Best Rooftop Bars in Amsterdam for Sunset Sips

In Amsterdam, the golden hour doesn’t just light up the canals-it turns rooftops into open-air lounges where the city’s rhythm slows down just long enough for a perfect sip. As the sun dips behind the gables of Jordaan or glides over the IJ River, the real magic happens above street level. Forget the crowded terraces down below. The best sunset drinks in Amsterdam aren’t found on pavement-level cafés-they’re perched high above, where the breeze carries the scent of herring stands and the distant chime of bicycle bells.

Why Rooftops in Amsterdam Are Different

Amsterdam’s skyline isn’t dominated by glass towers. It’s made of brick, gables, and chimneys. That’s why rooftop bars here don’t feel like generic city lounges. They’re cleverly tucked into old warehouses, converted churches, and 19th-century office buildings. You’re not just drinking with a view-you’re drinking inside the city’s history. The light hits differently here. Low-angle sun reflects off the water, turns windowpanes into mirrors, and paints the rooftops in warm amber tones that last longer than in most cities. Because Amsterdam sits so flat, the horizon stretches wide. You can watch the sun disappear behind the eastern suburbs, over the IJ, or even past the spires of the Oosterpark church-all from a single bar stool.

De Kas: Where the City Meets the Sky Garden

Perched atop the former greenhouse of De Kas restaurant in the Oost district, this spot blends urban design with greenery. It’s not your typical bar. Think wooden benches, hanging ivy, and cocktails made with herbs grown right outside. The menu changes with the season-think gin with elderflower and local honey, or a Dutch apple cider spritz. At 6:30 p.m., the sun hits the glass roof just right, casting long shadows across the tables. It’s quiet here. Locals come after work. Expats who’ve lived here five years know it’s the only rooftop where you can actually hear yourself think. Reserve a corner table facing west. Bring a light jacket. The wind picks up after sunset.

SkyLounge Amsterdam: The Classic View

On the 15th floor of the Hilton Amsterdam, SkyLounge has been the go-to for sunset drinks since 2017. It’s not hidden. It’s not trendy. But it’s reliable. The floor-to-ceiling windows frame the entire city: the Central Station dome, the RAI convention center, and the winding Amstel River. The signature drink? The Amsterdam Sunset-a mix of Bols genever, elderflower liqueur, and sparkling grapefruit, served with a candied orange peel. It’s priced at €18, but worth every euro if you want the full postcard experience. Crowds come in around 6 p.m., so arrive by 5:30 if you want a window seat. They don’t take reservations for the bar, but they’ll let you wait with a complimentary glass of sparkling water while you watch the light change.

De Hallen: Rooftop with a Local Vibe

Underneath the iconic De Hallen cultural complex in the Westerpark area, you’ll find the rooftop bar De Daken. It’s less polished than SkyLounge, more like a neighborhood hangout with a view. The furniture is mismatched, the playlist is curated by a local DJ who spins Dutch indie and 90s hip-hop, and the snacks are from the food hall downstairs-think bitterballen on a stick or smoked eel sandwiches. The real draw? The unobstructed view of the Westerkerk tower. At sunset, the church’s clock face glows gold, and the entire neighborhood lights up like a living diorama. It’s the kind of place where you’ll strike up a conversation with someone who moved here from Jakarta or Berlin and ended up staying for the sunsets.

Hotel Okura’s Terrace: Luxury Meets Quiet

If you’re looking for something quieter, more refined, and less touristy, head to the terrace at Hotel Okura in the Zuid district. It’s one of the few rooftop bars in Amsterdam that doesn’t feel like a party venue. The seating is plush, the service is calm, and the drinks are crafted with Japanese precision. Try the Amsterdam Mist-a gin-based cocktail with yuzu, cucumber, and a whisper of Dutch lavender. The view stretches over the Museumplein and the Vondelpark, where the trees turn copper in autumn. It’s open only to hotel guests and those with reservations, which keeps the crowd small. Perfect for a date, a quiet celebration, or just a moment alone with the city.

When to Go and What to Wear

Amsterdam’s weather doesn’t wait for you to plan. Even in late October, sunset can be clear and warm. But by November, the air turns sharp. Always bring a coat, even if it’s 15°C. Locals wear wool sweaters, scarves, and waterproof boots. No one shows up in flip-flops. The best time to arrive? Between 5:30 and 6 p.m. That’s when the light is richest and the crowds haven’t fully arrived. If you’re coming after work, skip the rush hour trams-take a bike. Most rooftop bars have secure bike parking. And yes, you can rent a bike right outside De Hallen or near the Central Station.

What to Order

Don’t just order a gin and tonic. Amsterdam’s rooftop bars celebrate local flavors. Look for cocktails made with:

• Genever-the Dutch ancestor of gin, smoother and maltier
• Stroopwafel syrup-used in dessert cocktails
• Amstel Bitter-a local herbal liqueur with a citrus kick
• Wildflower honey from beekeepers in the Veluwe
• Local apple cider from the province of Gelderland

Many bars now serve small plates. Try the haring met ui (raw herring with onions) on a pretzel, or smoked trout with dill crème fraîche. It’s not fancy, but it’s authentic. And it pairs better with sunset than a plate of nachos ever could.

Why This Matters in Amsterdam

In a city built on water, where space is tight and the ground level is always crowded, rooftops offer something rare: air. Not just literal air, but mental space. They’re where people pause. Where expats feel at home. Where locals reconnect with their city after a long day. These spots aren’t about showing off. They’re about remembering what makes Amsterdam beautiful-not just the tulips and the bikes, but the quiet moments when the light hits just right, and the world feels still.

Hidden Gem: The Rooftop at the EYE Filmmuseum

Most tourists never make it to the EYE Filmmuseum on the south bank of the IJ. But locals know the rooftop terrace here is one of the best in the city. It’s free to enter if you’re just there for the view. No drinks, no cover charge. Just a long wooden bench, a view of the city skyline reflected in the river, and the occasional ferry gliding past. At sunset, the glass facade of the museum turns orange. Bring a thermos of coffee, a book, and a blanket. Stay until the lights come on in the windows of the NDSM warehouse across the water. It’s the kind of moment that makes you want to stay in Amsterdam-forever.