We have a 1 night stopover in Amsterdam on our way home from Nice. We are scheduled to arrive at AMS at 2:25p and leave the next morning for home at 9:10a. I've already decided to stay at a hotel near the airport for ease of getting there in the morning. On our arrival day, I'd like to hop the train into the city center and just wander around the canals and see the area. We have not been here before and there won't be time to go into museums or similar sites so I think just wandering the central area and getting our bearings is a good plan for the evening. My husband and I are both foodies and I'd love to find a great restaurant with a canal view, I guess I'm going for a romantic vibe as it's the last night of our trip. I have already googled online lists but these forums have given me great recommendations before and I'd like to see what gems you have for me. Any recommendations?
Posted by
11159 posts
Not for food but do take a canal boat ride.We did not have any dinners in canal side restaurants.
Posted by
San Francisco
184 posts
Is there such a thing? We were in amsterdam three weeks ago. There are restaurants on canal streets but I think most of all canals have roads between the canal and the buildings. Are you picturing a terrace overlooking a canal? Didn’t see anything like that on our strolls.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13946 posts
Well, this is probably not what you are looking for but Hard Rock Cafe near the museum area is canal side. I’m not sure if it’s got a terrace or not as it was cold and windy when I was there a few weeks ago. Unfortunately it’s not in the area I think you’re planning to be in and of course it’s an American chain 😬😉! (Sorry….I “needed” a veggie burger and fries, lol!!)
Posted by
85 posts
Well, can’t help you with a name but there are some outdoor terraces on the canal(side). But I’m not sure if they serve dinner. My daughter and I had lunch once outside on a terraceboat P96 on Prinsengracht but they don’t serve dinner. I have seen more outdoor seating area’s on that side of the canals (area where the the Anne Frank house is) but this was in 2021. Another option might be a dinner cruise on the canals.
Posted by
Middletown, RI
1138 posts
I have eaten at canal-side tables. I can't remember any particular one to recommend, but I remember they were on the smaller, side canals that connect the larger ones (like maybe between Prisengracht and Lijnbaansgracht). And most were more casual, cafe-style establishments. There are also a few restaurants on barges in the canal. But yes, the majority of better restaurants are across the street from a canal. Still a nice view, but not right on the water. De Belhamel is on an intersection of two canals, not too far from the train station, and has a nice vibe. It looks straight down the Herengracht. They may have a couple of bistro tables across the street by the bridge, but the bulk of the restaurant is across a very small street. But if you get a window table, you can look right down the canal.
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR, USA
124 posts
Thanks all! I'm certain there are canal side restaurants as I've re-watched Rick's Amsterdam episode and on his canal boat ride he passes several and makes mention of the charming canal side cafes. While that was released in 2016 I'm sure there must be some still there. I will have to let Google guide me!
Posted by
7668 posts
We loved the Two Greeks restaurant near the Anne Frank House. It is not directly on a canal, but great Greek food.