Dear Aa readers,
We have taken it upon ourselves to make the executive decision that summer is in full motion. Despite the jarring 17 degrees Celsius and rain in June in Amsterdam, we decided that the fun commences no later than now. Life is what you make it, after all.
Let us tell you about our favorite summer activities: swimming, tanning, traveling, picnics outside, and last but not least, terracing. Oh, how we love the sport of terracing—racing through the city for the perfect spot in the sun, the cardio that comes with blocking five chairs at once, and desperately waiting for a spritz on a Tuesday at 5 pm.
We know we are not alone in our hobby, so the Aa team has written down their favorite terraces for you to explore all over Amsterdam and frolic the summer away.
Text by Awa Anne
Guide by Aa Team
Cover Visual by Anastasia Gviniachvili
Zomer Bar
The Sebonsa trio has blessed us with Zomer Bar, as our go-to spot for the upcoming months. Think scenic bike ride to Noord, marvelous natural wines, fun people, and a beautiful location.
Twee Prinsen
There is a reason why Twee Prinsen is a crowd favorite. Whether it’s a rewarding glass of orange wine after Noordermarkt, having a giggle with your friends, or kickstarting the day drinking activities, it somehow always fits. It can be a hassle to find a spot sometimes, but more likely than not, one of your friends will already be there.
Kikkie van de Prinsensluis
What’s better than one terrace? Two terraces right next to each other! Consider Kikkies the street neighbor of Twee Prinsen, and the duo couldn’t be more perfect. You can bop around, order great food and drinks, and people-watch until your eyes are tired.
Café Fonteyn
Sometimes all you want is a cult classic. Fonteyn is your spot ahead of a night out where you just want cheap yet good drinks and bump into your friends left and right.
Glouglou
Located in De Pijp, Glouglou is a little natural wine haven. Whether for a first date, catching up with friends, or enjoying some mysterious solitude, it is the perfect spot to chat the night away. Big bonus: Massimo Gelato is right across the street, and there are few things more enticing than washing down your raspberry sorbet with a crisp white wine.
Café Soleil
Translated this means Café Sun, and it is exactly that. The recently opened restaurant has a really big outdoor space for you to bask in the sun, offers delicious Mediterranean style food, and has an extensive wine list at a reasonable price
Benelux
Another Noord favorite, Benelux is a lovely bar with ever-changing great lineups. It is the perfect spot when you want a fun night out but don’t feel like committing to a club. We strongly urge you to try the Amaretto Sour and the clarified Bloody Mary.
La Dilettante
Dilettante is a natural wine bar located on a little side street in De Pijp, away from the chaos. It has the coziest and cutest terrace with just a few tables.
FC Hyena
FC Hyena is a boutique cinema and petit restaurant located on the banks of the IJ in Amsterdam Noord. They offer everything from film to food and wine, making it the perfect multipurpose summer hangout spot. Bonus: There is a sauna, and cute swimming spot right next door!
Bar Centraal
In the same family as Glouglou, Bar Centraal is a charming natural wine bar with a great terrace in Amsterdam West. You can either enjoy one of their delightful natural wines or try the Yuzu Spritz.
P.S. Don’t skip on their delicious food
Café Luxembourg
This spot is the best for people-watching in the center. You can spy on everyone who goes into Athenaeum and indulge in some maladaptive daydreaming.
Café Restaurant Amsterdam
The terrace at Café Restaurant is small but mighty. Get there early, grab a spot, and treat yourself to a platter of oysters, artichokes, and wine.
Café de Ceuvel
Café de Ceuvel is another Noord classic, located right by the water, and is the perfect sunset spot. P.S. bring a swimsuit.
So grab your sunglasses, pack your favorite book, and join us in making this the best summer yet.
Xx, Aa
