Top 10 Rooftop Bars with Stunning City Views in Amsterdam

When the sun dips behind the canals of Amsterdam and the city lights begin to flicker on, the real magic starts-not on the streets, but above them. Amsterdam’s rooftop bars offer more than just drinks; they give you a front-row seat to the city’s soul. From the gabled rooftops of Jordaan to the modern glass towers near Centraal Station, these spots let you sip gin while watching trams glide under bridges and the red glow of the Red Light District fade into the distance. If you’ve ever wondered where locals go to unwind after work or how to see Amsterdam without the tourist crowds, these 10 rooftop bars are your answer.

1. SkyLounge Amsterdam

Perched on the 23rd floor of the NH Collection Amsterdam City hotel, SkyLounge isn’t just tall-it’s perfectly positioned. Its floor-to-ceiling windows frame the entire Amstel River bend, with the historic warehouses of Westermarkt in the foreground and the modern office towers of Zuidas shimmering in the distance. The cocktail menu leans Dutch: try the Amsterdam Gin & Tonic made with Hendrick’s and local elderflower syrup, served with a sprig of wild mint from the city’s urban gardens. It’s open until 1 a.m., and on Friday nights, the DJ spins chill house tunes that feel like a warm breeze off the IJ River.

2. The Roof at The Dylan

Located on the rooftop of this luxury boutique hotel in the Jordaan district, The Roof feels like a secret garden floating above the canals. The terrace is lined with ivy, lanterns, and low stone walls that make it feel intimate, even when full. Order the Stijl Spritz-a twist on the classic Aperol spritz with Dutch bitter orange liqueur-and watch the late afternoon light turn the canal houses gold. It’s the go-to spot for expats and Amsterdam locals celebrating birthdays or work anniversaries. No need to book, but arrive before 7 p.m. to snag a corner table with a view of the Westerkerk spire.

3. De Drie Graafschappen

This one’s a hidden gem tucked into the top of a 17th-century building near the Amstel. De Drie Graafschappen (The Three Counties) has been around since the 1980s and still feels like a local’s secret. The rooftop terrace is small, wooden, and slightly uneven-just like the canals beneath it. You’ll find students from UvA, architects from nearby firms, and older couples who’ve been coming here since the ’90s. The beer list is all Dutch: from De Molen’s hoppy IPAs to the crisp, clean Amstel Light on tap. It’s cash-only, and the staff never rush you. Perfect for a quiet sunset with a good book.

4. Skybar at The Hoxton

Amsterdam’s most Instagrammed rooftop bar, Skybar at The Hoxton, is where the city’s creative class gathers. The design is industrial-chic: exposed brick, hanging plants, and neon signs that read “Wij zijn hier” (We are here). The cocktails are playful and local-think Stroopwafel Old Fashioned or Apple Pie Martini made with Dutch apple brandy. The view stretches from the Oosterdok docks to the towers of Amsterdam Zuid. Go on a Tuesday for live jazz, or a Thursday for their “Gin & Graffiti” nights, where local artists paint on canvas while you sip. It’s loud, lively, and unmistakably Amsterdam.

5. Rooftop at the NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen

Right across from the Central Station, this rooftop bar feels like a calm oasis above the city’s busiest hub. The terrace is covered in soft lighting and heated blankets-essential during Amsterdam’s chilly winters. The menu features Dutch cheeses, smoked eel crostini, and a “Bitterballen Negroni” that blends the savory snack with gin, Campari, and vermouth. The view? A straight shot down the Amstel River, past the old warehouses, all the way to the Bungehuis tower. It’s the best place to watch the evening train traffic and the occasional canal boat passing under the bridges with its lights on.

6. Bar 1927

Hidden inside the Grand Hotel Amstel, Bar 1927 is a throwback to Amsterdam’s golden age of jazz. The rooftop is small, elegant, and often reserved for hotel guests-but walk-ins are welcome if you ask politely. The barman knows every Dutch gin brand, and he’ll pour you a tasting flight of Botanica, Westerdijk, and De Kuyper if you ask. The view overlooks the Amstel River and the green rooftops of the Plantage district. It’s the quietest of the bunch, ideal for a date or a solo nightcap with a view of the stars above the city.

