24 of the best waterfront terraces in Amsterdam >> (2024)

Sipping your glass of wine with a view of the most beautiful canals in Amsterdam? Knocking back your beer with your feet in the water? At the most excellentterraces by the water in Amsterdam, it’s a reality, and it feels like it’s summer all year round. At the 24 addresses below, you’re in for a treat.

The 24 Best Terraces by the Water in Amsterdam

In the city, nothing brings up such a summer feeling as a terrace by the water where you can spend the whole day. Waterkant is a classic everyone knows, but what about Marie (a bit fancier) or the good old Café de Jaren? The choice is vast, so make the most of it. These are the best terraces by the water in Amsterdam.

Restaurant De Mark

We start with a place that’s a bit of a cheat because De Mark isn’t officially in Amsterdam. But anyone who turns a blind eye will agree that this place must be on the list of the best terraces by the water in Amsterdam. At De Mark, you can completely unwind (just outside Amsterdam) and enjoy the nature that surrounds the city.
Durgerdammerdijk 73, Amsterdam, restaurantdemark.com

Tannay

Tannay is a newcomer to the location where De Gouden Reaal was long housed. The new French chef brings a fresh wind tothis place, where you can enjoy your dinner by the water until late in the evening during summer.
Zandhoek 14, Amsterdam, restaurantscaron.nl/restaurant/tannay

Kikkie van de Prinsensluis

Kikkie van de Prinsensluis is at the corner of Prinsengracht and Prinsenstraat (like Café Twee Prinsen, but on the other corner) and has a very nice terrace. It is the perfect place for people-watching, and you can also get good burgers and delicious (natural) wine.
Prinsenstraat 30, Amsterdam, kikkie.amsterdam

Café Twee Prinsen

Next to Kikkie, you’ll find Café Twee Prinsen. Their terrace has been the butt of jokes for years; it consists of nothing more than a large number of wooden stools. It is undoubtedly one of the cosiest terraces by the water in Amsterdam Centre.
Prinsenstraat 27, Amsterdam, tweeprinsen.nl

Marie

Marie is part of Hotel De L’Europe and an excellentspot by the water. The service is friendly, but the menu makes it hard to choose; everything on the card is equally good. But it’s also an excellent place for a drink or tea.
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14, Amsterdam, marieamsterdam.com

WATERKANT

Waterkant remains a favourite place to meet friends. It’s a great spot where there’s always something happening. You get your drinks at the bar and share a table with friends or strangers, often leading to unpredictable evenings.
Marnixstraat 246, Amsterdam, waterkantamsterdam.nl

Café de Jaren

A classic in the centre of Amsterdam: Café de Jaren. You will find such a good terrace by the water in a few places, most of the day also in the sun. They serve an extensive menu all day long, and they don’t shy away from a classic drink with bitterballen.
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-20, Amsterdam, cafedejaren.nl

De Japanner Strandeiland

De Japanner Strandeiland is one of those places in Amsterdam that feels like a beach club. The concept of De Japanner is based on Japanese Izakaya, an authentic small pub where Japanese workers enjoy beer, sake, and small dishes after a long workday. Located near Skatepark IJburg, De Japanner Strandeiland is a perfect getaway for summer days. And if you get too hot, take a dip in the IJ.
De Japanner Strandeiland, Pampuslaan 505, Amsterdam, dejapanner.com

Bloem Eten & Drinken

Bloem Eten & Drinken is a bit hidden on Entrepotdok, near Artis. But once you find this place, you’ll undoubtedly return. The extensive vegetarian menu is prepared fresh and lovingly. If you get warm, you can dip in the water, just like the rest of the neighborhood.
Entrepotdok 36, Amsterdam, bloem36.nl

GEORGE MARINA

For a few years now, you’ve found this chic hotspot by the water near the Amstel Station. With a nice large terrace by the water and delicious seafood dishes, you really get that holiday feeling in your own city.
Spaklerweg 10, Amsterdam, cafegeorge.nl

VOOGES AAN ’T IJ

Meneer Nieges has made way for Vooges aan ’t IJ. On the enormous terrace by the water, you can enjoy the sunshine (or seek shade) with an extensive lunch or dinner and a good glass of wine. The location is also very central: Vooges aan ‘t IJ is within walking distance of Central Station.
Westerdoksdijk 40H, Amsterdam, vooges.nl

LAGERWAL

Lagerwal is the place to be for long summer evenings in Amsterdam-Noord. The creative minds behind Lagerwal Amsterdam call it a ‘playground for adults’, and that’s precisely what it is. Right on the NDSM wharf, this new hotspot is located by the water, where you can enjoy music, art, food, drinks, and theatre.
tt. Melissaweg 57, Amsterdam, lagerwal.nl

De Ysbreeker

For years, De Ysbreeker has been located in one of the most beautiful spots on the Weesperzijde. The enormous terrace is among the stately houses, and the sun always seems to shine.
Weesperzijde 23, Amsterdam, deysbreeker.nl

