5 Lounge-Geneva Image by Diana Orduna Casalis
One of the things that makes Spotted by Locals different from guidebooks and many other websites: our tips are constantly kept up-to-date. Summer has already started, so you’ll find many tips on summer festivals, and places to have fun outdoors.
To keep you going for this summer, we’ve made a selection of the best summer bars in Europe our locals have spotted in 2015. There you go, with 75 tips! So “I don’t know where to go this summer”, is not a valid excuse anymore. Please note that this is not a chart! The order is purely casual!
1. Memento Beach Bar-Sofia
Image by Boyko Blagoev
Memento Beach Bar offers a pool, beach beds, sand, tents, flowers and even a hammock. Do you need something else to beat the heat in Sofia?
2. Mithos Taverna dell’Allegria-Rome
Image by Ivan Marra
Mithos is the perfect place to enjoy a very well made cocktail in such a nice hidden square in Rome! The refreshing Moscow Mule comes highly recommended!
3. Bains des Paquis – Geneva
Image by András Barta
Bains des Paquis offers a great view across Lake Geneva (picture below) and of the world’s largest fountain, Jet d’Eau! This diverse place attracts people all year round, but the summer period is most popular. “I spend a lot of my summer Sundays there, enjoying a refreshing late afternoon drink or a dip in the lake, with my friends and the people of Geneva for company” – András Barta
4. Strandperle – Hamburg
Image By Kyra Garske
Strandperle is a special beach area, or more of a snack stall with the best french fries. There are no designated seats or tables, just move them around so none of your friends have to sit on the sand and you can enjoy the sun the longest.
“[…] in former times the Strandperle was a milk stand and people came here for a glass of milk after bathing in the river Elbe”
5. TEDER.FM Pop-Up Summer Bar-Tel Aviv
Image by Alon Arad
Usually radio station Teder.fm, parks its van and opens a Pop-Up bar in a different location in Tel Aviv for about three months and it quickly becomes one of the most popular spots in the city. But this year the location will change every 10 days! Check their website for the location and get to know the local Tel Aviv summer!!
6. Kafárna na kus řeči-Prague
Image by Martin Kozel
Kafárna na kus řeči is the perfect place to enjoy the summer in the park! When eating or drinking you can meet a lot of locals here, especially in the evening!
7. Helvetia Hotel Restaurant – Zurich
Image by Miltiadis Sarakinos
Zurich has many hotels, but it’s hard to find out which ones sport a good roof top terrace. Of course our Spotters know! “The Helvti”, as it is commonly known has one of the best rooftop terraces according to Miltiadis. “Last year, I finally got there on the last day of June. 10 days of real summer in Zurich made it a must.”
8. Rue Jourdan – Brussels
Image by Wouter Spitters
“The Rue Jourdan is one of the places to be when you’re looking for a cozy street full of nice resto terraces in the Louiza Area.”.
This quote by spotter Wouter Spitters really says it all, it might be about a street and not about one particular bar, but there wouldn’t be room for other great outdoor summer bars on this list if we mentioned them all. Go have a look and on this street you’ll definitely find something to your liking!
9. DeFAQto Bar-Moscow
Image by Alexandra Kinevskaya
This is the place to enjoy some music while in Moscow! There is a concert every night! During the summer it is a good option if you want to sit in the fresh air.
10. Eschenbrau- Berlin
Image by Jeremie Gerhardt
Eschenbrau is a brewery which provides three to four different types of beer, as well as a seasonal one. In the summer you will find people sitting outside under the branches of a huge tree. It is a great spot to discover new beer flavors.
11. Caffe Hecco-Sarajevo
Image by Maranta Vego
We all love summer just because we can sit and enjoy the good weather outside. What about if this outside is a terrace with a breathtaking view of Sarajevo? Looks like Caffe Hecco is the place to go! Hidden, but Maranta explains how to get there, don’t worry!
12. La Azotea-Madrid
Image by Nadia Perez Rojas
Still talking about beautiful terraces, now we move to Madrid. At La Azotea you can take beautiful pictures of the stunning view of the Spanish Capital’s roofs, or relax on the beds and cushions while enjoying a cocktail. And this is just one of the 3 atmospheres this place offers!
13. Terrasse Cafe – Zurich
Image by Miltiadis Sarakinos
Of course we have to include a terrace bar named “Terrasse Cafe”! According to our Spotter Miltiadis it is an excellent location for all occasions. For some intimacy, there is a small balcony terrace on the side of the river.
