Best terraces in Amsterdam

NDSM terraces

For a terrace experience with a raw, creative edge, head to NDSM, the former shipyard in Amsterdam Noord that’s now a buzzing cultural hub. With wide-open spaces, bold street art and sweeping views over the IJ, it’s the perfect escape from the city centre’s bustle. Grab a table at IJver, right in the heart of it all — a spacious hangout surrounded by industrial and graffiti art. For something more relaxed and eco-minded, Noorderlicht offers a quirky greenhouse setting, often with live music and a focus on sustainability. Want a laid-back beach feel? Pllek brings the chill with its urban sand patch, vegetarian-friendly menu, and unbeatable waterfront (and sunset) views. And for something more refined, Helling7 serves up elevated food and wine in a stylish setting — ideal for date night with a view.

Canalside terraces

You’re never far from a terrace with a view in Amsterdam’s canal belt — in fact, you can find one on every corner. But a few spots stand out for their iconic scenery and unbeatable atmosphere. Café de Jaren is a longtime favourite, with a generous canal-side deck to soak up the sun. For a terrace that is vibrant even after sunset, head to Waterkant, tucked under a car park near the Marnixstraat — Surinamese street food, colourful crowds, and boats gliding by make it a real summer hotspot. And then there’s Café de Sluyswacht, a 17th-century lock house that leans charmingly to one side — a perfect mix of local history, canal views, and sunshine.

Westergasterrein terraces

Once home to Amsterdam’s gasworks, the Westergasterrein in Westerpark has been transformed into a lively cultural and hospitality hotspot, where industrial heritage meets green space and creative energy. It’s a favourite hangout for locals year-round, but truly comes alive in the sun. Brouwerij Troost Westergas pours house-brewed beers on a spacious terrace framed by red-brick factory walls. De Willem, located just outside the old gasworks at the Haarlemmerpoort, is a stylish newcomer with a sunny terrace that feels like a local secret. For early birds, De Bakkerswinkel is the go-to for coffee, pastries and a quiet start to the day. Come afternoon, things pick up at TonTon Club, where the generous terrace and arcade games inside make it a playful spot to settle in. And for long summer evenings, Pacific is a classic — spacious, casual, and often buzzing with DJs or live music.

Vondelpark terraces

Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s green heart and go-to spot for picnics, rollerblading, and impromptu people-watching. The park has some excellent terraces to sit back and soak it all in. Right in the centre, the iconic ‘t Blauwe Theehuis serves drinks from a modernist, UFO-shaped pavilion, with a big circular terrace that's always buzzing. Het Groot Melkhuis is a family favourite, with a large shaded terrace, playground, and casual menu — ideal for parents looking to relax while the kids roam. At the southern end, Vondeltuin offers a more tucked-away and festival-like vibe under the trees.

Marineterrein terraces

Tucked between the old city centre and the open water of the Oosterdok, the Marineterrein is a former naval base that’s quietly become one of Amsterdam’s most laid-back and experimental waterfront zones. Once off-limits to the public, this area now mixes innovation hubs, swimming spots, and spacious terraces with unbeatable views over the water. Hannekes Boom is a colourful, DIY-style favourite perched right on the water’s edge — think driftwood furniture, hanging lights, and the feel of a floating festival. Just around the corner, Brouwerij Homeland brews its own beers on site and serves them on a roomy terrace that looks out over the marina, perfect for catching golden hour. The rooftop of the NEMO Science Museum offers a massive stepped terrace with panoramic views over the historic harbour — open to everyone, no museum ticket needed.

River Amstel terraces

For another scenic vibe, the Amstel River offers some of the most picturesque terraces in Amsterdam, where you can watch the boats glide by and enjoy a drink with a view. De Ysbreeker, a classic in the heart of the city, serves up Dutch dishes and drinks with a lovely riverside terrace — ideal for watching the world go by. A little further down the river, Hesp provides a more unpretentious atmosphere, with large, sun-drenched terraces perfect for enjoying a cold drink in the summer breeze. If you’re looking for something more upscale with stunning views, George Marina offers a sleek and stylish option — right on the water, with gourmet bites and cocktails, making it the perfect place for a leisurely evening as the sun sets over the Amstel.

River IJ terraces

The River IJ offers an entirely different kind of waterfront experience compared to the classic canal views, with wide-open vistas and an industrial, maritime feel. Tolhuistuin, located just a short ferry ride from Centraal Station, is a cultural gem with a relaxed vibe and a spacious two-level terrace that looks directly out over the water. Lowlander is set in an old warehouse with its massive outdoor terrace offering both river views and a laid-back atmosphere, ideal for anyone looking for all-day tanning while surrounded by local craft beer. For something a bit more elevated, REM Eiland offers a one-of-a-kind experience: a restaurant and terrace set atop an old offshore platform, providing jaw-dropping views of the IJ and the city skyline

Brewery terraces

In the trendy Oost neighbourhood, 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. Also in Oost, Poesiat & Kater's craft beers have reached iconic status in Amsterdam, and the spacious terrace outside this historic building is the perfect spot to enjoy them. The menu is designed around the art of brewing, and it includes an extensive selection of shared platters, classic Dutch bar snacks, main courses, and desserts.

Hidden terraces

Not your typical bustling inner-city café terrace, De Vergulden Eenhoorn in Oost 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. A scenic bike trip away in Amsterdam Noord, fishermen and shipbuilders once built their homes along the scenic Niewendammerdijk and most likely frequented Café 't Sluisje - a 100-year-old brown café overlooking the harbour. Sit down for a wonderfully simple lunch or dinner with a stunning view from the Nieuwendammerhaven. The terrace is situated so that the sun hits it at every hour of the day.