Beer garden Amsterdam: The 5 most beautiful places by the water

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A cool drink, a great atmosphere and rays of sunshine on your face: there are few things we Germans love as much in summer as our beer garden culture. If you don’t want to miss it on a city trip, Amsterdam is the place to be. Our beautiful capital is famously surrounded by numerous beautiful canals, so there are also numerous options for enjoying a cold beer or a glass of wine in a lovely atmosphere right by the water. Where can you find the best beer garden in Amsterdam? We’ve put together our five favourite places in this guide so you don’t have to search far.

Borrelplank in the Amsterdam beer garden — *The classic Dutch “Borrelplank” with all kinds of appetisers is part of every beer garden visit*.

1) Hannekes Boom

Hannekes Boom is our absolute f.a.v.o.r.i.t! The colourful beer garden just around the corner from Amsterdam Centraal station is a real eye-catcher and impresses with its lively Amsterdam flair. Relax on the terrace on a sunny day, try one of the delicious speciality beers and watch the boats sail by. If you’re looking for a genuine beer garden in Amsterdam, you’re sure to find it here. Very few tourists know about this bar gem, so you have the opportunity to experience beer garden culture like a real Amsterdammer!

Where: Amsterdam city centre, Dijksgracht 4

Insider tip: There is a SUP hire centre right next to Hannekes Boom! So if you fancy a sporty trip on the canals first, you should definitely stop by here.

Beer garden Hannekes Boom — *Just around the corner from Amsterdam Centraal you will find the colourful “Hannekes Boom” beer garden*.

2) Waterkant

Bar Waterkant is the perfect example of how Amsterdam manages to give old buildings a really hip upgrade. Tucked away in the cool industrial flair behind a multi-storey car park, this cool bar is located in the middle of beautiful Amsterdam West! The terrace is literally on the water – so close that there are even small private jetties and the people of Amsterdam simply pop in by boat. In the evening, the bar transforms into a real scene bar with cool music and disco & funk. So put on your dancing shoes and have a good time!

Where: Amsterdam West, Marnixstraat 246

Insider tip: Hire your own boat (yes, you can do it without a boating licence ;)) and stop off at the Waterkant terrace in true Amsterdam style.

Waterkant Beer Garden Amsterdam — *The trendy “Waterkant” bar, hidden from the street, from the water*.

3) Café Soundgarden

Just round the corner from Waterkant is Café Soundgarden. And where it says sound on the label, there has to be sound inside! This great bar right on the waterfront not only offers delicious drinks, but also live music. The Soundgarden offers a stage for small to medium-sized Amsterdam artists. Rock fans in particular are guaranteed to get their money’s worth here.

Where: Amsterdam West, Marnixstraat 164

Insider tip: Live music galore!

Outdoor area Café Soundgarten — *At Soundgarden you can swap city noise for live music*.

4) Pllek

Pllek is Amsterdam’s only (and really worth seeing) city beach! What, it’s here? Yes! Take the ferry to the hip north of Amsterdam and you’ll be able to spot the bar’s unusual ambience: Pllek is housed in a row of old shipping containers! The north is the most liberal and creative part of Amsterdam, which is also reflected in the buildings. Rough industrial flair meets colourful shabby chic. In addition, Pllek also functions as a venue for cool events from time to time: from disco nights to open-air cinema. So Pllek is definitely worth a visit!

Want to get to know the hidden gem (aka the North) of Amsterdam even better? Then come along on a North bike tour and discover the unique mix of industry and street art!

Where: Amsterdam Noord, T.T. Neveritaweg 59

Insider tip: Be sure to check out the numerous graffiti in the NDSM shipyard around the corner!

Stradtstrand Pllek Amsterdam — *Beach feeling in the centre of the city + cool events = Pllek!*

5) Café de Jaren

Café de Jaren has the most central terrace on the waterfront: located directly on the beautiful Rokin (five minutes from Dam Square), it’s a great place to take a break after a stroll through the city or a tour of the city centre. Savour delicious Dutch-international cuisine and beer & wine and enjoy the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam in peace from the terrace right on the water.

Where: Amsterdam city centre, Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-20

Insider tip: The café is so perfectly located in the centre that you can easily combine a visit with one of our many tours!