14. Rover Bar – Thessaloniki
Image by Theodora Ralli
Rover Bar is so much more than a place with great cocktails and bazaars. It is a bar with really good music, great concerts and other organised events. Ok, but why is in the summer bars list? Because you can enjoy your cocktail in the small yard outside!
15. Place Rouppe – Brussels
Image by Theophane Raballand
In the center of Brussels, on Place Rouppe, with a view of the fountain, is a bar Houtsiplou. It has everything a good bar should have. A terrace for when the sun shines, good service, high quality food and reasonable prices!
Brussels local Ianthe Lancsweert says, “This area is a wonderful entrance to the center and offers a lively atmosphere.”
16. La Clémence – Geneva
Image by András Barta
“[…] at the first ray of sunshine! Everybody who is anybody and their mother is sitting at that immense terrace in sunglasses and their best outfits.” – András Barta
17. Hotel Not Hotel-Amsterdam
Image by Shawn Ruth van Heuckelum
It’s not a hotel; it’s not a bar. It’s a great place where locals, travellers and other strangers gather! Of course they do this with wine or with the amazing Gin & Tonics! Yet again, why is it in this summer list? They have a terrace on which to enjoy Amsterdam’s sunsets! And after that, go back to enjoy their cocktails!
18-Mostova Artcafe-Krakow
Image by Moscow Artcafe
Here our Krakow Spotter says: When it’s warm enough, tables are put on the sidewalk, which results in a casual, slightly Mediterranean feel.” And we believe it’s pretty rare in the country, if you just have a vague idea of where Poland is located!
19. Mother Kelly’s-London
Image by Matt Bramford
There are few places in London that have 19 regularly-changing ales, prosecco and two wines on tap. If you then add an outdoor terrace plus amazing food, it makes Mother Kelly’s the perfect place for the summer in London!
20. Café bar Amphore – Hamburg
“An amazing place for starting the day, best with a relaxing breakfast in the sunshine and with a great view over the Elbe river!”, Kyra Garske says. “Your day can’t go wrong after such a start at Amphore!
21. Esplanada do Principe Real – Lisbon
Image by Erik Lassche
“Esplanada do Principe Real is a nice terrace in one of Lisbon’s nicest parks. It’s a great place to have breakfast or just a coffee.”, says local Erik Lassche. And the picture strongly underlines his comment. What a great place!
22. Izlet Coffee Bar-Skopje
Image by Ivana Dimitrovska
Even if Izlet coffee is a regular, nothing-special-to-say-about coffee bar, their terrace is definitely the best one in Skopje. At night there are often parties, DJs and even on “regular” nights it is full, so if you prefer a calm break, you should come here during the day.
23. Hotel Bairro Alto – Lisbon
Image by Erik Lassche
Hotel Bairro Alto is not just accessible to hotel guests, but visitors as well. So there is no need to book a room in this hotel if you want to enjoy this view. Unless of course you want to enjoy that view from your bed of course.
“Comfortable sofas and chairs, heating and a great view.” – Erik Lassche
24. Dogs and Tails-Kiev
Image by Dima Romas
Our Kiev local is definitely ready to taste the summer in the Capital of Ukraine. Dogs and Tails is the place where you can taste traditional recipe hot dogs from all over the US and new ones, invented here in Kiev. Actually, the ones in Kiev have avocado in it – they taste of country, fresh food from the home of chef Christopher Faulkner and of course summer.
25. Bar Lennon – Barcelona
Image by Pedro Ghinaglia
From Japanese and Brazilian we venture on to American. At least that’s what the name indicates. Located in the busy neighborhood Gracia, this square and bar are actually quiet and a locals-only place. Few know about this place. Pedro Ghinaglia puts it nicely, “Believe me, this is a great way to enjoy the benefits of Gracia without experiencing the disadvantages from its popularity.”
26. 38°-41′ – Lisbon
Image by Claudio Carneiro
38°-41′ – is a very fancy bar, but not pretentious. You can expect good service there, with great drinks and food. Not to mention the view!
“It’s a very trendy space to relax, with good ambient music and a wonderful and huge view of the Tagus River, as well as of the bridge “25 de Abril” – Cláudio Carneiro
27. Marmo-Rome
Image by Antonina Sinagra
Besides giving us instructions on how Marmo works, Antonina highly recommends giving the aperitif here a try! Looks like this is the place to be during the summer in Rome! Or at least for the hipsters fashionistas
27.Bâteau El Alamein-Paris
Image by Yuko Ogino
Bâteau El Alamein is a well-established little floating garden, surrounded by a varied selection of potted plants and with the Seine rocking you gently you’ll soon forget that you’re just in the center of Paris!
