Amsterdam’s secret canal bars are summer at its best, hidden corners, floating decks, repurposed boats, historic leaning cafés, and waterfront terraces glowing in golden-hour light.
These off-the-radar spots are where locals gather for low-key drinks, relaxed vibes, and the kind of gezelligheid that never makes it into the official travel guides.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table
| Canal Bar Name | Neighbourhood | Vibe | Suggested Drink/Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Café de Ceuvel | Amsterdam-Noord | Eco, creative, upcycled | Local craft beers, organic sodas |
| Hannekes Boom | Near Centraal | Bohemian, festive | Craft beers, simple mixed drinks |
| Waterkant | Oud-West | Surinamese vibes | Parbo beer, tropical snacks |
| Ferry Amsterdam (formerly Pont 13) | Houthavens | Industrial heritage, sustainability-focused | House cocktails, beer, seasonal picks |
| Café de Sluyswacht | Canal Ring | Leaning 17th-century canal house | Dutch spirits, local beers |
| REM Eiland | IJ Harbour | Rooftop, maritime history | Classic cocktails, wine, spritzes |
Note: Drinks listed are general recommendations, not claimed signatures.
Why These Hidden Canal Bars Define Summer in Amsterdam
Summer in Amsterdam is built around water ferries, canals, harbours, and long golden evenings when locals gather outside to enjoy the warm breeze.
Secret canal bars combine all of this with a relaxed, local atmosphere you won’t find on the busier tourist terraces.
These bars stand out because they offer:
- Unique settings (historic houses, reused ferries, reclaimed shipyards)
- Local culture (craft beers, neighbourhood crowds, Dutch coziness)
- Iconic views without overwhelming foot traffic
- Perfect golden-hour conditions from late afternoon into the night
If you want the “real” Amsterdam summer, this is it.
The Best Hidden Canal Bars in Amsterdam
1. Café de Ceuvel – An Eco-Conscious Hideaway in Amsterdam-Noord
Built on a reclaimed shipyard from upcycled houseboats, Café de Ceuvel remains one of Amsterdam’s most original waterside venues.
Its floating platforms, sustainable architecture, and creative community give it a laid-back, artsy character.
How to get there:
Take the free ferry from Centraal Station to Noord and bike 5 minutes inland.
What to order:
Try a local craft beer, an organic soda, or one of their rotating seasonal drinks.
Why it’s a secret gem:
It’s hidden away from the central crowds, surrounded by ateliers, gardens, and experimental architecture.
2. Hannekes Boom – A Boho Waterfront Shack Behind Centraal
Hannekes Boom looks like a colourful, improvised beach bar dropped into the middle of the city. Built from reclaimed wood and featuring a massive waterfront terrace, it fills up early with locals grabbing beers after work.
Insider tip:
Bike parking fills up fast, so come early.
Why go:
It’s one of the easiest “secret” waterfront bars to reach, but still feels far from the tourist flow.
3. Waterkant – Surinamese Terrace Energy in Oud-West
Waterkant brings tropical Surinamese street-life vibes to a big, lively canal-side terrace under a modern building in Oud-West.
Crowds come for relaxed evenings, cold beers, and colourful dishes.
Recommended:
Parbo beer is popular with visitors, paired with Surinamese snacks.
Why go:
Vibrant atmosphere, large terrace, and a welcoming mix of locals and visitors.
4. Ferry Amsterdam – The Reborn Pont 13
Formerly known as Pont 13, this historic ferry (built in 1927, converted in 1956) has been completely reimagined as Ferry Amsterdam, a sustainable, circular-economy focused venue operated by The Swapshop / HollandCircularHotspot.
While the original bar/restaurant concept of Pont 13 closed, the shell of the iconic ferry remains, now repurposed with a modern mission.
What’s new:
A refreshed interior, new ownership, and a sustainability-first concept.
Why include it:
It maintains its atmospheric industrial-maritime setting and remains one of Amsterdam’s most distinctive floating venues.
What to order:
Choose from house cocktails, beers, or seasonal specials (no “signature” drink claimed).
Why it’s a hidden gem:
Its Houthavens location keeps it quieter and more local than the central canal bars.
5. Café de Sluyswacht – Amsterdam’s Leaning Canal Bar (Built 1692)
This former lock-keeper’s house is one of Amsterdam’s most charming waterfront bars, famously leaning like a Dutch version of Pisa.
Sit outside for classic canal views, or step inside for creaky wooden floors and old-Dutch atmosphere.
Photo tip:
Take your shot from the bridge across the canal; the lean is much more visible.
Why go:
Historic, intimate, atmospheric, and perfectly positioned for early evening drinks.
6. REM Eiland – Rooftop Drinks on a Former Pirate TV Tower
REM Eiland is one of Amsterdam’s most memorable drinking spots: a repurposed offshore broadcast platform relocated to the IJ Harbour. Its rooftop deck gives sweeping 360° views.
Getting there:
A scenic bike ride from Westerpark or a short tram ride.
What to order:
Classic cocktails, wine, or spritzes (no “signature” Aperol claim).
Why go:
The combination of industrial history + rooftop terrace is unmatched.
Fun Fact: From Floating Taverns to Modern Canal Bars
Amsterdam’s canal bar culture traces back to 17th-century drijvende kroegen, floating taverns serving sailors jenever, beer, and smoked fish.
Today’s bars may be eco-focused, rooftop, bohemian, or reimagined ferries, but the tradition of drinking by the water remains one of Amsterdam’s oldest social rituals.
Where to Go for a Waterside Day Trip
Extend your waterfront adventure:
- Zaanse Schans – Windmills, cheese-tasting, canal views
- Haarlem – Brewery terraces along the Spaarne
- Keukenhof region – Scenic waterways beyond tulip season
Tips for the Perfect Canal Bar Evening
- Golden hour: 6–9 PM is prime time for views and photos
- Transport: Bike or ferry; expect limited parking
- Accessibility: Most bars are accessible, but check ahead
- Inclusivity: LGBTQ+ friendly, often dog-friendly
- Reservations: Needed mainly for REM Eiland; others are walk-in friendly earlier in the evening
Frequently Asked Questions
Are canal bars open year-round?
Many have seasonal outdoor terraces (Apr–Sept), but indoor areas may stay open.
Do I need a reservation?
Not for most bars except popular spots like REM Eiland.
Are kids allowed?
Yes, especially in late afternoon and early evening.
Can you arrive by boat?
Some bars allow mooring; always check in advance.
Beyond Canal Bars: Where to Go Next?
After enjoying Amsterdam’s waterfront bars, elevate your night at one of the city’s upscale casinos.
Expect polished gaming tables, vibrant slot halls, and a nightlife atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the calm of the canals.
Visit our casino guide for the best casinos in Amsterdam for an evening that merges Dutch ambience with cosmopolitan glamour.