The 7 Best Beer Gardens in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s main appeal is its abundance of canals, which wind their way through much of the city, providing the best idyllic settings for beer gardens and outdoor seating areas. From beautiful terraces and revamped green spaces to intimate pub gardens and canalside seating, there is certainly no shortage of pub gardens and outdoor drinking spaces across the city. 

Whether you’re looking to enjoy an after-work pick-me-up, a drink with friends, or simply sit and people-watch with your favourite tipple for company, these beer gardens across Amsterdam can enable you to do it all. Let’s discover the top 7 best beer gardens across the Dutch capital:

What are some of Amsterdam’s best beer gardens?

7. Cafe van Zuylen

Ideally situated a stone’s throw from the bustling centre of town, Cafe van Zuylen is many people’s first pick when it comes to beer gardens. With more than twenty years of being a favourite among both frequent visitors and locals, Cafe van Zuylen sure knows a thing or two about how to keep people coming back. The bar takes pride in its history, which it showcases through its tasteful and quaint interior décor – think spiral staircases and an intimate, professional ambience. Walk past this place at any time of day or night, and you’ll be unable to find a seat that isn’t already occupied – we’d recommend booking online!

With a diverse menu featuring pub classics like burgers, pizza, and salads, as well as a variety of hot drinks, non-alcoholic beverages, and classics like beer, wine, and Aperol spritz, everyone will be well accommodated here. Plus, did we mention the beautiful Singel canalside location that’s mere steps from Amsterdam’s historic centre?

6. Waterkant

Effortlessly combining Dutch and Surinamese food and culture, Waterkant is a paradise for both culture enthusiasts and beer-lovers who want the perfect canalside haven to sip, chat and drink. Open more than 12 hours a day, this bar alternates between various ambiences, with a more laid-back atmosphere by day, and a buzzing and energetic atmosphere after dark. As for what you can eat and drink, try the traditional Surinamese Heri Heri or Saoto Soup, or indulge in expertly-made coffees, snacks and desserts with a signature Dutch flair. 

The host of various events and activities, such as DJ-spun parties, bike races along the canal, Salsa parties and Pride events, Waterkant offers a prestigious but by no means pretentious atmosphere that frequent visitors and tourists alike crave. You can expect an inclusive, welcoming space with great food, great drinks and even better views. 

5. Blauw Theehuis

Regular Vondelpark-goers will find this conveniently located bar a welcoming sight, as there’s nothing better than a refreshing drink after a long day biking, walking or exercising in the park. If ever there was an incentive to sit and relax in this beer garden, it’s the fact that the beer here is fresh from the Brouwerij ‘t IJ, an iconic albeit small brewery. Since the 1930s, this bar has been the main provider of sustenance to Vondelpark frequenters, with a range of beers, hearty plates and light snacks, plus a vibrant outdoor seating space in the heart of the park. 

4. Secret Garden 

Not much of a secret to locals, but more so for first-time visitors to Amsterdam, Secret Garden is a beautiful and intriguing place that offers up a unique experience in all aspects, from the whimsical decor to the perfectly conceptualised blend of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines. First established in 2022, Secret Garden serves an innovative menu, and its outside terrace space is perfect for wine connoisseurs or beer aficionados who want a relaxed yet buzzing area to sip, dine or chat with friends. 

 An evening at Secret Garden is a grand affair, with a smart-casual dress code and a trendy, chic interior. Albeit small, the garden area is beautifully quaint, with animal-print chairs and strategically placed lighting – the perfect setting for a wine, beer or cocktail evening.

3. Garden Terrace Bar

Tasteful and chic, the Hilton Amsterdam Hotel’s resident Garden Terrace is the highlight of the summer season. Akin to your favourite high-end wine or beer garden, this hotel bar puts on a spectacular show, with expertly mixed and curated cocktails and a carefully thought-out and harmonised menu. 

 Relax under the canopy, or soak up the rays on the grassy banks of the Noorder Amstel canal, a gem of Amsterdam South. No matter how busy the garden terrace gets, you can always expect the atmosphere to be controlled and to invoke a welcoming and unpretentious feeling for every guest.

2. Lokaal van de Stad

Translating to “Local of the City”, Lokaal van de Stad is exactly what it says on the tin – a laid-back, simple garden terrace that gives you undisturbed views over the Westlandgracht Canal. Choose from a vast selection of beers, either draught or bottled, as well as coffees, wines, soft drinks and a selection of spirits. 

 How you spend your time here is entirely your decision, but as you enter the garden space, you’re usually met with people gazing out over the canal with a drink in their hand, chatting with friends over a glass of their favourite wine, or families enjoying the sunshine surrounded by soft drinks and snacks. 

1. Hannekes Boom

Aptly named, as the atmosphere here is certainly booming, Hannekes Boom provides a thriving setting for an impromptu get-together, business meeting, or friendly catch-up. Covered with colourful canopies, and with direct access to the canalside where boats glide past every few minutes, this 2011-opened restaurant appeals to both nature lovers and confessed people watchers. 

Enjoy a varied food and drink menu that features local beers and wines in a place where both the conversation and the drinks rarely run dry. With Amsterdam’s signature ships and narrow colourful buildings surrounding you, this restaurant truly epitomises a well-loved and revered beer garden that is certain to become your new local haunt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where is the best canalside beer garden in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam features a huge range of canalside restaurants and bars – check out Hannekes Boom, Amstelhaven or Lokaal van de Stad for beautiful terrace-like gardens and a perfect view of the canal.

What part of Amsterdam has the best bars with beer gardens?

Amsterdam is scattered with beer gardens left, right and centre, but for the best range of options, you should consider choosing Amsterdam South or Amsterdam Centrum.

What is the most famous beer garden in Amsterdam?

There isn’t one specific beer garden that is the most famous, however there are several beer gardens across the city that have received high praise and excellent reviews from guests. These include Hannekes Boom, Waterkant, Cafe Hoppe and Proeflokaal Arendsnest. 

How long are bars open til in Amsterdam?

Generally, you can expect bars to stay open til around 11pm-1am, although depending on the type some may stay open later or close earlier. Nightclubs tend to close around 3-4am.

How to get from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centrum?

Getting to Amsterdam Centraal from Schiphol is a mere 20-minute drive. Simply follow the A4 and A10 routes towards the city. Alternatively, you can get a bus from the airport, which is an affordable and convenient way to get around.