The finest terraces in and around Amsterdam
What a pleasure it is to complain together, huh. First, summer takes too long to arrive in the Netherlands, then when the weather is finally nice, panic breaks out. Fans sold out everywhere, tropical work schedules are implemented (which isn't so bad), complaining Insta Stories about the unbearable heat; the whole shebang. Well, you won't hear me complain. Before you know it, there's thunder and rain again (because that always comes after nice weather here) and then we long for these days again. So you better enjoy it. Now, I'm not really a beachgoer myself (yes, it exists); I'm more of a terrace person. The plus side of that is that I have the best tips in and around Amsterdam where you can spend a morning, afternoon, or evening (or all three: make the most of it). Enjoy and especially: cheers.
Mr. Nieges
Such a nice and lovely terrace this is. By the IJ, so with a nice breeze. Picnic tables, beds where you can lie down, ‘regular’ tables... Something for everyone, and that goes for the menu too. At lunch and dinner, you can order slightly different dishes than those you see at the average trendy place. Plus, they are also very tasty. There are often fun events, so keep an eye on their Facebook page. Oh yes, they have games here, which I always find a HUGE plus. I wouldn't say no to an evening of toepen.
Westerdoksdijk 40H, Amsterdam
Window 33
My all-time favorite in the Pijp. A morning and afternoon sun, but often I sit under the beautiful umbrellas here with this sun. Super friendly service, delicious food, the best Moscow Mule in Amsterdam (and that's coming from a connoisseur: me); this place has it all. Ideal spot for drinks in Amsterdam where only nice people come. So guaranteed a nice atmosphere, which is also quite important. They recently updated the drinks and cocktail menu, and I've already finished the first one, I'm busy with the latter.
Eerste van der Helstraat 42, Amsterdam
KEK! Tasting Room
This is really still a hidden gem, except for people from Ouderkerk. So it's a bit of a trip to this village, but it's totally worth it. It's a nice trip along the Amstel (not exactly a punishment). The guys at KEK! brew their own beer, which you can naturally find on tap here. This used to be the canteen associated with a skating club, but now it overlooks the beautiful polder. Really nice to go to, especially if you have kids: they can run around in the meadows (which you can keep a good eye on).
Molenpad 1, Ouderkerk aan de Amstel
Waterkant
A bit of a shot at an open goal, this one. Everyone knows this hotspot in Amsterdam by now, and rightly so. You really sit here nicely, and it's, as far as I know, the only place where I don't mind that it's self-service (I can be a bit of a diva in that regard). The food and snacks are very good, and the beer is served in large bottles (which saves you a few trips). And yeah, dangling your feet over the water never gets boring. And a bit of boat watching. If there's space, that is, which is always a bit of a question here.
Marnixstraat 246, Amsterdam
De Vergulden Eenhoorn
It's so nice here. I first came here during a sangria party and yes, then you're already 1-0 ahead. But even outside of sangria times, it's very nice here. An old farmhouse in Amsterdam-East, in a residential area but totally away from the hustle and bustle. With a petanque court, nice wines, and few look-at-me people (sorry, I always find those a bit less).
Ringdijk 58, Amsterdam
Bam Boa
Those look-at-me people are indeed here, but that shouldn't spoil the fun. It's also understandable because the interior, terrace, and food are all Instagram-worthy. You might still know the restaurant as Girassol, because it's the same location, but the owners have done a great job transforming it completely. And successfully. Well, you just don't want to leave this terrace (and try the sangria).
Weesperzijde 135, Amsterdam
Edel
A little side note: I haven't been to the revamped Edel yet. Since April 1st, they have been taken over by the people behind Daalder and are moving more towards fine dining. Now, I find Daalder a very nice restaurant, so I'm convinced this spot will be good. The terrace is the biggest plus here, as you really sit ON the water. A quiet piece of water, so you're not constantly drowned out by all the boaters. But one caveat: can Edelwise stay on Fridays? Please?
Postjesweg 1, Amsterdam
Dignita Hoftuin
To my great surprise, many people have not yet discovered this hotspot in Amsterdam. Admittedly: if you don't know it's there, you can easily walk past it. A shame, because this place near the Hermitage is super nice, especially for lunch or a snack like apple pie. With a glass of wine, of course, because they serve that here too. You totally don't feel like you're in the center of Amsterdam, and that's nice sometimes.
Nieuwe Herengracht 18a, Amsterdam
DOK
This hotspot in Amsterdam used to be found at Blijburg, but they moved this year. Just cross the Utrechtsebrug and you're there. Hidden between flats and offices, so you wouldn't expect much coziness. But yes, it is there. A piece of beach and honestly: it has become really nice. I would call it a real terrace again, but it's very nice to have a beach feeling for a day.
