Best terraces in Amsterdam

Noorderlicht

Hop on the free ferry from behind Central Station to NDSM Wharf, and before you know it you'll be basking on the grassy banks of Noorderlicht; one of Amsterdam's most unique bars. Essentially a giant greenhouse draped in fairy lights and festival bunting, this magical venue comes into its own in the sunshine thanks to its sizeable waterside beer garden, regular live music on the open-air stage and large campfire for cosy summer nights.

Noorderlicht | tt. Neveritaweg 33, NDSM Wharf

Waterkant

With its vast waterside terrace that enjoys full sunshine, the colourful Surinamese café bar Waterkant attracts an arty crowd of locals and in-the-know visitors. The perfect spot for sunny weather yet also cosy when the temperature drops, Waterkant exudes tropical vibes in the heart of Amsterdam, just on the edge of the canal ring. Order yourself a beer and some spit-roasted chicken, and join the fun.

Waterkant | Marnixstraat 246, Centrum

Hannekes Boom

Just a 10-minute walk from Central Station, yet blissfully located off the beaten track on the banks of Oosterdok, this vibrant waterside shack makes for a charmingly eclectic hangout. Built entirely from salvaged materials, Hannekes Boom exudes a quirky vibe and boasts one of Amsterdam’s best beer gardens. Locals and savvy visitors gather on sunny days to enjoy the funky vibes, good music and home-cooked BBQ food.

Hannekes Boom | Dijksgracht 4, Centrum

Royal Theatre Carré

This historic venue dedicated to the performing arts has one of the best-kept secrets in the Plantage neighbourhood: a pop-up waterside terrace. Right on the banks of the River Amstel, the spacious open-air deck is open throughout the day until sunset and is the ideal spot to enjoy a few drinks or grab a bite to eat before catching a show or musical. Relax in the deckchairs on the small city beach and soak up the colourful summer atmosphere. 

*Please note that this terrace is not open all year round. For exact opening hours, check the Carré website.

Royal Theatre Carré | Amstel 115-125, De Plantage

Pacific

At the western end of the Westergas cultural complex in Westerpark, Pacific is a lively restaurant, bar, and late-night rock ’n’ roll club that just so happens to have one of the best terraces in Amsterdam. The colourful beer garden has a mish-mash of outdoor furniture made from reclaimed materials, fire pits to keep you warm after sundown and enough space for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors.

Pacific | Polonceaukade 23, Westerpark

‘t Blauwe Theehuis

There’s no better place to kick back when the sun is shining than in one of Amsterdam’s many beautiful parks, and you’ll find terraces galore amongst the trees in Vondelpark. Right in the centre, ‘t Blauwe Theehuis is a striking modernist pavilion that resembles a giant teacup crossed with a spaceship. With a large ground-floor garden surrounding the building plus a panoramic balcony terrace upstairs, this iconic bar has outdoor seating for more than 700 people.

‘t Blauwe Theehuis | Vondelpark 5, Oud-Zuid

Podium Mozaïek

The sprawling terrace of this multicultural theatre is positioned on one of the sunniest corners of Bos en Lommer. It’s the perfect spot to grab a glass of wine before catching a midweek theatre or dance performance or simply just to sit in the morning light with a coffee reading the paper. At weekends the terrace comes alive with a great mix of students and locals as plates upon plates of Turkish brunch delicacies are served in the sun.

Podium Mozaïek | Bos en Lommerweg 191, Bos en Lommer

In de Waag

Housed in a 15th-century city gatehouse, In de Waag is a centrally located venue boasting a heady mix of historical charm, fantastic food and drink, and that all-important terrace. Nestled between the turrets of this landmark building, a vast outdoor seating area offers one of the finest spots for al fresco dining in Amsterdam, as well as ample people-watching opportunities on Nieuwmarkt.

In de Waag | Nieuwmarkt 4, Centrum

Tolhuistuin

Exceptionally easy to reach and with one of the best terraces in Amsterdam, Tolhuistuin is a funky bar, restaurant and cultural venue with a bohemian vibe and sweeping views of Amsterdam from across the IJ. With a huge beer garden out front and a secret garden, which often hosts live events at the back, Tolhuistuin is one of the most colourful spots to enjoy a sunny day in Amsterdam. The free ferry from behind Central Station will drop you off outside the door in just three minutes.

Tolhuistuin | IJpromenade 2, Noord

De Neef van Fred

This trendy neighbourhood cafe enjoys a covetable canalside location as one of the few places in De Baarsjes where you can sit directly along the Admiralengracht. Watch the world go by with a coffee and breakfast or enjoy lunch and after-work drinks in picturesque surroundings. There’s a great selection of local beers to try before tucking into some dinner in the sunshine, choosing from the all-day bistro menu.

De Neef van Fred | Jan Evertsenstraat 41, De Baarsjes

Brouwerij ’t IJ

In the trendy east of the city, the independent brewery bar Brouwerij ‘T IJ, nestled underneath an authentic Dutch windmill, is a firm favourite among locals and beer-loving visitors alike. The bar serves an impressive selection of home-brewed, organic beers, best enjoyed on a warm day on the lively terrace. An outdoor barbecue serves up tasty morsels during the summer months, ideal for soaking up all that delicious beer.

Brouwerij ’t IJ | Funenkade 7, Oost

Pllek

No list of Amsterdam’s best terraces would be complete without a mention of Pllek, the hip, industrial hangout on the banks of the IJ. Located across the water in Amsterdam Noord, Pllek’s al fresco watering hole isn’t so much a terrace as an entire beach – which becomes awash with Amsterdam’s trendy young things as soon as the sun rears its head. Catch the free ferry headed from behind Amsterdam Central and then take a short stroll along the waterfront.

Pllek | tt. Neveritaweg 59, NDSM

De Vergulden Eenhoorn

Not your typical bustling inner-city café terrace, De Vergulden Eenhoorn used to be a city farm, and that’s still very much what the vibe is like. Despite the easily accessible location near Amstel station, being here feels like the middle of nowhere – in a good way. The lovely garden features deckchairs, chirping birds and a playing area for jeu de boules, plus a fireplace for the evening hours.

De Vergulden Eenhoorn | Ringdijk 58, Oost