10 Best Sunset Spots in The Netherlands

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Viewing the sunset is one of the most spectacular yet free activities you can get yourself addicted to. There is magic in the sky as heavenly lights travel through a greater distance to reach our eyes, painting earth’s canopy with more vivid colors than usual. 

The atmospheric event leaves warmer hues of the visible light, the reds, and oranges, which is why the sky appears as though it is on fire. The Netherlands is a picturesque country, much more so when the sun begins to disappear on the horizon. 

At this time of day, head to the best sunset spots in the Netherlands for a truly romantic and unforgettable sight.  

Sunsets are romantic, inspiring, and powerful; no wonder people call it the ‘golden hour.’ It does something to you without you even knowing it. Viewing the setting sun will put you in a better mood and give you a reason to go outside and enjoy the natural beauty. 

Some say being in nature is natural fuel for the soul, and just 10 to 20 minutes of fresh air can make you feel refreshed and centered. 

When on vacation in the Netherlands, sunsets are always a unique experience. Viewing it is calming, beautiful, and even life-changing. 

Here are the best spots in the Netherlands’ capital to catch the sunset.

The Most Beautiful Sunset Spots in The Netherlands

Amsterdam Lookout

This observation deck is popularly known for its unrivaled 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city. You will see practically everything from here – the historical city center, the busy port, the unique Dutch polder landscape, and most especially the UNESCO-protected network of city canals, among other landmarks. Amsterdam Lookout is nestled on top of the Amsterdam Tower in Amsterdam North. 

The Amsterdam Tower stands at almost 100 meters and ranks as one of Amsterdam’s highest buildings. It used to be the Dutch oil company Shell headquarters, but it was refurbished completely before opening to the public in 2016.

While on Amsterdam Lookout, get an adrenaline rush on Europe’s highest swing, Over the Edge, that dangles 100 meters above the ground, back and forth over the edge of the tower. If that’s too much for you, then take a seat in the Amsterdam VR ride, a unique virtual reality roller coaster through the city.

After the thrills, dine and relax at The Sky Bar and Panorama Restaurant, which offers a wide range of options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and drinks. Try their famous coffee and chocolate cake. They also serve a full 7-course dinner, always served with the city’s best view.

To get to the Amsterdam Tower, take the free ferry to Buiksloterweg on the IJ side of Amsterdam Central Station. As you get off the ferry, you will find the tower to your left.

NEMO Science Museum

NEMO Science Museum is a popular museum for children, and its roof provides a wonderful view of the city. It is one of the most popular spots to take sunset photos of Amsterdam. In late spring and summer, you can take a stunning silhouette shot of the iconic Basilica of St. Nicholas. However, during this time of year, the museum terrace closes early, at 5:30 pm.

To get to NEMO Science Museum, make your way to the Amsterdam Central Station, and from there, walk all the way to the museum. From the station’s main entrance (on the city center side), turn left and follow the signs for ‘Route Oosterdok.’

Pllek

This is a humble hangout area in Oosterdoksstraat that may not show in your handy tourism map. Yet, locals are very familiar with Pllek and know that the sunsets here are amazing.

To get to Pllek, cross the river on the free ferry and grab a taxi for a short ride to this thriving restaurant. Besides its food, Pllek is known for its singing, dancing, and regular yoga classes. Everything takes place on their lovely terrace that offers the best possible view of Amsterdam.

SkyLounge Amsterdam

Again in Oosterdoksstraat, the SkyLounge with SkyTerrace is located on the 11th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, offering a 360-degree view of the capital city’s skyline. The Netherlands is a flat country, so getting on elevation will always guarantee a sweeping view of the entire place.

The SkyLounge is open until 1:00 am, allowing you to see how the world turns from light to darkness, with a magnificent sunset in between.

SkyLounge Amsterdam is an award-winning rooftop lounge bar where locals and foreigners come to mix and mingle. It was voted the Public’s Best Hotel Bar for the fourth consecutive year in a row in 2020.

During the day, the scenic lounge is the perfect spot for business and private gatherings while enjoying a cup of Buscaglione coffee. They also serve delicious dishes, refined cocktails, superb wines, and delicate bites. In the evening, the place turns into an energetic nightlife hangout club.

Blue Amsterdam

Blue is another café and restaurant that teases its guests with an amazing 360-degree view of the city. You can find it on top of a futuristic glass tower in the middle of the city. On top, you can see all the important sights in Amsterdam, including the Rijksmuseum, Westerkerk, Central Station, Royal Palace, and the flower market. What’s more, the staff would love to tell you stories and information about the buildings you see around you. Every trip to Amsterdam should start or end at Blue, to preview or review the places you should visit or have gone to.

Blue is also popular for its coffee, breakfast, lunch, early dinner, snacks, cakes, local beers, wines, and cocktails.

Eye Bar Restaurant

Eye is a vibrant restaurant that is also a film center and museum. They serve coffee, lunch, drinks, and dinner throughout the day. Still, the biggest draws are Blue’s high ceilings with lamps designed by the famous artist Olafur Eliasson, the imposing Arena that gives a cinematic atmosphere to the restaurant, and of course, the panoramic city view from the terrace.

Come to Eye to catch a Dutch film about the culture and heritage of the Netherlands, before enjoying a lovely meal at the restaurant. Four cinemas feature new releases with an archive with more than 37,000 titles. Eye is only 5 minutes from Central Station.

Café de Jaren

Café de Jaren is a spacious café located in the city’s center, between Muntplein and the Amsterdam Music Theatre on Waterlooplein. Its first-floor balcony and sunny canal-side terrace on the Kloveniersburgwal offer views across the River Amstel. Sunsets are perfect from this café, as you dine inside high-ceilinged spaces. The place even has its own jetty, so you can come to visit by boat.

Noorderlicht

Noorderlicht or “Northern Light” in English is a well-loved cultural hangout space located on the raw industrial and artistic environment in the alternative district Amsterdam-Noord. Noorderlicht is often likened to Pllek primarily for its views and sunsets, but many find this place lovelier as it is less crowded and busy than Pllek. Come here for a relaxing cocktail at the beach near the river in summer. Or perhaps you prefer to sit by the window and grab a beer or a coffee as you watch the sunset over Amsterdam.

DoubleTree Hilton Sky Lounge

The Sky Lounge of the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel has an outside area where you can get a glimpse of the cityscape. Located right next to Amsterdam Central Station, the Sky Lounge is one of the most romantic spots in Amsterdam. It’s only a 5-minute stroll from Amsterdam Central Station.

Canvas

Canvas is a restaurant and terrace that allows you to enjoy lunch, drinks, and dinner while taking in the fantastic views of the city. There are several rooms here, but the pride of Canvas is its private rooftop terrace. Come here for the great view and nice architecture.

10 Best Sunsets in The Netherlands – Summary

These are the ten best sunset spots in the Netherlands. Make sure you visit one or two of them on your next travel to the Dutch capital. Better yet, explore the city and add to this Instagram-perfect list.