Best Beer Gardens in Amsterdam
What’s better than sipping on a cool Heineken in the Amsterdam sun? Sit back and enjoy the summer in one of Amsterdam’s best beer gardens. Whether it’s right by the river or from an open-top roof, we can’t think of any better way to spend a long summer’s day in Dam than being outside with a local Dutch beer in hand. With the sun setting as late as 10pm in the height of summertime, Amsterdam’s got to be one of the best cities in Europe for beer gardens. Plus the beer scene is massive! Read on to find out these buzzing beer gardens in Amsterdam you have to visit this summer…
Noorderlicht
Sail over to Amsterdam Noord and kick back for an afternoon at Noorderlicht, one of the coolest spots in Amsterdam. Located in NDSM Wharf where you’ll find tons of graffiti and quirky sites, Noorderlicht matches the whole vibe. The creative space looks like a giant greenhouse, but in the summer it’s all about the outdoor terrace which sits right by the River IJ with great views over to central Amsterdam. Grab a beer from the bar (their selection is great) and get a seat outside amongst the cool Dutch locals. Noorderlicht shows a completely different side of Amsterdam that we absolutely love and the vibe in summer is always buzzing. To get there, just hop on a free ferry to NDSM from behind Centraal Station, then look for the huge greenhouse-like structure and you’re there.
Hannekes Boom
The unique, artsy style of Hannekes Boom is what makes this beer garden a real favourite. Overlooking the canal to the NEMO Science Museum, most people cycle to get here but you’ll see many people mooring up, step off their boat and right into the bar. On a hot day, sip on their homemade sangria and grab a free bench in the riverside garden to soak up some rays with a lively, local vibe. The food here is also great, serving up homemade BBQs and tasty dishes that are perfect for a light lunch (or to soak up the alcohol).
Lokaal Edel
Fairy lights, river views and colourful vibes. Lokaal Edel is one of our top beer garden spots in Amsterdam this summer. It’s located in het Sieraad - one of the city’s most iconic buildings and part of the Amsterdam School movement. The space is used for events all throughout the year, however just chilling in their terrace by the water is a vibe in itself. Got a boat? Moor up on the dock outside and take a seat!
Pllek
A few minutes from Noorderlicht, Pllek is just as good for a summer’s day of drinking in the sun, but it also has a beach… The old-shipping-containers-turned-bar all add to NDSM’s unique, quirky, colourful look. Plus there’s a Crane Hotel right next door! Step inside the big metal box, grab a drink from the bar and pull up a deck chair on the man made beach by the river IJ, order some food too if you’re hungry as the dishes here are absolutely delicious. Pllek’s beer garden (more like a beer beach) is one of the best places to be in summer in Amsterdam, as it’s buzzing from morning until late into the night. Make sure you stay to watch the sunset over the river - it’s always worth it.
Waterkant
Just west of central Amsterdam, head to Waterkant for a relaxed atmosphere and some tasty cocktails on the river. Join Amsterdam’s locals and expats in the late afternoon on weekdays or when the sun is shining during the weekends. Word on the street is they do the best nachos in town… As one of the coolest bars in Amsterdam, Waterkant does get pretty busy on the warmer days so make sure you get there early to secure a table for the day - don’t let the crowds put you off though, it all just adds to the atmosphere!
Article by Darcy King
Heading to Amsterdam soon and need somewhere to stay?
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