasstraat 70
5. Lokaal van de Stad
This is a bit of a hidden gem (for me, anyway, simply because I don’t often come to this neighbourhood), but every time I’m amazed by the incredible terrace here. Especially if you want to have a more elaborate meal or lunch, this is the perfect place.
Heemstedestraat 68
Terraces in the east
1. Ode aan de Amstel
With this view over the Amstel, I realise every time just how beautiful Amsterdam is. And it really gives me a holiday feeling, even though I live in Amsterdam; Ode aan de Amstel is pure enjoyment.
Amstelboulevard 1
2. De Vergulden Eenhoorn
I get that holiday feeling here too, by the way, because you really don’t feel like you’re in the city at all. An oasis of calm, where the days fly by — and the food is genuinely delicious too.
Ringdijk 58
3. De Plantage
What I like about this terrace is that it’s still so lovely in the evening, when it’s beautifully lit up. You also look out over Artis, of course, and that’s a view you’ll never get tired of.
Plantage Kerklaan 36
4. Louie Louie
I think this is a dangerous spot, because it always has the perfect atmosphere for drinks. That always makes it difficult to just come here “for a quick one”, but hey; that’s a luxury problem. You simply have an exceptionally good spot on the terrace here.
Linneausstraat 11
Also read:
- These are the 100 best terraces in the entire Netherlands according to Misset Horeca
- 5x best ‘cello liqueurs’ for the terrace, park or boat
- Recipe: prawn spring rolls (Thai-style)
