When you live in the Netherlands, you get used to the fact that there isn't much sun and if you're a foreigner, the excitement surrounding summer becomes quite understandable, especially when you come from a sunny country. Summer in the Netherlands is both fun and exciting. The boats on the canals, the crowded beaches, the open-air festivals, BBQ in the parks and of course, the terraces where people go to chill, drink and take in the sun.
Whether alone or with a group of friends, chilling on a sunny terrace still remains one of my favourite things to do in the summer. Some terraces have a little more sun than others and while one may have better food, snacks and cocktails than the others, chilling on terraces still remains very popular in Amsterdam and other parts of the Netherlands.
Here on this blog, we take a look at 15 popular terraces in Amsterdam and where to find them.
1. Miss Moneypenny:
Located in the Spuistraat, Miss Moneypenny is the ideal place for you to relax with some food and drinks on a bright sunny day. For a cup of coffee, glass of wine or tasty cocktails, visit Miss Moneypenny's and enjoy chilling on their terraces while sampling something delicious!
Spuistraat 223, 1012 VN Amsterdam.
2. Hannekes Boom:
Hannekes Boom is like the place to be when the weather is really good! Enjoy some bitterballs, drinks and tasty sandwiches with friends as you chill on the terraces next to the quay.
Dijksgracht 4, 1019 BS Amsterdam.
3. Edel:
Edel is right next to the canal, with a terrace that makes a wonderful spot for brunch, lunch, dinner or just drinks. Edel has been a favourite for years because of its fine terrace.
Postjesweg 1, 1057 DT Amsterdam.
4. Taproom:
Taproom is a beer cafe that believes that beer tastes best when it comes out cold. Enjoy some cold beer on a hot summer day as you chill with family and friends on the Taproom terraces.
Nieuwe Vijzelstraat 1, 1017 HT Amsterdam.
5. Loetje aan het IJ:
Loetje boasts of serving the best steak in Amsterdam. The restaurant is located right next to a body of water called the IJ. This is the spot where you can eat some wonderful steak, hamburgers and also have some cold drinks while you watch boats sail by on the IJ.
Werfkade 14, 1033 RA Amsterdam.
6. Dignita Hoftuin:
One of Amsterdam's best kept secrets, Dignita Hoftuin is where you go for true relaxation, delicious cocktails and well-prepared food. For coffee with cake, lunch or drinks, check in any time any day!
Nieuwe Herengracht 18a, 1018 DP Amsterdam.
7. Lion Noir:
This cozy restaurant with a seasonal menu is what everyone needs in Amsterdam. You can sit outside in one of Amsterdam's most beautiful gardens while you enjoy your lunch and drinks.
Reguliersdwarsstraat 28, 1017 BM Amsterdam.
8. Waterkant:
This is one of those spots you definitely want to visit when the weather is nice. Waterkant translates to "water side" in English and is a terrace that enjoys a lot of sunshine during the summer months. Don't forget to order a Parbo beer and some spit-roasted chicken while you chill in the sun.
Marnixstraat 246, 1016 TL Amsterdam.
9. Bar Mash:
At Bar Mash, it's all about drinks and Thai food. Their terrace is a nice hotspot for afternoon drinks with delicious bitter balls.
Gerard Douplein 9, 1073 XE Amsterdam.
10. Cannibale Royale Ruysdael:
Cannibale Royale still remains my favourite spot in Amsterdam. While they may have a lot of restaurants in the city (with my favourite one located in the Red Light District), the one in De Pijp happens to have a lovely terrace. This is where the sun combines with delicious spareribs to give you an unforgettable afternoon.
Ruysdaelkade 149, 1072 AR Amsterdam.
11. A'DAM Lookout Tower:
The highest sky bar in Amsterdam (and perhaps the most beautiful) can be found in the A'DAM Lookout Tower. The Lookout Tower is always lovely on a sunny day with the clear blue sky and the beautiful view of Amsterdam Central Station! Don't forget to try the swing right on the edge of the tower - if you dare!
Overhoeksplein, 5, 1031 KS Amsterdam.
12. Floor 17:
Floor17 rooftop terrace bar offers 360 degree views of Amsterdam. They also have delicious BBQ, tasty cocktails and open air movie nights during the summer months.
Staalmeesterslaan 410, 1057 PH Amsterdam.
13. Cafe de Sluyswacht:
Cafe de Sluyswacht's canal-side terrace is a lovely place to sit on a summer evening with a beer and some (bitterballen) bitter balls. This is the perfect place for good food, drinks and a wonderful view of the canals!
Jodenbreestraat 1, 1011 NG Amsterdam.
14. Skylounge at the Doubletree by Hilton:
Skylounge is right on the top of Amsterdam's Doubletree Hilton hotel with its panoramic view of Amsterdam Central Station. This rooftop bar boasts of serving some of the best cocktails in the city. On any sunny day, the view is both beautiful and exhilarating. Skylounge is the ideal place to chill with your friends and family while enjoying some cocktails.
Oosterdoksstraat 4, 1011 DK Amsterdam.
15. Café Restaurant De Ysbreeker:
Café Ysbreeker is a beautiful restaurant in Amsterdam-East with a contemporary setting and a nice water-front terrace. A perfect opportunity to enjoy some good food and drinks with a beautiful view of the river Amstel.
Weesperzijde 23, 1091 EC Amsterdam.
Summer in Amsterdam is beautiful. Apart from chilling on sunny terraces, there are also other reasons to visit this wonderful city. Click here for some more reasons to visit Amsterdam in the summer.
