Best sunny spots in Amsterdam (2026 edition)

Summer is coming, the sun is shining, and it is the perfect time to have a drink with friends. It is 14h, you just finished your morning classes, and now it is time to catch a little tan after this long winter. You just need to find a nice sunny terrace or tan spot. Should not be too hard, right?

However, finding a sunny terrace spot in Amsterdam might be harder than one might expect. There are plenty of nice bars and terraces, but the streets are narrow. You might have sun for twenty minutes before the shadow catches you. 

Let me help you find the spot with the most sun where you can sunbathe while enjoying a refreshing cider. 

(There are obviously way more spots, but I chose my favorites!)

#1 - Sunny Rooftops

Let me start with two nice rooftops. You cannot go wrong with rooftops. The sun is going to shine from the time you arrive until sunset. 

Hotel Casa Rooftop:

The hotel is located in the East. One of my friends lived at the Casa Hotel, and we enjoyed the rooftop a lot. There are many students, and they organize events every week! 

It is open from 12h to 23h, and you can order food, beers, and nice cocktails. 

Zoku Hotel Rooftop:

The hotel is also located in Amsterdam East, but a little bit closer to the center. One of my friends used to work there, so that’s how I discovered this beautiful place. The rooftop is right next to the restaurant,  and the entrance is super cool with a glass veranda. The view is beautiful, and they have a happy hour from 17h to 18h. Grab a bite and enjoy a drink in the sun. 

#2 - Sunny Terraces:

Amsterdam has an intense terrace culture, and you want to be part of it. Dutchies are always up for “terraje pakken” (grabbing a terrace). Let me give you some good addresses to people-watch and relax in the sun. 

Zuid: 

-Bar Kasbar: It is ten minutes away from the VU Amsterdam by tram or bike. Not the cheapest, but it is in a nice area. If you only have an hour between classes, it is a good option. (Heineken Vaasje €4,3)

- Strandzuid: Close to RAI station, you can enjoy a drink close to the water with your feet in the sand. They have drinks and food. If you want to disconnect from the city, I highly recommend it. (Heineken Vaasje €4,10)

West: 

-The Miners coffee: I went there for a group project in the afternoon, and it was perfect. They have good pastries, and their flat white tastes excellent. You can use your laptop on the terrace, and if it gets too hot, just go inside and enjoy the AC. It is close to the iconic FoodHallen, so when you’re done,  just walk around the neighborhood. (Flat white €4,50)

-Waterkant: it is a classic, but the vibe is always fun. The view is nice, the beer is good, and you are close to the water. What more can you ask? (Heineken Vaasje €4,00)

Centrum: 

-Kikkie, De Twee Prinsen: the two bars are right next to each other. If you want to catch the afternoon sun in Jordaan, this is the place to be. Spots are limited, but if you manage to find a free spot, you will not regret it.   (Get wine there!)

-Cafe’t Smalle: Close to the canal and super intimate. You can catch the late afternoon sun in the coolest place ever. (Amstel Vaasje €3.9)

Along the Amstel in the East: 

-Cafe Hesp: Probably one of my favorite ever. You can catch the sun the whole day, and the view is beautiful. I have queued for more than 30 min just to enjoy this terrace. (Amstel Vaasje €3,95)

In general, if you do not want to go to a bar, just go to the closest supermarket and get your snacks. Sit along the Amstel by the water or go to any parks in Amsterdam. 

Now, go try one of those spots and enjoy one of the best seasons to be in Amsterdam.

Bonus:  #Swim Spots

-Houthhavens: Close to Centraal Station on the West side. It is a different vibe of Amsterdam and super nice to swim

-Marineterrein: Close to Centraal Station on the East side. Popular spot to chill and swim with friends.

-Gaasperplas Zuidoever Beach: Take the metro M53 to Gaasperplas and enjoy this nice beach!