Chasing the Sun, One Glass at a Time
Some cities do rooftop cocktails. Others do park picnics. Amsterdam does terraces. As soon as the sun peeks out, we flood the pavements, canal edges, courtyards, and waterfronts with sunglasses, wine glasses, and a healthy respect for golden hour.
If you’re looking for the perfect terrace at the perfect time, we’ve done the scouting (with glass in hand). Here’s our unofficial guide to the best spots for every stage of the sun — from noon to night, city to strand.
☀️ Noon Wine & Lunch Sun (12:00)
Early rays and first pours — these spots are perfect for a crisp white, a spritz, or a terrace lunch with friends.
- Café Bouwman – Prinsengracht classic with local charm
- Café van Leeuwen – At the Rembrandt/Keizersgracht cross, always sunny and sociable
- Rembrandtplein (Escape side) – Surprisingly peaceful during the day
- Brabantse Aap – Spui-facing and perfect for people-watching
- The cafés next to OBA – Great view over Oosterdok and the water
- Hannekes Boom – Always a vibe, even at midday
- Roest – Urban beach meets warehouse bar, opens early
- Waterkant – Caribbean vibes and canal breezes
- Loetje Centraal – Iconic steak and sunshine
- Bar Brandstof – Jordaan-adjacent energy, lots of locals
- Bar Botanique – For the tropical mood, even on cooler days
- De Tropen – Museumplein-adjacent, leafy and relaxed
🌤️ Golden Hour Glasses (15:00–16:00)
That perfect moment when the shadows stretch, the wines lean rosé, and no one’s watching the clock.
- Rokin terraces – Quietly central and south-facing
- Tonton Club West – Arcade meets Aperol, surprisingly sun-soaked
- Meneer Nieges – Romantic views and seasonal plates
- Café Cook – Hidden gem in West, feels like a neighbourhood secret
- Café Wildschut – Big terrace and a long-standing favourite
- Fest – Bright, modern and always buzzing
- Ysbreeker – Grand café style on the Amstel
- Louie Louie – Tropische vibes and creative snacks
- De Biertuin – Great for beer, burgers and light chillable reds
- Spargo – Overlooked and often sunny well into the evening
- Bar Mash – East Amsterdam’s lowkey suntrap
- Loetje Oost or West – Take your pick, they both shine at this hour
- Café Hesp – Classic Amstel-side terrace with a long local history
- ’t Huis aan de Amstel – Quiet, scenic, and a great retreat
- Blauwe Theehuis – Circular café in the middle of the Vondelpark
- Vondelpark3 – Upscale, serene, and very sunshine-friendly
- Buurman & Buurman – Pizza + pét-nat? Yes please
🌅 Late & Lovely (Into the Evening)
For when the shadows grow long and you're not quite ready to go home.
- Waterkant – Legendary at sunset and beyond
- Hannekes Boom – Still buzzing long after golden hour
- Roest – Dancing, lounging, mingling — choose your vibe
- Nieuwmarkt – Bar-hop and terrace-hop around the square
- Pension Homeland – Quiet, creative, and with a killer view
- Café Het Zonnetje – It’s literally named “the little sun”
- Budels – Quirky and local, often open late
- De Sarphaat – A De Pijp favourite
- Café Binnen – Tucked away and quietly iconic
- Roostee – Waterfront calm with late sunlight
🌇 Rooftop Rosé
Sky-high views and a little glam? Yes please. These rooftops are best around golden hour, but some stay open until the last light fades.
- HOPP – Green, relaxed, and beautiful at sunset
- Volkshotel – Young, fun, and always busy
- The Pool (The Student Hotel) – Mediterranean flair in Oost
- NEMO rooftop – Family-friendly in the day, quietly chic in the evening
- Floor17 – For city views and cocktails
- Canvas op de 7e – Classic East Amsterdam rooftop hangout
🌊 Across the Water: Noord & Beaches
Just a short ferry or cycle away, these spots feel like a mini escape. Bonus points if you pack a swimsuit.
Noord
- Café de Ceuvel – Creative hub with swimming and sunshine
- Tolhuistuin – Cultural terrace with loads of space
- EYE Film Museum – Excellent wine list with harbour views
- Stork – Industrial-chic and brilliant for seafood
- Noorderlicht – Laid-back, arty, and easy to love
- PLLEK – Legendary beach bar with loungers and DJs
- Hangar – Sophisticated, architectural, and great for groups
- Blijburg (when open) – Former island paradise for the sun-worshippers
City Beaches & Beyond
- Blijburg
- Paaseiland
- Roest
- Strand Zuid
- Sloterplas + Hotel Buiten – Nature meets city
- NDSM beach bars – Warehouse energy with sandy toes
Ready to Chase the Sun?
Terrace season is sacred in Amsterdam — and every sunny afternoon is an opportunity. Whether you’re seeking stillness, people-watching, or a bottle to share among friends, you’ll find your corner of light.
Need a bottle to bring to the party? Browse our current collection of chillable reds, pet-nats, and whites that shine in the sun.
Until next time, stay nosey.
