When the sun comes out in Amsterdam the city really comes to life! People rush outdoors to soak up the rays on one of Amsterdam’s canalside terraces.

AMSTERDAM’S BEST WATERSIDE TERRACES

Where to go have a drink or snack by the water when the sun peeks out from behind the clouds? Here are some of our favorites. Good in the summer, spring or winter, as long as the weather is fine.

Hanneke’s Boom

The perfect spot to sit by the water and feel like you’ve gotten away from it all, Hanneke’s Boom is a ramshackle shack located near Centraal Station. With lots of outdoor seating and water all around, it’s one of the most popular spots in Amsterdam when the sun is out. Their food is tasty too, and they host evening BBQs in the summertime.

Hanneke’s Boom also has an awesome fireplace in the wintertime.

Hanneke’s Boom
Dijksgracht 4, Amsterdam

Cafe Van Zuylen

With a large terrace on the Singel canal bridge, Cafe Van Zuylen is sure to have a place in the sun for you. A wonderful spot to sip a glass of wine and watch the bicycles go by, Van Zuylen also has tasty snacks and meals.

Cafe van Zuylen
Torensteeg 8, Amsterdam

Cafe de Jaren

You can’t miss this modern two-story building with a terrace right on the water. An Amsterdam institution, Cafe de Jaren has a lovely wood deck on the canal side. If you can secure a seat during lunchtime on a sunny day, try one of their delicious sandwiches.

Cafe de Jaren
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20, Amsterdam

Cafe ‘t Smalle

The tiny terrace at Cafe ‘t Smalle is on one of the most charming canals in Amsterdam. If you are lucky enough to snag a seat, order a drink and watch the boats go by. It’s lovely on sunny afternoons in summer or even in winter.

Cafe ‘t Smalle
Egelantiersgracht 12, Amsterdam

De Ysbreeker

Sit on the big terrace on the wide Amstel and soak up the rays at De Ysbreeker. There is free WIFI here so you may see a lot of laptops during the daytime. Bring yours along and finish that novel you’ve been working on. Good food and lovely ambiance indoors too for those days the clouds predominate.

De Ysbreeker
Weesperzijde 23, Amsterdam

Edel

Located in a historic vocational school in Oud-West built in the 1920s Amsterdam School style, Edel has a huge terrace on the canal. It’s a great option if you are bringing along a large group. Edel recently revamped their menu so be sure to go hungry and enjoy lunch or dinner there!

Edel Amsterdam
Postjesweg 1, Amsterdam

Waterkant

Waterkant is one of the best summer hotspots in the city center. Come on by and soak up the sunshine on a nice afternoon, have a few beers or a G&T and fill your belly with tasty Surinamese food.

Waterkant
Marnixstraat 246, Amsterdam

Amsterdam Roest

For a relaxed vibe and a sandy canalside city beach, head to Roest hidden away on the east side of the city. This cool old rusty place hosts many events from markets to festivals, films and concerts and is always a cool place to chill out and get away from the hectic city streets. Check their agenda for the latest events.

Amsterdam Roest
Czaar Peterstraat 213, Amsterdam

EYE Bar

The EYE Bar and Restaurant at the museum in Amsterdam Noord has a wonderful terrace on the IJ. Since there are no buildings in front of it, the cafe gets a lot of afternoon sun and has a great view across the water to Amsterdam. Open daily for lunch and dinner or just grab a coffee before touring the museum or a glass of wine before catching a film. For another nice restaurant terrace, check out THT or The Butcher next door.

EYE Bar
IJpromenade 1, Amsterdam Noord

Pllek

Take a short trip on the ferry to Amsterdam Noord and enjoy a beach getaway for free! Pllek has a rocky beach with great views of the city and cold beers to wash your worries away. Great simple food for lunch and dinner too. Grab a seat on the half boat benches or fatboys and soak up the sunshine.

Pllek
TT Neveritaweg 59, Amsterdam

Cafe de Ceuvel

Hidden away in Amsterdam Noord, Cafe de Ceuvel is a funky spot along the water with a great laid back vibe. This cool cafe is all about sustainability but not in a preachy way. Be sure to walk around the property and check out the refurbished houseboats and take a ride on the rope swing!

Cafe de Ceuvel
Korte Papaverweg 4, Amsterdam

And here’s the map for you!

Do you have any other suggestions where we can relax on the waterside with a biertje in hand? Tell us about it! You can find us on social media.

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