Amsterdam is an immensely popular city known for its history, lifestyle, and culture, but it’s not all about Rembrandt and Anne Frank. Visitors to the city also have access to some of the best panoramic views in Europe. Views that will give you a whole new perspective on the great city of Amsterdam.
Here are the top spots for the best views of Amsterdam.
Best Amsterdam Views to See the City
1. The Roof of NEMO Science Museum
Address: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Designed by architect Renzo Piano, the roof of the NEMO Science Museum is one of Amsterdam’s most popular destinations and is the highest city square in the Netherlands.
Intended to be its very own piazza, the roof’s open-air terrace boasts spectacular views over Amsterdam and the Eastern Docklands. From here, you can see the nearby ship museums, the Shipping House hotel, as well as the city center.
The roof terrace also has a nice cafe with good food and drinks. You are welcome to enjoy lunch with a tasty range of fresh sandwiches, beverages, and hot snacks while taking in the glorious panoramic view. If you want to take in some sweeping views on a sunny day of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, this spot will not disappoint!
NEMO’s rooftop square is open daily between 10 am and 5:30 pm. During school holidays, the roof is also open on Mondays. There is no access to the roof in inclement weather, during special events, at New Year, and on King’s Day.
See Related: Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Amsterdam
2. A’DAM Lookout
Address: Overhoeksplein 5, 1031 KS Amsterdam, Netherlands
The A’DAM Lookout is situated on top of the A’DAM Tower in Amsterdam North. Across the IJ River is Amsterdam Central Station. On the observation deck, guests will see unrivaled panoramic views of Amsterdam. The Lookout is one of the best places to catch a great view in Amsterdam. If you’re nearby, you don’t want to miss out.
In addition, the A’DAM Lookout is home to Europe’s highest swing, ‘Over The Edge.’ Thrill seekers will dangle and swing back and forth, viewing the River IJ and beyond, 100 meters above Amsterdam’s ground below.
The top floor of A’DAM Tower in Amsterdam Noord contains a restaurant and bar with an observation deck where you can enjoy views of Amsterdam from above. There’s also a rooftop terrace at this level with additional seating, where you can sip on coffee or cocktails while taking in the city on the ground below.
The Lookout’s opening hours are every day: 10:00 am – 10 pm. The last admission is at 9 pm. For information on prices and to book your entrance ticket for some seriously stunning views atop the best sky deck in Amsterdam, check out the A’DAM Lookout.
See Related: Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Marken
3. InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam
Address: Professor Tulpplein 1, 1018 GX Amsterdam, Netherlands
There’s no better way to get a feel for the city than from the InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam Hotel. Located in the city center, this luxury hotel sits on the banks of the Amstel River.
The hotel also has a highly-rated, river-facing restaurant that’s guaranteed to provide guests with delicious meals and unparalleled river views.
Being in the city center and within walking distance of most major attractions, this hotel is an excellent choice and comes with an unbeatable view.
For your next trip, make sure to stay at this hotel and take advantage of its rooftop bar and restaurant, which offers a great panoramic view of the city.
4. Canvas Bar
Address: Wibautstraat 150, 1091 GR Amsterdam, Netherlands
Canvas Bar is located on top of the Volkshotel in Amsterdam East. This rooftop bar and restaurant provide guests with a stunning view of the city.
Canvas is known for its affordable and delicious cocktails, as well as its spectacular view of Amsterdam from the inside as well as outside. Canvas has a hot tub, sauna rooms, and enough rooms to accommodate guests comfortably throughout the night. Get the best views of Amsterdam East at the Canvas.
Reservations are possible for the indoor restaurant, but the outdoor roof terrace is first come, first serve. Canvas is open from 12 pm to 1 am and on Friday and Saturday until 3 am. Breakfast is served here as well: Monday to Friday from 7 am to 10:30 am, and Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 11:30 am.
See Related: Travel Tips for Amsterdam
5. Floor17
Address: Staalmeesterslaan 410, 1057 PH Amsterdam, Netherlands
At 85 meters, Floor17 is the highest rooftop terrace in Amsterdam, boasting fantastic views. Located in the Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandtpark, Floor17 provides one of the best views in Amsterdam.
Floor17 hosts many events:
- Boozy Brunch is every first Sunday of the month from 12 pm to 4 pm.
- Skyline Disco is every Friday from 4 pm to 10 pm.
- Cocktail Saturday is every Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm.
- Jazzy Nights are every last Friday of the month from 8 pm to 12 am.
The restaurant has a modern interior and terrace where you can enjoy delicious food and champagne while observing Amsterdam’s stunning skyline.