7. The Terrace at The Stay Hotel

Located in the heart of the Red Light District but surprisingly calm, The Terrace at The Stay Hotel is where you go when you want to see Amsterdam’s pulse without the noise. The rooftop is open-air, with low benches and string lights, and the view includes the famous Oude Kerk tower and the flickering red lamps of De Wallen. The cocktails are Dutch-inspired: try the “Tulip Sour” with gin, lemon, and a drop of tulip-infused syrup (yes, it’s real). They serve free stroopwafels at 8 p.m. every night. Locals love it for its unpretentious vibe and the fact that you can still hear the church bells from the Oude Kerk.

8. Panorama Rooftop Bar

On the 18th floor of the NH Collection Amsterdam Schiphol, Panorama is technically outside the city center-but worth the 15-minute train ride. It’s the only rooftop bar in Amsterdam with a 360-degree view of the entire metropolitan area. On clear nights, you can see the windmills of Zaanse Schans in the distance and the lights of Haarlem to the west. The cocktails are global, but the snacks are all Dutch: herring bites, pickled beets, and cheese boards from the Gouda region. It’s popular with business travelers and expats who miss the countryside. Arrive before sunset to catch the sky turn from orange to deep blue over the IJmeer.

9. Rooftop at the W Amsterdam

W Amsterdam’s rooftop bar is sleek, modern, and loud-exactly what you’d expect from the brand. The terrace wraps around the building, offering views of the Amstel, the RAI convention center, and the green rooftops of the Museum Quarter. The bar serves “Dutch Bubbles”-champagne with a splash of local rhubarb liqueur-and the DJs play a mix of Dutch house and international beats. It’s a hotspot for fashion influencers and young professionals. The dress code is smart casual, and reservations are required. Go on a Saturday night for the full experience.

10. De Drie Graafschappen’s Secret Terrace

Wait-didn’t we already cover De Drie Graafschappen? Yes. But here’s the twist: behind the main bar, through a small door marked only with a wooden sign that says “Boven,” is a second, even quieter rooftop. It’s not on any map. Locals know it as “De Boven” (The Above). It’s just six tables, no menu, and the bartender brings you whatever he’s drinking that night-usually a local craft beer or a glass of Jenever. The view? A narrow slice of the Amstel, with a single row of canal boats tied up below. No music. No phones allowed. Just the sound of water lapping against wood and the occasional laugh from a passing boat. This is Amsterdam at its most real.

Why These Bars Matter in Amsterdam

Amsterdam isn’t just a city of canals and bikes. It’s a city of layers. The rooftop bars listed here aren’t just places to drink-they’re where the city’s rhythm becomes visible. You see how the light hits the gables at dusk. You hear how the church bells echo over the water. You feel how the wind carries the scent of herring and tulips from the markets below. These spots connect you to the city in a way the tourist boats never can.

And if you’re wondering whether you need to dress up or book ahead? The answer is: sometimes. SkyLounge and W Amsterdam require reservations. The Roof at The Dylan and De Drie Graafschappen are walk-in friendly. The best advice? Go early, stay late, and let the city surprise you.

Pro Tips for Visiting Amsterdam’s Rooftop Bars

• Weather matters: Amsterdam’s skies change fast. Bring a light jacket even in summer-wind off the canals can be chilly.
• Timing is everything: Sunset is prime time, but if you want quiet, go at 9 p.m. on a weekday.
• Pay attention to the small signs: Some rooftops, like De Boven, aren’t advertised. Ask the bartender if there’s a hidden spot.
• Try the local drinks: Dutch gin (jenever), apple brandy, and elderflower liqueurs are everywhere. Don’t just order a mojito.
• Don’t rush: These bars are meant for lingering. Stay an hour. Watch the lights come on. Let the city breathe around you.

Next Steps

Don’t just visit one rooftop bar-make a night of it. Start at De Drie Graafschappen at sunset, then walk to The Roof at The Dylan for a cocktail, and end at SkyLounge with a nightcap. Bring a friend, leave your phone in your pocket, and just watch. That’s how you really see Amsterdam.