Joan Muyskenweg 14, Amsterdam
Bar Kantoor
It's strange that there wasn't really anything here before. Sure, there are some nice places around Westerpark, but this one overlooks the park (also check out the lake with fountain at the back) and the terrace is nice and big. So plenty of space, and a nice spot for an afternoon drink, although lunch is also good here.
Haarlemmerweg 8, Amsterdam
People often go straight to The Harbour Club when looking for a terrace in Vinkeveen. Confession time: I have a bit of an aversion to The Harbour Club. So for me, it's definitely a no-go, and this spot is cozier, nicer, more affordable, and has at least as nice a terrace. You can dock a boat there (and also rent a boat, by the way, if you feel like sailing) and it’s located by the Vinkeveense Plassen.
Winkeldijk 24, Vinkeveen
Strandzuid
The word ‘beach’ might be a bit misleading in this name, because you can't swim in the ‘sea’ here. They do have nice lounge chairs in the sand, but also a large terrace on the wooden decks where you can sit. You overlook the quiet Beatrixpark and only occasionally see a boat passing by that comes to dock. Be sure to keep an eye on the agenda here, because they often have fun drinks.
Europaplein 22, Amsterdam
De Witte Dame
Impressive building (it's also a hotel) amidst all the meadows. A bike ride through the polder should definitely end (a stopover is also possible) at this place. The menu is very extensive, my recommendation is the lunch platter. It's a gigantic platter with all sorts of delicious things like charcuterie, quiches, and tartines, to share for two people. Gourmands, you're in the right place here.
Stationsplein 3, Abcoude
De Voetangel
Ouderkerk is quite a paradise for foodies. On our ‘strip’ you will find many restaurants, but a bit further into the village (okay, quite a bit further) you will find this restaurant. For years a well-kept secret for the villagers. There is super delicious food (and a LOT of choices), also many options for vegetarians, and the terrace here is really top-notch. You overlook the Waver (that's a river, for those who aren't from the area) and the polder.
Rondehoep Oost 3, Ouderkerk aan de Amstel
Ron Blaauw Indonesia
Okay, okay, ‘officially’ this spot is in Amstelveen, but everyone knows you can just find it in Ouderkerk. On the aforementioned ‘strip‘, even. The food here is really the best and that goes for the terrace by the Amstel too. They now also have a Ron Blaauw Indonesia above Hudson’s Bay, nice of course, but no terrace. So this one clearly wins over the two.
Amstelzijde 51, Amstelveen
Proeflokaal ’t Blauwe Theehuis
Yehes, finally. I was so happy when I heard that the somewhat outdated Blauwe Theehuis was taken over by Brouwerij ’t IJ. But the renovation, the opening: everything took too long for me. But for about a month now, they are finally open and honestly: it's so nice. Little has changed on the outside, but the terrace has really gotten a makeover, with a petanque court, lounge chairs, tables, and oh yes: with pizzas from Renato’s. And an IJwitje to go with it.
Vondelpark 5, Amsterdam
Bar Kosta
What a nice spot this has become, I must say. It has been closed for a long time for renovations and since the opening, it hasn't been quiet for a single day, in my opinion. Understandably so, because the location is ideal. You have sun for a long time, and the snack menu (something I always check immediately) is very tempting: dim sum, crudités, and of course the bitterballen, but also vlammetjes (which I love). Very nice service too.
Derde Kostverlorenkade 42, Amsterdam
Café Cook
A hidden spot in Amsterdam West. The lunch here is really super tasty and it still feels a bit undiscovered, which is great for me of course (and for you too). The terrace is really large, right in the middle of a residential area (so you understand that it doesn't go on late into the evening) and has sun until late. It has a bit of the feeling of a neighborhood café, but the food is absolutely not like that. It's much better actually.
James Cookstraat 2, Amsterdam
HOPP
Rooftop terraces are fun. So is this one in Amsterdam and yes, even with self-service. Unfortunately, we don't have that many (nice) rooftop terraces in Amsterdam, so this is a real recommendation. You can find it in East, near the Amstel station. Plenty of sun and it was completely renovated not so long ago.
Eerste Ringdijkstrat 4, Amsterdam
Pllek
I really don't go to North often enough and always intend to go there more often. For example, to this place. The menu is mainly vegetarian, with many vegan options as well. Outside you can sit in the sand or at the other tables. Every time I'm here again, I realize that Amsterdam North is actually quite nice.
Tt. Neveritaweg 59, Amsterdam
