Best Rooftop Bars in Amsterdam: Where to Drink with a View

When you think of rooftop bars, elevated venues in urban cities offering drinks, views, and a relaxed vibe. Also known as skyline bars, they’re not just about alcohol—they’re about space, perspective, and the quiet thrill of being high above the city noise. In Amsterdam, these spots aren’t just tourist traps with overpriced cocktails. They’re where people unwind after work, where friends meet before dinner, and where you can actually hear yourself think over the hum of the city below.

What makes a rooftop bar in Amsterdam stand out? It’s not just the height. It’s the mix of local culture, the authentic Amsterdam vibe that blends casual cool with quiet sophistication, the quality of the cocktails, crafted drinks that use Dutch gin, local herbs, and seasonal fruit, and whether you can actually sit down without being squeezed between strangers. The best ones don’t shout. They whisper. You know you’re in one when the bartender remembers your name, the view isn’t blocked by a neon sign, and the music is just loud enough to feel alive but quiet enough to talk.

You won’t find these places on every travel blog. They’re not always the tallest, the flashiest, or the most Instagrammed. Some are tucked behind unmarked doors in canal houses. Others sit on top of old warehouses in De Pijp, with mismatched chairs and a view of the sunset hitting the church spires. The real ones don’t need a reservation system that costs €10. They just need good drinks, a breeze, and people who know how to enjoy a quiet moment.

This collection brings you the rooftop bars locals actually go to—not the ones that charge €25 for a gin and tonic with a lemon twist. You’ll find spots where you can watch the rain fall over the Jordaan, where the sunset turns the canals to gold, and where you can sit for two hours with one drink and still feel like you got your money’s worth. No gimmicks. No dress codes. Just good air, good light, and a real sense of place.