Amstel Hotel

Sailing to this beautiful hotel by boat, can it get any more romantic? Even if you don’t have a boat, this is one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful terraces. You can enjoy a delicious lunch or a pleasant drink until late evening in the summer.
Professor Tulpplein 1, Amsterdam, amsterdam.intercontinental.com

HANNEKES BOOM

At the first sun rays, everyone starts dreaming about a visit to Hannekes Boom – and rightly so! Find a spot at one of the picnic tables or sit on the quay’s edge and enjoy.
Dijksgracht 4, Amsterdam, hannekesboom.nl

BAM BOA

Bam Boa has such a terrace that you end up staying all day. Especially at the end of the day, when the sun sets behind the houses, it gives you a real holiday feeling. especially when your table is filled with delicious dishes to share. And a bottle of rosé. Or two.
Weesperzijde 135, Amsterdam, bam-boa-amsterdam.com

Vessel

Vessel is a hidden gem that you don’t think of quickly, but that’s a shame! Not only is it a great place to relax by the water, but the huge jetty adds to the charm. On a summer day, a dip in the cool water is hard to resist.
Revaleiland 500, Amsterdam, vesselamsterdam.nl

CAFÉ DE CEUVEL

A nice laid-back spot in Noord where you can also dock your boat. Nice: here, boats serve as workplaces or terrace benches. The menu mainly features sustainable and organic dishes. Responsible enjoyment, therefore!
Korte Papaverweg 4, Amsterdam, deceuvel.nl

DE WILLEM

De Willem has become our new favourite hotspot in the capital. In addition to a lovely bar and indoor space, their terrace is almost unmatched. Sit in the café or restaurant section (there are two terraces) and be pampered. By the way, the restaurant section has a much fancier menu and wine list (also in terms of price), so keep that in mind.
Haarlemmerplein 58, Amsterdam, de-willem.nl

BOOTHUIS BIJ SLOTERPLAS

On the shores of the Sloterplas, you’ll find Boothuis – a cosy family restaurant in a beautiful setting. When you walk in, it feels like a traditional boathouse, but with excellent food and a modern atmosphere.
Christoffel Plantijngracht 4, Amsterdam, boothuis.amsterdam

L’OSTERIA

Parents with children will want to remember this spot in the Amstel Quarter, so write it down! You eat delicious Italian food there, but not unimportantly: while you sip your cold drink with a view of the Amstel, the kids can play in the playground right next to the restaurant.
Korte Ouderkerkerdijk 16, Amsterdam, losteria.net

NOORDERLICHT CAFÉ

This is a classic in Noord, where the atmosphere still really feels like Amsterdam-Noord. It almost feels like a festival in the evening, and during the day, it’s also great for kids. Always check their agenda before you go; they sometimes organise weekend festivals.
NDSM-Plein 102, Amsterdam, noorderlichtcafe.nl

ODE AAN DE AMSTEL

Do you want to eat well by the water in Oost? Then you must go to Ode aan de Amstel. On the spot where Riva used to be, you can now enjoy an accessible all-day menu. Would you prefer to go all out with multiple courses? Then choose the chef’s menu! They are open every day from 11.00 am for lunch, and on Sunday, they also have a fun Sunday Brunch.
Amstelboulevard 1, Amsterdam, odeaandeamstel.nl

PLLEK

Those plans were postponed after rumours had come out that Pllek had to leave the NDSM Wharf. And that makes us happy! Pllek is kid-friendly, a bit alternative, and always laid-back. It’s always cosy at Pllek, so we’ve returned since its opening.
T.T. Neveritaweg 59, Amsterdam, pllek.nl

more Amsterdam tips

Amsterdam Bucketlist & Things to Do
(DIGITAL) ART EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fabrique des Lumières
⋙ NXT Museum
⋙ STRAAT street art museum
⋙ MOCO Museum for street and modern art
⋙ Amaze, an audiovisual labyrint
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
⋙ Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
⋙ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
⋙ Pancake Cruise
⋙ Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
⋙ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
⋙
⋙
FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
⋙ Private Canal Boat Tour
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ Canal Cruise in the evening
INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ Youseum
⋙ The Upside Down
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
⋙ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
⋙ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at € 20,-!
AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS:
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
⋙ Go an a bike tour with the kids
⋙ NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Paddle board tour on the canals
⋙ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour

| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>

Our favourite hotels in Amsterdam:
TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Pillows Maurits at the Park: this newly opened hotel is all about luxury.
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
☾ W Amsterdam: with lively restaurants and a posh rooftop bar with swimming pool.
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
☾ Hotel Jakarta: the most sustainable hotel ánd great value for money with a spa.
☾ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
☾ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
☾ Hotel Dwars: small scale and around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
☾ Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
☾ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city by MGallery.
☾ boutique hotel with restaurant in Amsterdam West.
☾ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
☾ Ruby Emma: eco design hotel with a great skybar near Amstel station.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // €
☾ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
☾ The Social Hub budget proof in trendy East district close tho the subway.
☾ Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
☾ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
☾ Motel One: budget design hotel with several locations in Amsterdam.

Let’s get social

I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.