Floor17 also organizes several interesting activities, including curling on ice or rooftop movie nights! If you want to see one of the best views in Amsterdam, then visit Floor17.
See Related: Best Restaurants in Amsterdam
6. Blue Amsterdam
Address: Winkelcentrum Kalverpassage, Singel 457, 1012 WP Amsterdam, Netherlands
Blue Amsterdam is a cafe and restaurant on the top of a futuristic glass tower with an amazing 360-degree view. Located in the Kalverpassage shopping center, Blue offers its guests a view of Amsterdam they have never seen before.
Visitors can see a lot of Amsterdam’s best highlights: Rijksmuseum, Munttoren, Westerkerk, Central Station, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, and the flower market. Take the glass elevator to the third floor and have a look around.
They are open every day, with varying hours, so check out their website for up-to-date information.
See Related: Best Day Trips from Amsterdam, Netherlands
7. SkyLounge Amsterdam
Address: Oosterdokskade 4, 1011 DK Amsterdam, Netherlands
The SkyLounge Amsterdam is an award-winning rooftop bar and a great place to go if you want to enjoy the best views of Amsterdam. It’s located on top of the DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Central Station.
It’s not just their bar with its amazing view but also their food and drink menu that makes this one of our top spots in town. Their menu includes everything from pasta dishes to some seriously good burgers, plus plenty more options for those who don’t eat meat or fish (vegetarians and vegans will be happy here too!).
And don’t worry: you’ll find plenty of beer to enjoy while taking in the sights. The SkyLounge has a very cool vibe, and they’re open until late at night, so it’s perfect for a night out with friends or even a romantic date!
8. The Ciel Bleu Restaurant & The Twenty Third Bar
Address: Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, 1072 LH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Both are located in the 5-star luxury hotel Okura Amsterdam; these venues combine for the perfect place. The Ciel Bleu restaurant is on the 23rd floor of the hotel and has a beautiful view of the Amsterdam skyline and a great atmosphere. And being a 2 Michelin Starred restaurant, the food is pretty good, too!
The Twenty-Third is also on the 23rd floor of the hotel. Enjoy the luxurious atmosphere and indulge in culinary delights and inventive drinks while hundreds of lights erupt in the background (they change colors every 15 minutes).
The Twenty Third has opening hours of:
- Tue – Wed from 6 pm till 12 am
- Thu – Sat from 6 pm till 1 am
- Sunday & Monday closed
The Ciel Bleu Restaurant has opening hours of:
- Tuesday – Saturday between 6:30 pm and 8 pm
- Closed on Sunday and Monday
Visit Twenty Third’s website and Ciel Bleu Restaurant’s website for more information and to book your table.
See Related: Famous Buildings in Amsterdam to Visit
9. W Lounge
Address: W Hotel, Spuistraat 175, 1012 VN Amsterdam, Netherlands
Located on the 6th floor of W Hotel’s ultramodern design in Amsterdam, the W Lounge offers an outstanding view of central Amsterdam and beyond. It’s just a stone’s throw away from historic Dam Square, right in the heart of the city.
W Lounge is the perfect Amsterdam cocktail bar for everyone who is curious about everything that is new and next in the world of delicious mixology. W Lounge terraces, including our WET Deck area, are open every day.
Opening Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday from 11 am until 12 am.
- Friday- Saturday from 11 am until 1 am.
Enjoy a delicious cocktail and outstanding views spanning Amsterdam and the Royal Palace of Amsterdam from the stylish W Lounge. You may even have people watching as swimmers go for long distances in their pool on their roof terrace.
10. Skybar Malabar
Address: Javakade 766, 1019 SH Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Skybar Malabar offers amazing views of the city from its two-level location at Hotel Jakarta. It also serves tasty cocktails mixed by expert bartenders and served in unique glasses.
The atmosphere inside is reminiscent of an old-school gaming arcade—with neon lights lining the walls and dim lighting casting shadows across every surface possible—while still offering modern elements such as beautiful decorations hanging from the ceiling or even table games like chess boards made out of glass bottles filled with colored water!
Skybar Malabar is open Sunday to Thursday from 5 pm to 1 am and on Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 2 am.
See Related: Best Canals in Amsterdam
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this list of the best spots for great views of Amsterdam! I personally love the city and its culture, so it was fun to share my favorite spots for the best Amsterdam views.
If you want to learn more about what else there is to do in the city or for help planning your next trip, check out our other blog posts or take a look at some of our awesome pictures on Instagram @viatravelers.
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