Rainy-day terraces in Amsterdam

Café Fonteyn

There’s a cluster of delightful cafés in Nieuwmarkt Square that all have enough coverage to get you through a classic Amsterdam cloudburst, relatively drip-free. Café Fonteyn is a local favourite, known for its warm atmosphere, heated terrace and simple brown-bar menu focussing on beers and bites. Order an IJwit van Brouwerij ’t IJ and a plate of bitterballen to soak up the Dutch vibes.

Café Fonteyn | Nieuwmarkt 13-15, Nieuwmarkt

WestergasTerras

A long awning shelters a big chunk of the giant terrace at WestergasTerras. On drizzly days, head here to listen to the rain splash into the water out front as you take in the view of the former gasworks. Filling plates - including pancakes, burgers and sandwiches - will provide plenty of fuel to charge up your exploration of Westergas and the surrounding Westerpark.

WestergasTerras | Klonneplein 4-6, Westerpark

IJver

Situated at the buzzy NDSM Wharf, this industrial-chic restaurant has two terraces: a hybrid 100m2 indoor/outdoor warehouse terrace with towering 20-metre high ceilings and a partially covered outdoor space, making it a genuinely weather-proof option for an al fresco tipple. There are 18 beers on tap, and their robust ale offering even makes its way into the food menu —  try the poussin stewed in Weissbier.

IJver | Scheepsbouwkade 72, NDSM Wharf

Cafe 't Paardje

’t Paardje's large bustling terrace in the centre of De Pijp boasts some great covered outdoor space that will shield you from the elements, beer in hand. This modern bruin cafe is a favoured haunt for locals, serving up a great selection of bistro dishes, hot snacks and warming drinks.

't Paardje | Gerard Douplein 1, De Pijp

De Biertuin

The clue is in the name at De Biertuin (the beer garden) where the enclosed roadside terrace has tables outside all year round. It’s a top spot for friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere, pub-style food and of course a large selection of great beers - whatever the weather!

Biertuin | Linnaeusstraat 29, Oost

Brouwerij ‘t IJ

Beer lovers at brewery bar Brouwerij ‘t IJ have the option to cosy up under a proper Dutch windmill and some sturdy umbrellas which shelter the sprawling terrace. On tap, enjoy an impressive selection of home-brewed, organic beers to warm you up on those wet days.

Brouwerij ’t IJ | Funenkade 7, Oost

Louie Louie

Oversized square umbrellas protect from the elements at this atmospheric all-day cafe in Amsterdam Oost. The terrace is right across from the Wereldmuseum Amsterdam and a great spot to snag a picnic table, kick back and sip a Dutch & Stormy (Union Spice & Sea Salt rum, ginger beer, lime, Angostura bitters) while you stay dry and toasty.

Louie Louie | Linnaeusstraat 11, Oost

Gent aan de Schinkel

Gent aan de Schinkel is a tremendous little Belgian-style café located just behind the Vondelpark. Tuck up on the large covered terrace to enjoy water views while boats pass by on the Schinkel River. The selection of beers and informal atmosphere makes for a great afternoon sheltering from the rain.

Gent aan de Schinkel | Theophile de Bockstraat 1, Oud-Zuid

Jonge Dikkert

Nestled under a Dutch sawmill that was built in 1672, Jonge Dikkert is an Amstelveen all-star. They have a spacious outdoor dining area under a covered gazebo, so you won’t get drenched if it starts to pour. The menu highlights seasonal ingredients in global cuisine. Get started with the Greveling oysters, plucked right from Lake Grevelingen and served with white asparagus, white grape, fermented garlic and hazelnut.

Jonge Dikkert | Amsterdamseweg 104a, Amstelveen

't Blauwe Theehuis

Parked in the very centre of Vondelpark, Het Blauwe Theehuis is a striking modernist pavilion that resembles something like a giant teacup crossed with a spaceship. The large terrace boasts some covetable covered seats with outdoor heaters, making it the perfect spot for a warming coffee or freshly-poured beer for anyone caught in the park during a downpour.

’t Blauwe Theehuis | Vondelpark 5, Oud-Zuid