7 Spectacular Rooftop Bars in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is unanimously one of the most beautiful cities in the world, yet few have seen it from above on a rooftop. A big part of the reason is that buildings in the city center have a heigh restriction and many rooftops belong to private homes. This makes those few rooftop bars even more special. Whether it's to spend a chill afternoon enjoying the city from above with friends, or to watch the sunset from a rooftop bar on a classy evening out, there is a rooftop for every taste. Many also host special events like movie viewings and disco nights!

An article curated with ❤ and 🍺 for PartyWith, the free app that connects people to nightlife. Hey everyone, I’m Izzy and I used to work with the amazing PartyWith team in Amsterdam. Today I write for them on Itinari. From festival freaks and to craft beer snobs... everyone can join the party!

Most Luxurious Rooftop Bar: Skylounge

SkyLounge is at the top of the Double Tree Hotel and is probably Amsterdam's most famous rooftop bar. Located right next to Central Station, you can get a great view over the city to the front and of the IJ river flowing past to the back. But whilst it's the perfect place for a luxurious evening, it comes at a price!

At SkyLounge the prices are as high as the building... cocktails go for €16 a piece, and a small Heineken is €5! So although the view is magnificent, we'd reserve this venue for special occasions, or pregame adequately before arriving.

© Photo credit by Skylounge, via fb.

Trendiest Rooftop Bar: Canvas (Volkshotel)

An affordable yet trendy option is Canvas, found on the 7th floor of the Volkshotel. Volkshotel is one of the Amsterdam hipsters' hotspots in the city - it not only is a hotel, but also has hottubs on the top floor and hosts popup events. Canvas is its rooftop bar and restaurant, with phenomenal views facing the city.

Conveniently located next to the metro stop, head to Wibautstraat in the East of the city and you'll find this buzzy hotspot. Check out their Facebook page to find out what's on!

© Photo credit by Mark Groeneveld via Volkshotel.

Best For Rooftop Movie Nights: Floor 17

That's right, this sky bar is on the 17th Floor! Come for cocktails and an amazing view of the city on the top of the Ramada Apollo hotel, out in the West of the city. Or if that isn't enough, they also host rooftop movie nights! What could be better? Check out their site for more info.

© Photo credit by Floor 17, via fb.

Highest Rooftop Bar: Sky Bar MA'DAM

MA'dam is one of Amsterdam's newest sky bars and towers over all the other rooftop bars in Amsterdam! - at the top of the new A'dam Toren. This is another top pick if you're looking for an evening of luxury... and the cocktails aren't quite as expensive as SkyLounge! This panorama bar is found on the other side of the river IJ to the main city, easily accessible by the free ferries that depart from behind Central Station.

© Photo credit by Rene Passet

Most Alternative Rooftop Bar: Nest

NEST is an alternative rooftop bar perched on top of Hotel Casa, which is close to Amstel station in Amsterdam's East. With a 360 degree panoramic view, it's the ideal spot to see the sunset. The plots of vegetation, wooden benches, and woven chairs make it quite a hippie and low-key bar to drink in. NEST also hosts special events throughout the year, such as a Silent Disco on the rooftop!

Chillest Rooftop Bar: Nemo

For a non-pretentious, no-frills, yet cool alternative to swanky hotel bars, head to the rooftop terrace of the NEMO Science Museum. NEMO is located close to the Central Station and built in the shape of a ship. You can climb along the stairs (aka roof) of the museum to reach the top restaurant and bar.

When the weather is nice, you can sit outside on beanbags and look out into the city. If not, there is an indoor section available as well.

© Photo credit by NEMO Science MuseuM, via fb.

Rooftop Bar With a Pool: W Hotel

Located right next to Dam Square, the W Hotel has a rooftop bar smack in the middle of the city. Cocktails are very good here, though you do have to pay a proportionate price for your drinks to be mixed by their expert mixologists.

The hotel has a pool that is usually reserved for guests, although once in awhile the W opens its pool up to outside guests for their "pool parties". Then you can chill in a pool in your swimwear with a cocktail in hand, and Amsterdam at your feet.

© Photo credit by W Amsterdam, via fb

So there you have it, the top rooftop bars in Amsterdam for every taste! Which one will you visit?

Looking for more information on Amsterdam's nightlife? Read my di[strict by district guide to Amsterdam's Clubbing Hotspots.](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/a-district-by-district-guide-of-amsterdam-s-clubbing-hotspots-amsterdam-east-thyc)

To pair with your rooftop lounging, why not check out the Heineken Experience, which is a must-do activity while you're in Amsterdam? After all the beer is homebrewed here! You can even book the tickets in advance here. Or, if you want to do something more cultural, the iconic Van Gogh Museum dedicated to the legendary artist himself, is essential to see when you're in Amsterdam. Tickets are likely to sold out fast, so reserve your spot here sooner rather than later. And for an all-round classic Amsterdam activity, go on a boat cruise through the historical canals (wine and cheese is an optional add on too!) Trust me, you definitely want to reserve your spot here on the boat in time for your trip! 

An article curated with ❤ and 🍺for PartyWith, the free app that connects people who love to party.