Rooftop Bars in Amsterdam: Sky-High Drinks with Canals Below

Amsterdam’s skyline isn’t dominated by skyscrapers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t drink among the clouds. In fact, some of the best nights out in the city happen not on the ground, but perched above it-where the canals stretch out like liquid ribbons, the red-brick houses glow in the sunset, and the only thing louder than the laughter is the clink of gin and tonics.

Why Amsterdam’s Rooftop Bars Are Different

Most cities build up to reach the view. Amsterdam builds sideways. Its historic center is low, protected by centuries of zoning rules, and the tallest buildings are often church spires or old warehouses turned into lofts. That’s why rooftop bars here aren’t about height-they’re about perspective. A few meters above street level, you get the whole city in one frame: the Prinsengracht glinting under string lights, the quiet hum of bikes passing below, the distant silhouette of the Westerkerk bell tower.

You won’t find a 50-story tower bar here. But you’ll find rooftop bars in Amsterdam that feel like secret gardens floating above the city. These places aren’t just about the drink. They’re about the moment-the way the light changes at 7 p.m. in June, when the sky turns peach and the canal boats start their evening routes. That’s why locals return, again and again.

Where to Go: The Top 5 Rooftop Bars in Amsterdam

• The SkyLounge at Hotel Okura - Perched on the 19th floor of the Okura, this is the closest Amsterdam gets to a luxury high-rise bar. The terrace wraps around the building, offering 360-degree views of the city. Order the Dutch gin flight: four gins from local distilleries like Hendrick’s, O’Dwyer’s, and the new Amsterdam-based De Koperen Kanne, each paired with a botanical garnish from a Dutch garden. The service is quiet, the music is jazz, and the crowd is a mix of expats, business travelers, and locals who know this is the only place where you can see the entire Amstel River bend from above.
• De Kas Rooftop - Hidden behind the greenhouse-turned-restaurant in the Oud-West, this rooftop is a green oasis. It’s not tall, but it’s intimate. Think wooden benches, climbing ivy, and lanterns strung between pergolas. The menu focuses on seasonal Dutch produce-think smoked herring tartare or beetroot carpaccio with goat cheese. Open only in warmer months, it’s where couples come for slow evenings and friends gather before heading to the nearby De Pijp bars.
• De Drie Grauwen - Not technically a rooftop, but it sits atop a 17th-century canal house on the Keizersgracht. The terrace is small, tucked behind a glass wall, and feels like you’re floating above the water. It’s a favorite among Dutch artists and writers. The cocktail list leans classic: a perfectly balanced Negroni, a Dutch gin sour with elderflower syrup, and a local beer on tap from De Molen. Arrive before 8 p.m. if you want a seat. No reservations. Just show up early.
• Bar 17 - Located on the 17th floor of the NH Collection Amsterdam, this bar is sleek, modern, and open year-round. The glass walls disappear at night, turning the city into a living painting. They serve a signature drink called the Amsterdam Mist: gin, St. Germain, cucumber, and a splash of tonic, served with a single ice cube made from filtered Amsterdam tap water. It’s the only bar in the city that does this. Locals say it tastes like the city itself-clean, crisp, quietly proud.
• Roof Garden at The Hoxton - The Hoxton’s rooftop is the most casual of the bunch. Think mismatched chairs, a vinyl record player spinning Dutch indie pop, and a menu full of Dutch snacks: bitterballen, cheese croquettes, and stroopwafels with sea salt caramel. It’s open to the public, no hotel stay needed. The view? The Jordaan rooftops, the Amstel, and the distant towers of the Science Park. Perfect for a Friday after work, especially if you’ve had a long day at the office near Centraal Station.

When to Go: Timing Matters More Than You Think

Amsterdam’s weather is unpredictable. One day it’s 20°C and sunny; the next, it’s pouring and windy. That’s why timing your rooftop visit isn’t optional-it’s essential.

Best time: Late afternoon to sunset. Between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., the light is golden, the crowds are still thin, and the city hasn’t fully switched into night mode. You’ll catch the last of the daylight on the canal water, and the first of the lights turning on in the windows. It’s the sweet spot.

Avoid weekends after 9 p.m. If you want peace, skip Saturday nights. The rooftop at The Hoxton turns into a party zone. The SkyLounge gets loud. Even De Drie Grauwen fills up with tourists who don’t realize it’s a quiet place. Go on a weekday, or arrive before 7 p.m. on a Friday.

Seasonal tip: Spring and early autumn are ideal. Summer is crowded, winter is cold. But April, May, September, and early October? The air is crisp, the terraces are heated with cozy blankets and small fire pits, and you can still sit outside without needing three layers. Many bars start serving hot mulled wine or spiced apple cider in October-perfect for watching the leaves fall over the canals.

What to Order: Dutch Drinks with a View

Don’t just order a gin and tonic. Order something that tells the story of Amsterdam.

• Gin & Tonic with Dutch gin - Skip the British brands. Try Botanica or De Punt, both made in the Netherlands with local juniper, coriander, and even Dutch lavender. Ask for a tonic from Q Tonic, which is made in Utrecht and has less sugar.
• Amsterdam Sour - A local twist on the classic: genever (Dutch gin), lemon, honey syrup, and a dash of bitters. Served with a candied orange peel from the Jordaan market.
• Heineken 0.0 on tap - Yes, even non-drinkers have great options. Many rooftop bars now offer premium non-alcoholic craft drinks, like the Brooklyn Brew Shop ginger beer or Wolfram’s sparkling elderflower.
• Local beer flight - Try a trio from Amsterdam-based breweries: De Prael (a smooth blonde), De Molen (a hoppy IPA), and Brouwerij ’t IJ (a dark ale brewed next to a windmill).

What to Wear: Amsterdam’s Rooftop Dress Code

This isn’t Miami. You don’t need heels or a suit. Amsterdam’s rooftop culture is effortlessly cool.

• For men: Dark jeans, a button-down shirt (no tie), and clean sneakers or loafers. A wool blazer if it’s chilly.
• For women: A midi dress, a tailored jacket, and ankle boots. Or wide-leg trousers with a silk top. No glitter, no flip-flops.
• Pro tip: Bring a light wrap or scarf. Even in summer, the wind picks up up there. And no, the bars won’t lend you one.

How to Get There: Skip the Car

Parking near the canals? Impossible. Ride-sharing? Expensive and slow. The best way to reach any rooftop bar in Amsterdam is the same way the locals do: by bike.

Rent a bike from MacBike or Black Bikes near Centraal Station. Most rooftop bars are within 10 to 15 minutes of the city center. If you’re staying near the Red Light District, it’s a 20-minute ride to De Kas. Use the bike lanes. Follow the signs. And don’t lock your bike to a tree-get a U-lock and chain it to a proper rack. Theft is real.

If you’re not biking, take tram 1 or 13. They run late and stop near most rooftop bars. The tram ride itself is part of the experience-watching the city lights flicker past as you head up to the sky.

Why This Isn’t Just Another Bar

Amsterdam’s rooftop bars aren’t about status. They’re about connection-to the city, to the moment, to the people you’re with. You’re not here to be seen. You’re here to feel it: the breeze off the Amstel, the distant chime of a bicycle bell, the quiet pride of a city that doesn’t need to tower to be beautiful.

These places are where expats feel at home. Where tourists realize Amsterdam isn’t just about tulips and coffee shops. Where locals go to remember why they stayed.

So next time you’re wondering where to go after dinner, skip the crowded Jordaan pub. Head up. The city is waiting-above you, below you, all around you.