terrace by boat

Amsterdam

10 X best terraces by boat in Amsterdam

14 September 2023

Do you have a boat in Amsterdam? Then this list is for you! With a glass, or rather, a bottle of wine and some snacks, the hours fly by on the canals. But, it’s also nice to make the occasional stop and soak up the atmosphere somewhere else. That’s why we searched for places where you can still dock. In this list, you’ll find an overview of the nicest terraces that are reachable by boat in Amsterdam.

Note: The rules regarding where you can and cannot moor change in Amsterdam even faster than the weather. Therefore, always check the signs on the quay!

the 10 nicest terraces to anchor with your boat in Amsterdam

CAFÉ MARCELLA

At Café Marcella, you can visit with your boat, where you can order a snack or a drink on the spacious terrace. And that’s not a punishment because Marcella is such a delightful place where you immediately feel at home.
Amstelveld 21, Amsterdam, cafemarcella.nl

Brouwerij het IJ

If you want to spend your sunny afternoon filled with Dutch traditions, then Brouwerij Het IJ is your place to be. Here you can taste one of their own brewed beers while enjoying the view of the old windmill. Plus, the vibe among sailors is great here. Just hop on the boats of the others and you’ll get here!
Funenkade 7, Amsterdam – brouwerijhetij.nl

HELLING 7

Helling 7 is a beautiful – relatively new – hotspot in Amsterdam-Noord. You can indulge in fine dining there and easily dock your boat since there is plenty of space. You’ll savor exceptional dishes, good wine, and a breathtaking view.
tt. Melissaweg 57, Amsterdam, helling7.nl

Hotel de Goudfazant

This nice spot in North stands for ‘what you see is what you get’. No fuss, just no nonsense food! This is the ideal place for a cosy evening with friends, family or your love. But don’t forget to make a reservation :-) No matter how big this industrial building is, it’s always full house!
Aambeeldstraat 10, Amsterdam – hoteldegoudfazant.nl

The Amstel Hotel

By boat to this beautiful hotel, can it be any more romantic? The Amstelhotel always looks so beautiful. Their terrace is a perfect stop for your break. Sip some fine wine and enjoy the wonderful view from the terrace!
Professor Tulpplein 1, Amsterdam – amsterdam.intercontinental.com

IJ-kantine

Away from the canals, crossing the IJ, you’ll find the IJ-kantine up in North. A spot where you can stay all day. In the morning for breakfast, later on the day for a craft made lunch or dinner! But honestly, you just want to be here for the cosy terrace with the view over the Amsterdam harbor. :-) Tip: this place is nearby Pllek where you can also go for your boat break!
Mt. Ondinaweg 15-17, Amsterdam – ijkantine.nl

Hannekes Boom

With the first sunbeams we all start dreaming about a visit to this nice spot! It’s definitely one of our favourites! Look for a place at one of the picknick tables or just relax on the edge of the quay and enjoy your day!
Dijksgracht 4, Amsterdam – hannekesboom.nl

best terraces to anchor in Amsterdam

hannekes boom

Hangar

From spring onwards, you can moor your boat here! Hangar has a massive terrace with a beautiful view over the IJ. In this uniquely charming place, the industrial and raw elements of the North blend with the warmth of the Southern European dishes on the menu. This is the place to go on a sunny day, and they’ve also recently opened a second location in Zeeburg (with a nearby marina!).
Aambeeldstraat 36, Amsterdam – hangar.amsterdam

Café de Ceuvel

Nice laid-back spot in the North where you can also moor your boat. What’s cool: here, boats serve as workplaces or terrace benches on land. On the menu, you’ll mainly find sustainable and organic dishes.
Korte Papaverweg 4, Amsterdam – deceuvel.nl

George Marina

For the past few years, you can find this posh spot by the water near Amstel Station. A beautiful large terrace by the water, delicious seafood dishes, and you really get that holiday feeling in your own city.
Spaklerweg 10, Amsterdam – cafegeorge.nl

more Amsterdam tips

george marina amsterdam

© George Marina

Amsterdam Bucketlist
THINGS TO DO:
Canal Cruise by day or in the evening
A bike tour through Amsterdam OR Rent a bike by yourself
The best view over Amsterdam from the A’DAM Lookout
Visit Artis Royal Zoo
FAVOURITE MUSEUMS:
Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
MOCO Museum for street art
Photography museum FOAM
SEASONAL:
Amsterdam Light Festival (during winter months)
Cruise like a local with your own boat (great with good weather!)
ONE OF A KIND:
Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
Red Light District tour
Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn

| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>

Our favourite hotels:
AFFORDABLE // €
Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
The Student Hotel: budget proof in trendy East.
Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
Motel One: budget design hotel with locations at
VERY VERY NICE // €€
Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam.
Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
Park Plaza Vondelpark: located next to Vondelpark and beautifully renovated.
Hotel Dwars: small scale around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
Pillows Anna van den Vondel: great hotel close to Vondelpark.
Hotel Mercier: new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city.
The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals.
Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel in Amsterdam West.
Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
QO Amsterdam: eco design hotel with a great skybar.
TOP LUXURY // €€€
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
L’Europe: this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
W Amsterdam: with great restaurants and a rooftop bar with swimming pool.

More hotspots in Amsterdam

Let’s get social

I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.

Follow @yourlbb on Instagram

| PS: Traveling to Amsterdam with kids? My other website Travelkids.co & @travelkids.co is dedicated to family friendly travel. Check it out here >>

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Anne de Buck

Travel Essentials

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