“Laten we een terrasje pakken”. Some Dutch words or expressions are hard to explain to foreigners. The Dutch love to go and sit on a terrace. They watch the people going by, eat snacks and drink drinks. If they had a good time they call it “gezellig”. Which is one of those untranslatable Dutch words. We collected some of the best terraces for you so you can experience “terrasje pakken” yourself.

Zaandam

It’s a mere 30 min walk from Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam to one of the best terraces of the Zaanstreek. Eetcafé de Toog is located by the river the Zaan giving you a beautiful view over the water. Enjoy it with a drink and a bites platter.

Another nice location by the river the Zaan, and right in the middle of the Zaanse Schans, is Restaurant d’Swarte Walvis. With such a unique view and tasty bites, you’re in danger of staying the entire day.

But you don’t have to go that far, because the best terrace is, of course, our own. Puur Saen has a view of the water and of the shoppers. Our staff is always ready to cater to your needs.

Utrecht

Utrecht might be one of the best places for “terrasje pakken”. They have so many restaurants and terraces. It was hard picking favourites.

One of our favourites is Stan & Co. A very trendy place that works with seasonable products. This concept is so popular that they are opening their fifth location soon. Their terrace isn’t very big so you have to be lucky to get a spot. If you’re seated we recommend Stan’s bites o Share so you don’t have to make a choice.

A big terrace and a good view are what you find at Graaf Floris. You can see the Oudegracht, Dom and city hall. Their speciality? Apple dumpling, but of course they have many other tasty bites.

A place that’s always crowded is Orloff. For a true Dutch experience order the “bittergarnituur” and watch the people go by.

Rotterdam

In Rotterdam, the best terraces are of course our very own with a view of the Leuevehaven. But in case you find yourself too far from the hotel we selected a few other terraces for you.

On Nieuwmarkt you find Bokaal. Seated at the picknick tables you can enjoy this lively square. If you’re a fan of beer this is the place for you. They have 11 beers on tap and 80 different bottled beers.

Aloha is a location in a former tropical pool. No more waterslides, but you can look out over the river Maas. Fun fact: they filter their own water and make their own ice-tea.

Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, you don’t have to go far to find a terrace. If you step out of Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre you basically step onto a terrace. But especially for you, we listed the best terraces. Places where you will find the locals.

Hannekes Boom is located by the harbour making it easy to reach for people who are enjoying Amsterdam by boat. It’s a good place to sit when the sun is shining. Many a friendship has been born at the long picknick tables.

Meneer Nieges is also located at the waterfront. If you want to act like the locals you start with a “bittergarnituur” and hours later end with one as well. The contents of a “bittergarnituur” may vary, but one thing that always needs to be included on your platter is the famous “bitterbal”.

On the other side of the city centre by the river the Amstel. You’ll find De Ysbreeker. A place where you can enjoy watching the various boats and people going by.

We previously wrote about the best ice-cream shops and the beachvibe in the city. What else would you like to read about in this series?

You’ll be surprised!