The sun is out and so are the people. During the week, people run out of their offices when the clock hits five and try to find the best spot to enjoy the last sun-rays of the day. In the weekends you need to be quick because the best sunny spots go fast. So where exactly are those places? Well, as Amsterdam West is my area, I did a little research and came to the conclusion that these are the best places where you can enjoy the sunlight until it goes down.
Hotel Buiten
Hotel Buiten is not just any hotspot, it’s a creative hub, build from raw and used materials, designed by lenka dittrichova. It stared with a few neighbours a few years ago, that wanted to do something with lost space full of weeds and grass. After a temporary set up, they managed to get more people involved and eventually 180 people and businesses helped fund the project. Now it’s a wonderful spot to relax in the sunshine whilst enjoying organic lunch and drinks. More info here.
De school
Too cool for school? Well, not this one! Not far from Yumler, you will find this hotspot. Besides being an awesome nightclub with some of the biggest underground DJ’s, it’s also the house of a wonderful restaurant, cafe and gym with a large terrace! www.deschoolamsterdam.nl
Bar Kosta
If you live in Amsterdam, and you’ve been around the Overtoom, you must have seen the large terrace on the corner of Surinameplein. It used to be Café Ter Brugge, but it has completely changed it’s look, menu and name. Bar Kosta is just in time for the sunny weather this weekend! For all the pics and the menu details click here.
Plenty of space at Bar Kosta
Cafe Zurich
Probably one of my favorite terraces in Amsterdam West! It’s large and wide with many seats available. The service is good and the drinks are cold. Just what you need when the sun is out. Read more about Zurich here.
Part of Zurich’s large terrace Source
Frits
Across Zurich you will find bar Frits on the same square they call “Mecatorplein”. They serve a large range of beers so it’s always buzzing until the sun goes down and that’s when people go inside the bar. www.frits-amsterdam.nl
Bureau
Opened last year, this is rooftop heaven. You must visit Bureau if you haven’t been! Enjoy the garden, chickens and sunshine. It’s probably one of our favorite terraces in Amsterdam West. For more pictures and impressions, check our article.
Sunset at Bureau
Razmataz
An oldie but still a goodie. It’s also great for people watching as it’s situated next to a roundabout. www.razmataz.nl
Corner Bakery
A bit tucked away in between the World Fashion Center and an apartment complex, but it’s the perfect terrace for after work drinks or your afternoon coffee in the sun. The corner Bakery can be quite busy during the weekends so be early if you want to enjoy brunch in the sunshine. More info about this Instagrammable spot here.
The Corner Bakery West
De Bakkerswinkel
Great coffee, and tasty scones! We love this place right at the entrance of Westerpark. Oh, and the outside area at the back of the Bakkerswinkel is pretty good too. Nothing fancy but great for friends and people with babies. www.debakkerswinkel.nl
Mossel & Gin
Oysters and Gin are a great combination and you can get the best over at Mossel & Gin. Drink cocktails and eat until the sun goes down. Right on the Westergas area, this cozy terrace is great for catching up with friends! www.mosselengin.nl
Mossel & Gin Source
Westergasterras
Also on the Westergas, you will find this extremely large terrace that is partly covered and there is an open lounge area where you want to sit for days, looking over the water. They have just restyled so have a look! www.westergasterras.nl
Bar kantoor
The building dates back from 1885, and was used as an office and assistant engineer’s house of the original Westergasfabriek. As an ode to the former destination and to keep it’s authenticity, they named the location “Bar Kantoor” – meaning Office in Dutch. Every detail in Bar Kantoor has been carefully thought of. The menu, the accessories and the cool ceiling painting. (check it out!) When I entered, they were still painting and working on the outside terrace. About that terrace..it’s located at the perfect spot and with Pacific and Westergasterras always full, this new terrace, that has space for 150 people, is more than welcome! More info about Bar kantoor here.
Cedars
Not many people have heard of this restaurant because it’s situated below the A10 highway and the road that leads to Hoofddorpplein. It has some of the best outside seating in Amsterdam West, believe me. It’s overlooking the water and you can order some tasty Lebanese bites. Service can be a bit slow but if you don’t mind that, you will love it! www.cedars.nl
The hidden spot, Cedars. Source
Floor17
On top of the Armada hotel, it’s the highest outdoor terraces in Amsterdam West. Drink cocktails, enjoy tunes and stay for dinner! www.floor17.nl
Brandstof
If you want to enjoy the good looking people of Amsterdam, you should go here for a beer. For the girls, there is a fire station next door (read: cute firemen watching all day!) www.bar-brandstof.nl
Plenty of choice we think! Enjoy the sun y’all!
Love,
Wander-Lust
Looking for the best after work drinks in Amsterdam? Check our selection!
