Best ways to experience SAIL Amsterdam 2025; from the shore, water and above
26 August 2025
Dinner and drinks with a view of SAIL Amsterdam 2025
Updated 26 August 2025 at 12:43
During SAIL Amsterdam 2025, the River IJ transforms into a stage filled with tall ships and other impressive vessels. At select locations in Amsterdam, you can do more than just watch this spectacular event; you can combine it with a memorable lunch, dinner, or drinks by the water. With a special SAIL dining package, you’re guaranteed a prime spot along the waterfront, turning the parade of ships into a full experience: delicious food, a relaxed atmosphere, and front-row views of the tall ships sailing by.
Lowlander Botanical Bar & Restaurant
Image from Lowlander Botanical Bar en Restaurant
Right on the waterfront in Amsterdam Noord, Lowlander offers you a true front-row seat. From the terrace, you can watch an endless parade of impressive ships while enjoying botanically brewed beers and flavorful dishes. For SAIL, Lowlander is hosting an exceptional front-row experience with live music, great food, and plenty of Lowlander brews. The complete shared dining menu (lunch or dinner) is €65 per person, including a welcome drink.
Wednesday 20 – Sunday 24 August 2025, from 11:00
Lowlander Botanical Bar & Restaurant, Gedempt Hamerkanaal 201, Noord | more info
Mandelahuisje
At the terrace of Mandelahuisje, you’ll be so close you can feel the atmosphere of the Salute Protocol and hear the sea shanties sung by the sailors. On Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, they offer special time slots and arrangements. On Thursday and Friday, you can simply walk in (free entry). Order a cocktail, enjoy barbecue bites, and relax with live music, plus spectacular fireworks in the evening. Prices vary, from free to more premium, to keep the experience accessible for everyone.
Wednesday 20 – Sunday 24 August 2025
Mandelahuisje, Sixhavenweg 27, Noord | more info
LuminAir
During SAIL, rooftop bar LuminAir, right next to Amsterdam Central Station, transforms into CLUB SAIL: the place for cocktails, panoramic views, and live music while the tall ships glide by. Day tickets for the rooftop terrace are €15. In the evening, CLUB SAIL offers an exclusive experience: for €29, you’ll enjoy access to the rooftop, a welcome drink, and live entertainment during your chosen time slot. And from here, you’ll have one of the best views of the fireworks.
Wednesday 20 – Sunday 24 August 2025
Het Dorp
Image from Het Dorp
At Het Dorp (formerly Sexyland), you’ll experience SAIL right on the waterfront, with tall ships passing just an arm’s length away. The grounds feature a variety of food stands, from Indonesian specialities to quick bites, plus a daily line-up of DJs and pop-up activities. As night falls, the party continues until late, and at 22:30 you’ll have one of the best views of the fireworks.
Wednesday 20 – Sunday 24 August 2025
Hotel Jakarta
Image from Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam by WestCord
Perched at the very tip of Java Island, Hotel Jakarta puts you in a prime position for everything SAIL has to offer. Experience a unique blend of Indonesian flavours and Dutch gezelligheid as ships pass right by your table. For SAIL, there’s a special menu: a 2-course lunch (€37.50) or 3-course dinner (€42.50, drinks not included). Prefer à la carte? That’s possible too. With panoramic views over the IJ, this is the ultimate spot to soak up the SAIL atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
Wednesday 20 – Sunday 24 August 2025
Hotel Jakarta, Javakade 766, Oostelijke Havengebied | more info
The Harbour Club
Image from Nico Alsemgeest
For five days, The Harbour Club East goes all out for SAIL. Picture a lively oyster bar with fresh oysters right by the water, a spectacular live barbecue, and non-stop DJ sets. Heading out on the water yourself? Make use of their luxury boat take-away or indulge in full-service catering: from shared dining boxes to sushi, oysters, and warm bites—ready for pick-up at the quay on Cruquiusweg 67.
Wednesday 20 – Sunday 24 August 2025
The Harbour Club, Cruquiusweg 67, Oostelijke Havengebied | more info
Love&Disco Cruise
Image from SAIL Love&Disco Cruise
Step aboard the Salonboot Prins van Oranje from 19:30 – 23:30 and dance your way through SAIL in true disco style. Over four unforgettable hours, you’ll soak up the views, enjoy snacks and drinks, groove to the hottest disco hits, try your luck at music bingo, and cap the night with the spectacular 22:30 fireworks show - all for €75!
Wednesday 20 – Sunday 24 August 2025
Love&Disco Cruise, Danzigerkade 40, Houthavens | more info
Dinner by Dock
Helling7 and BAUT team up with DAMEN for an extraordinary dining experience: Dinner by Dock, set beneath the massive hull of a DAMEN ship. Inside Dock 1, an impressive shipyard hall around 10 meters below sea level, you’ll be welcomed with a glass of bubbles, followed by an amuse-bouche and a lavish 4-course lunch or dinner, complete with paired drinks and wines. Want to make it extra special? Opt for the exclusive wine pairing.
Wednesday 20 – Sunday 24 August 2025
Dinner by Dock, tt. Melissaweg 15, NDSM | more info
Restaurant NEXT
Image from NEXT NDSM
During SAIL, NEXT presents a 4-course menu by chef Vilmos Dohnal, inspired by fresh local fish, seasonal vegetables, and Asian influences. The menu (€69 per person) highlights seafood dishes and ends with a decadent dessert. Stay afterwards to enjoy the spectacular 22:30 fireworks show from the A’DAM Tower. Reservations are highly recommended.
Wednesday 20 – Sunday 24 August 2025, 20:30 – 23:00
BAK
Image from BAK
At BAK, SAIL is an elevated experience—both literally and gastronomically. From the light-filled dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the IJ as the ships pass by. The kitchen focuses on seasonal ingredients and, during SAIL, serves a 5-course tasting menu (€77.50 per person). Currently, there’s a waiting list, so sign up quickly.
Wednesday 20 – Sunday 24 August 2025
Kaap de Groene Hoop Festival
During SAIL, the NDSM wharf transforms into the Kaap de Groene Hoop Festival—a vibrant gathering of food trucks and stands serving flavours from around the world. Take your pick, from Madame Cocos’ sweet coconut treats to Surinamese bara, Jamaican barbecue, plant-based burgers, and fresh bread from BBrood. Sample dishes from the KolenkitKoks, discover Italian street food, or treat yourself to cookies and ice cream from De Koeckebackers. Then, find your spot by the water to watch the tall ships sail past, accompanied by live music and a relaxed festival vibe.
Wednesday 20 – Sunday 24 August 2025, 12:00 – 21:00 (Sunday until 18:00)
Kaap de Groene Hoop, NDSM | more info
