Rooftop Bars in Amsterdam: 8 Places to Drink with a View

Did you know that Amsterdam is the largest city in the Netherlands by population size and also one of the most visited? This town is a popular destination for lovers of architecture since it is where you can see both modern and historic infrastructures mixed together.

Amsterdam is a romantic city built around picturesque canals and charming bridges that can take you over the Amstel River, with boats and bikes being some of the main forms of transportation. Amsterdam is a fantastic spot to vacation and there are so many things to do, like going on boat rides down the canal or visiting world-class museums. If you have some free time why not do some shopping in Amsterdam?

Although the city is calm and peaceful it can become surprisingly lively at night. One of the best ways to spend an evening is in a restaurant or pub, but if you really want to bring your experience to the next level you should try to find a rooftop bar. Some of them can be a bit hard to locate which is why we've put together this list of Amsterdam's best rooftop bars! Stow away your suitcases or shopping purchases with Bounce luggage storage in Amsterdam as you enjoy your drinks with a view.

SkyLounge Amsterdam

What's it like:

One of the city's most popular rooftop bars is the SkyLounge Amsterdam, and for good reason. It offers one of the best views of the city centre covering 360 degrees. Many tourists and locals frequent the bar both during the day and at night. SkyLounge remains open for business all year round and, thanks to its inside lounge, you can enjoy its stylish and modern atmosphere in any weather. Opening hours are from 11 am until after midnight every day of the week making it an optimal location for lunch, dinner or evening drinks.

Our recommendation:

This bar is calm and relaxing during the day but the real party starts after dark. They serve more than just alcohol here, with everything from small bites and snacks to full meals on the menu. As for drinks, make sure to order a few of their signature cocktails! Beers and wine are also available.

Location:

You will find this bar on the 11th floor of the Double Tree by Hilton hotel. You can get there easily from Amsterdam Centraal Station. The full address is Oosterdoksstraat 4, 1011 DK Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Up on the Roof at NEMO

What's it like:

If you haven't already, plan to visit the fascinating NEMO Science Museum at some point during your trip to Amsterdam. Not only is it a fun place to visit with some pretty cool exhibits, but it also has an even cooler rooftop bar! Fun fact, this spot doubles as the highest city square in the entirety of the Netherlands and was designed by a talented architect named Renzo Piano.

You can enter the rooftop plaza for free and there are some fun activities to do here as well, like exploring the Energetica exhibition showcasing unique sculptures. In the summer season, they host other exciting attractions and special events like outdoor movie nights! Come here for lunch or an early supper since it usually closes by 7 pm.

Our recommendation:

This outdoor terrace is definitely worth visiting for its panoramic views of the city skyline on its own, but while you're here you might as well take advantage of the on-site restaurant and rooftop cafe. They serve things like sandwiches, hotdogs and refreshing drinks like lemonade. Bring your own drinks if you prefer while enjoying the view!

Location:

The NEMO Science Museum is situated on the waterfront in Central Amsterdam. It won't be hard to spot the boat-shaped building but here is the address; Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam, Netherlands.

W Lounge at W Amsterdam Hotel

What's it like:

Although this is not one of the highest rooftop bars in the city it is definitely one that you will want to visit. Why? Because it has an open-air rooftop swimming pool! Make sure that you bring your bathing suit so you can take a dip in the water as you enjoy the views of Amsterdam below you.

While you are on the terrace try to spot the Royal Palace as you take in the amazing view. Sometimes you will see morning yoga sessions and guest DJs playing upbeat music in the evenings making it a fun place to be both during the day and at night. Be aware that you need to spend at least €25 from the bar or restaurant to have access to the rooftop terrace and it closes at around midnight on most days.

Our recommendation:

Although you will need to buy something to access the terrace you will want to buy food and drinks anyway once you see their incredible menu! Try some of their signature mixology cocktails and grab some bar bites to go along with it. You will never want the night to end as you sip on delicious drinks and yummy snacks!

Location:

Try heading here for the sunset! You will find this spot on the roof of the W Hotel in Amsterdam. To find directions head towards W Hotel, Spuistraat 175, 1012 VN Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Restaurant Bureau

What's it like:

Restaurant Bureau is one of Amsterdam's hidden gems, but we'll let you in on the secret. Since it is not as well known as some of the other roof terraces it can be a fantastic spot to relax with some friends and a couple of delicious cocktails. On the site, there is a restaurant with a spacious dining room complimented by a rooftop garden with lush greenery. Thanks to its indoor lounge you can take advantage of the stunning views at any time, even on a rainy day!

Our recommendation:

This trendy space serves some of the best food in the city so you are sure to love anything on the menu. Whether you just want to snack on bar bites with some drinks or eat a full five-course meal, they have it for you! The menu changes often as they are always evolving to serve you amazing food.

