With the Dutch weather finally getting warmer, bars in Amsterdam become jam-packed with hoards of people enjoying cool beers, refreshing cocktails and bites. Terraces are plain to see at street level, but finding your ideal roof terrace bar, on the other hand, is less obvious, so we’ve put together a guide for you to discover a hidden Amsterdam!
What are the best rooftop terraces in Amsterdam?
Here are some of the prime locations for enjoying drinks this summer on the rooftops in Amsterdam:
Up on the roof at NEMO Science Museum
Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam
Freely accessible to all via the steps leading from the street, or from the entrance hall of the Nemo Science Museum, up on the roof of NEMO Science Museum, you’ll find a restaurant / bar with a massive terrace, as well as an exhibition space and the highest city plaza in the Netherlands.
Relax, grab your drink of choice and enjoy the sunshine while you chat with friends or look over the harbour and watch the boats, trains and bicycles go by.
A'DAM Lookout
Overhoeksplein 5, 1031 KS Amsterdam
Famous for its "Over the Edge" swing that gives you panoramic views, as well as a striking observation deck, you can also enjoy drinks, food and clubbing on the top of the 22-storey building. What used to be the old Shell tower, has been transformed into one of the most dynamic and adventurous locations in Amsterdam.
Skylounge
Oosterdoksstraat 4, 1011 DK Amsterdam
Skylounge, at DoubleTree by Hilton, is an award-winning rooftop lounge bar with great views of the Amsterdam streetscape. Located at Oosterdoksstraat, it’s an ideal place to meet friends close to central station and it’s open from 11am, 365 days a year, making it one of the most reliable and convenient rooftop venues for rail passengers.
Bureau rooftop bar
Johan Huizingalaan 763A, 1066 VH Amsterdam
Not only is Bureau rooftop bar one of the most popular rooftop bars in all of the city, but it’s also doing its bit for mother nature. At the “rooftop park” there is a vegetable garden that provides fresh food for the restaurant. Everything served is homemade and, thanks to the vegetable patch, a lot of the food you’ll be eating there will have zero food miles!
W Amsterdam
Spuistraat 175, 1012 VN Amsterdam
The most striking thing about the W Lounge is probably the dazzling azure rooftop pool. Its views aren't bad either, being located in the vicinity of the Royal Palace on Dam Square. It may not be one of the highest roof terraces in the capital, but it’s certainly one of the most beautiful. Take a dip in the pool, treat yourself to a cocktail and satisfy your hunger with some tasty bites. The bar often hosts DJ performances, too.
Photo credit: © W Amsterdam
Hopp Roof Terrace
Eerste Ringdijkstraat 4, 1097 BC Amsterdam
In the east of Amsterdam, Hopp Roof Terrace is a popular beer garden located high above the streets on the 8th floor of Casa. Bask in the midday sun or enjoy a sensual summer sunset. Not only do they offer a wide-ranging beer menu of over 30 different craft beers, but they also have their own house craft beer, Gabbe. And with delicious food at a reasonable price, it’s an ideal place for students.
Canvas at Volkshotel
Wibautstraat 150, 1091 GR Amsterdam
On the 7th floor of Volkshotel, you’ll find Canvas, the perfect bar for day or night, which includes a happening rooftop terrace. The spectacular city views set the scene for any occasion. It’s the perfect place to have dinner, and at midnight, the place turns into a nightclub with an easy-going atmosphere.
Also good to know: every Sunday from 12pm-6pm, the bathtub terrace, known as the Badplaats, is open to the public, completely for free! So bring your swimwear and a towel and grab yourself a space in the bubbling hot tub or sauna.
Photo credit: Volkshotel
Take your summer social drinks to another level
These rooftop bars are literally on a whole other level of their own. Enjoy the summer sunshine and the panoramic views from some of the country's most popular rooftop terraces.
Thumb photo credit: © W Amsterdam