Amsterdam Guide

Tucked just beneath a parking garage at Marnixstraat 246—yes, really—Waterkant is one of Amsterdam’s best-kept open secrets. This colorful riverside bar and restaurant draws inspiration from the vibrant street life and cuisine of Suriname. It has become a go-to spot for lazy weekend lunches. It is also popular for rowdy nights of dancing. Its name literally means “waterside” in Dutch. This naming is fitting. Waterkant stretches right along the edge of the Singelgracht canal. It gives guests an uninterrupted view of the water, boats, and the buzz of city life.

Discover A Hidden Gem Beneath the City: Secrets Await

Don’t let its unlikely location throw you off. While it’s nestled under a multi-story car park, Waterkant is far from industrial or gray. The atmosphere is warm, bright, and full of life. It’s the kind of place where the music is always flowing. The food is served with heart. The crowd is as diverse as Amsterdam itself. Tourists who stumble upon it feel like locals for a night. Locals return repeatedly for that tropical vibe you don’t usually find in northern Europe.

A Terrace Perfect for Every Season: Summer, Spring, and Fall

The terrace at Waterkant is legendary. On sunny days, it’s packed from midday through sunset. Whether you’re lounging with a cold Parbo Bier—Suriname’s iconic lager—or sipping a spicy ginger mojito, the setting is unbeatable. Concrete benches, colorful picnic tables, and string lights create a laid-back, almost Caribbean feel, right in the heart of Amsterdam. It’s one of the few spots in the city. You can sit practically on the water and soak up the sun for hours.

Don’t be surprised if you end up staying longer than planned. A quick drink often turns into an impromptu dinner, and before you know it, you’re dancing under the stars.

A Celebration of Surinamese Cuisine: Flavorful Dishes to Savor

Waterkant’s menu is a love letter to Surinamese culture, with influences from Indonesian, African, Indian, and Dutch cuisines. The result is a bold and satisfying food experience full of spices, sauces, and soulful recipes. You’ll find favorites like:

Roti with chicken or jackfruit – served with potatoes, long beans, and a spicy masala sauce. Pom – a Surinamese casserole made from grated tayer root and citrus-marinated chicken. Satay skewers – served with rich peanut sauce and crunchy pickled cucumber. Bara – deep-fried lentil dough balls with spicy chutney. Loaded fries and street snacks – perfect for sharing over drinks.

There are also vegetarian and vegan options, making it a crowd-pleaser for groups with different diets. And if you’re just there for drinks, don’t skip the plantain chips, bitterballen, or Surinamese empanadas—ideal finger food.

When the Sun Goes Down: From Relaxing Bar to Vibrant Urban Club

In the evening, Waterkant undergoes a transformation. As the sky turns pink and the string lights flicker on, the energy starts to shift. DJs spin tropical beats, Afrobeats, hip hop, and dancehall. The dance floor isn’t formal—it’s wherever people feel like moving. The bar gets livelier, and the crowd gets bolder.

Fridays and Saturdays are particularly buzzing, with themed events and live music drawing a young, international audience. It’s a space that embraces everyone, where the music unites people more than any dress code ever could.

You might come for the food, but you’ll stay for the party.

Who Visits Here? Discover the Crowd and Vibe

Waterkant has universal appeal. During the day, it attracts freelancers with laptops. Students enjoy their first beer of the afternoon. Travelers look for a canal-side escape. At night, it’s where young professionals, creatives, and expats gather to unwind and connect. It’s laid-back without being boring, hip without being pretentious.

You’re just as likely to overhear a deep political debate as you are to catch someone recommending a new playlist. That’s the charm—Waterkant is whatever you need it to be.

Practical Information: Everything You Need to Know

Website: www.waterkantamsterdam.nl Address: Marnixstraat 246, 1016 TL Amsterdam Cuisine: Surinamese-inspired, with Dutch bar food classics Terrace: Sunny all day, right on the canal Nightlife: DJs, live music, dancing most nights of the week Opening Hours: Mon–Thu: 11:00 – 01:00 Fri–Sat: 11:00 – 03:00 Sun: 11:00 – 01:00

Start your day with coffee by the water. Share spicy roti with friends. Dance with strangers long after dark. Waterkant offers an experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly different. It’s Amsterdam at its most relaxed, most fun, and most flavorful.

Ready for your next favorite hangout? You’ll find it by the water.