Location:

To get to this rooftop restaurant you will need to make your way to the fifth floor. They are located at Johan Huizingalaan 763a, 1066 VH Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Floor 17

What's it like:

Another one of the best rooftop bars in Amsterdam is a place called Floor 17, which is actually located on the 17th floor of a building! You can only imagine how amazing the views are. They have a modern and trendy atmosphere that makes it a great place to meet up with friends.

This place is more than just a bar; on Saturday evenings during the summer months, the terrace is transformed into a rooftop cinema. Things change direction completely in the winter with an ice hockey rink and curling lanes set up in place of the lounge chairs. All year round you can enjoy the spectacular panoramic views from 85 meters high!

Our recommendation:

If you are visiting in the summertime you will definitely want to try some of their inventive cocktails or traditional beers. Hungry? Try ordering a savory juicy burger or go for the chef's tasting dish. This meal will serve you 4 different traditional Dutch meals and it is the perfect way to get to know the local cuisine in Amsterdam.

Location:

The Ramada Apollo Hotel welcomes you to Floor 17 anytime you are in Amsterdam West. You will find them at Staalmeesterslaan 410, 1057 PH Amsterdam, Netherlands.

A'dam Lookout

What's it like:

The A'dam Toren, also called the A'dam Tower, is home to its very own outdoor cocktail bar on the A'dam Lookout observation deck. It is one of the city's greatest sky bars and they also have a restaurant where you can satisfy your cravings for yummy food. The Sky Deck has a spectacular 360-degree view of the city where you can see everything from the historic city center to the Amsterdam port.

Feel the need to get your adrenaline pumping? Try swinging on the highest swing in all of Europe, which will leave you dangling over the edge of the tower! Be sure to check out the Amsterdam VR Ride which will bring you on a virtual roller coaster ride through the town.

Our recommendation:

The two restaurants Madam and Moon call the A'dam Tower home and they have some pretty incredible dishes ready for you. If you want to drink the talented bartenders can mix up some fun and unique drinks, like the Tipsy Raspberry or a Sweet Basil.

Location:

You will find the A'dam Lookout on the 21st floor making it an impressive 100 meters above the ground. You won't want to miss the amazing views of the bustling capital city below you as you hang over the streets on the Edge Swing. They are located at Overhoeksplein 5, 1031 KS Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Twenty Third Bar

What's it like:

You're in for a treat if you go to the Twenty Third Bar, which is the highest of all the rooftop terraces on this list! The space is sophisticated and elegant, and you will really feel as though you are on top of the world here. They are only open in the evenings and close at midnight, so if you can you should try to arrive for the sunset. Afterward, just relax with a cocktail in hand as you watch the city light up beneath you.

Our recommendation:

This bar mostly serves drinks, but if you get hungry we recommend stopping by the Ciel Bleu restaurant which is just next door. Twenty Third Bar is not only considered to be one of the best rooftop bars in Amsterdam because of its amazing panoramic view but also because of its drinks. Whether you like rum, vodka or gin, they can make a cocktail suited perfectly to your taste. Wines and several types of beers are also available on tap.

Location:

You will need to make your way all the way up to the 23rd floor of the Okura Hotel to reach this roof terrace. Head towards the south of Amsterdam to their address at Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, 1072 LH Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Bar GAPP

What's it like:

Bar GAPP is a cute little rooftop bar in Amsterdam Oost that also doubles as a rooftop beer garden. Enjoy the fresh air and amazing view of the city skyline as you sit among the plants and flowers. If you are an early riser you might want to join them for morning yoga sessions every Thursday, followed by a tasty breakfast.

If you aren't a morning person there is no need to worry, since they stay open until 11 pm. Unfortunately, they are only open during the summer months so try to plan your visit accordingly if you want to go here.

Our recommendation:

They serve some incredible food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Try some yummy pancakes or healthy wraps for brunch! As for beverages, their homemade sangria is to die for. Other drinks offered include lemonade, super juices, and, of course, an impressive selection of beers.

Location:

Bar GAPP is situated way up on the eighth floor of the Hotel Casa. Their address is Eerste Ringdijkstraat 4, 1097 BC Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The Best Rooftop Terraces in All of Amsterdam

From Amsterdam East to West, there are some truly fantastic rooftop bars in this city. Whether you want to party on weekend nights and meet new people or just relax for the afternoon with some close friends, rooftop bars are a great way to make your visit to Amsterdam a little more exciting. Not only are the views worth it, but most of these bars also serve incredible food and delicious cocktails. Each of the ones mentioned above are worth checking out, so try to visit as many of them as you can!