Sun Catching at the Best Amsterdam Terraces
Sun Catching at the Best Amsterdam Terraces
These days higher temperatures create an even better image of Amsterdam: warmer, fresher, brighter and more appealing. When the sun is shining you get to see Dutch people popping up at bars and cafés terraces as beautiful spring flowers-fast and everywhere around the city. So why not follow their example and enjoy the long-awaited sunshine sipping your drink, trying local bites and admiring a gorgeous view.
In the park
You might be surprised with the amount of Dutchies already laying on the grass around all 30 parks of Amsterdam. Even if it’s still cold, but the sun is out, locals are ready to take their jackets off and catch some rays in the green spots of the city. Let’s share these fun places with them, herrons, ducks and large green parrots (yes, they are permanent residents of Amsterdam too!).
Pacific Parc
Located in Westerpark, this lively bar/restaurant is a part of Westergasfabriek complex that attracts alternative people coming here for cultural events and nice time at the huge terrace. Westergasfabriek is quite a unique venue worth seeing, as it’s a former gasworks that are recognized as monumental buildings now. Lots of creativity, recycled materials, lush green park and young folks bring in a very special easygoing atmosphere at Pacific Parc. Be ready for some rock n roll here in the evening!
Westergasfabriek, Westerpark
The Blauwe Teehuis
This Blue Teahouse serves way more than just tea on its ground floor garden terrace and a panoramic balcony patio in the heart of Vondelpark. The building itself is quite modern for Amsterdam, but the green park and blooming flowers add lots of charm to it. Keep your eyes open for the nests of those parrots right next to the terrace, and allow yourself some time to explore the park too. Vondelpark hides an original sculpture by Pablo Picasso, romantic spots by the water and even small fairytale like bridges.
Vondelpark, Amsterdam Oud-Zuid
Amazing waterside terraces
Who ordered an incredible view? It is almost impossible to choose the best waterside terrace in Amsterdam, as its 165 canals create a picturesque city landscape in all the directions. A week won’t be enough to enjoy yourself on all the attractive patios by canalside, but let’s start with a few.
Café de Jaren
One of the most central cafés with a nice terrace, Café de Jaren offers a stunning view of the Amstel River and passing by boats. Their quite large deck and buzzing vibe makes it into a nice lunch spot on a sunny day. The menu is casual and international here with highly ranked soups. If the weather is not suitable for the terrace, Café de Jaren has two storeys of light inside space too.
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20
Amsterdam Roest
Amsterdam Roest is that cool industrial hangout spot with a more alternative crowd, hip concerts and authentic markets by the canalside city beach. Explore this sandy, groovy and fun bar/café terrace perfect for trying local beers. Maybe Roest looks a bit rusty for some people, but it definitely got the spirit!
Czaar Peterstraat 213
Waterkant
Colorful and arty, Waterkant has a tropical ambiance inspired by Suriname and enormous waterside terrace. If you stay long enough while trying their specialties, you might get lucky with a nice evening event and a DJ playing. There is a lot of Surinamese influence in Amsterdam adding more intercultural character to the city, because Suriname used to be one of the Dutch colonies.
Marnixstraat 246
EYE Bar
Make an exciting adventure out of your afternoon drink in the sun by taking a free ferry to Amsterdam North to find yourself at the terrace of the EYE Bar and Restaurant. Look at Amsterdam from another side of the IJ, explore the urban northern part of the city full of hipsters and maybe even decide to check out the Film Museum there. One of the trendiest places in the city, EYE is a masterpiece of modern architecture.
IJpromenade 1, Amsterdam Noord
Historical terraces of Amsterdam
Café de Sluyswacht
A bit crooked yet delightful, this former cottage of a lockkeeper serves as a nice café with a wonderful canalside terrace. Built in 1695, it gives you a wrapping historical feel combined with a great opportunity for some relaxed people watching.
Jodenbreestraat 1
Restaurant-Café In de Waag
Even older (built in 1488!) In de Waag shares its historical secrets accompanied by nice drinks and snacks (and even better deserts!) at its charming terrace. Enjoy the view of this monumental architecture and always alive Nieuwmarkt square while trying Mediterranean cuisine or just sipping your coffee. A remarkable fact is that de Waag is the oldest building among non-religious ones in Amsterdam, and it can be seen on one of Rembrandt’s paintings!
Nieuwmarkt 4
This post is also available in: Dutch
