9 best rooftop bars in Amsterdam

Dutch weather might be notoriously unpredictable, but summer is officially here, and on those glorious days when the sun decides to shine, bars in Amsterdam become popular for enjoying cool beers, refreshing cocktails and bites to eat. Terraces are plain to see at street level, but finding your ideal rooftop bar is less obvious, so we’ve put together a guide for you to discover a hidden Amsterdam!

What are the best rooftop bars 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

Up on the roof of NEMO Science Museum, you’ll find a restaurant slash 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. 

The roof is freely accessible to all via the steps leading from the street, or from the entrance hall of the museum, and is open from 10am to 5.30pm every day throughout the summer months.

Skylounge 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.

Bar Bistro Bureau

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!

Cielo Amsterdam - Skybar

Located on the 19th floor of the hotel, the Skybar at Cielo Amsterdam serves up modern Spanish tapas and a variety of cocktails, wines, and beers, complete with stunning views across the city. Guests are encouraged to dress smartly for the occasion, so this is a bar perfect for a posh evening out. 

W 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.

A'DAM Lookout 

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 at restaurant Madam. What used to be the old Shell tower has been transformed into one of the most dynamic and adventurous locations in Amsterdam.

Gapp Roof Terrace

In the east of Amsterdam, Gapp 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.

Floor 17

This rooftop bar, perched at the top of the Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandtpark, offers panoramic views and is open all year round. Enjoy cocktails and a meal 85 metres up in the air in the summer sunshine. Or, if you opt for a winter visit, the seating on the terrace is replaced with an ice hockey rink and curling arenas, so you can profit from the view while still staying active.

Canvas at Volkshotel

On the seventh 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.

Head to your local rooftop bar in Amsterdam!

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.