29. Mummotunneli-Helsinki
Image by Raffaellos for media
One of the summer terraces of Helsinki is legendary! It is that of Raffaello’s on Wanha kauppakuja, the Mummotunneli. Why? Better read the article if you want to know the answer!
30. St Christopher’s Place – London
Image by Patrik Bergstrand
Again, this is not a bar or café, but a great collection of bars, cafés and restaurants along an alive-with-music street! St Christopher’s Place is busy throughout the year as the terraces have heating during the cold months of the year. Local Charl Asuit writes, “Alfresco is the main dining theme at St Christopher’s place. Rain or shine, hot or cold, St Christopher’s Place is perfect to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.”
31. Café Franck-Cologne
Image by Julia Lenz
Yes of course the terrace of Café Franck is already a valid motivation to come here. We can also add the fact that they make a really mouthwatering cake!
32. Flow-Paris
Image by Frédéric Moussaïan
Flow is a bar and restaurant which gets a bit crowded on sunny evenings for the apéro or dinner, but is much more relaxed during the afternoon, when you may want to have a good rest in the shade. On some beach chairs facing the Seine! Isn’t that inviting?
33. Lungo il Tevere-Rome
Image by Antonina Sinagra
Even for the Romans the river is a good place to relax during the summer! From the 12th of June to the last day of August temporary bars, restaurants and shops are opened next to the refreshing Tiber. There are many restaurants, bars and events held here so a quick look at the official site before going is a good idea in order to plan what you want to do!
34. Ysbreeker – Amsterdam
Image by Shawn Ruth van Heuckelum
The Ysbreeker is situated along the Amstel river, so it goes without saying that it’s got a fabulous terrace! Add to that some of their fine French dishes, and you’ve got the perfect summer evening right there!
35. Le Trottoir – Milan
Image by Audrey Smith
Le Trottoir was designed to cool you off on warm summer nights. On their rooftop terrace you can unwind, with diverse music in the background whilst watching the views around you.
36. Pur Pur terrace – Zurich
Image by Militiadis Sarakinos
Pur Pur is a good terrace for a drink during summer nights. It actually has two terraces you can choose from. If you are lucky you get to sit on the little sofa at the edge. The side terrace feels quieter: a place for focusing on the person you are with.
37. 5 Lounge-Geneva
Image by Diana Orduna Casalis
5 Lounge from the Swissotel Metropole, offers an amazing view of Geneva together with elaborate cocktails and mouthwatering finger food. Our Spotter Diana suggests trying the cocktail named The Sky 5 with vodka, curaçao, peach, lemon and lemonade. The taste is fresh, it is served with crushed ice and if you are lucky it will match the color of the sky.
38. Play café – Athens
Image by Margarita Kalogeropoulou
The name Play Café really does say it all. Filled with cute and colorful ornaments and toys for kids, it’s a relaxed venue to do just that!
Athens Spotter Margarita: “PLAY likes to play.”
39. Café no Chiado – Lisbon
Image by Erik Lassche
“Come here to have a cup of coffee or lunch, read a book on the terrace or just to enjoy the setting.” Spotter Erik Lassche says. This café in the popular neighborhood Chiado is less touristy than others and offers great food to boot!
40. Les Cercles des Voyageurs – Brussels
Image by Renata Riva
A lovely and easy-to-find bar in the heart of Brussels, right around the corner from Manneken Pis! During the evenings Les Cercles des Voyageurs hosts concerts, movies and more, but during the day with lovely weather it’s great to sit outside and watch the world go by. What fascinates our Spotter Renata is its laid back atmosphere with soft music and comfortable armchairs.
41. Mlýnská kavárna – Prague
Image by Tomáš Jungwirth
This cafe is located in an old water-mill, in a lovely area; Kampa.
Prague Spotter Tomáš: “The atmosphere of Mlýnská kavárna is truly charming. Plus there is a pleasant backyard. In the summer though, I prefer to have a beer draught into a plastic cup and go outside to chat at the benches or sit on the grass.”
42. Portas do Sol drinks & food – Lisbon
Image by Cláudio Carneiro
Another bar with a view! According to local Cláudio Carneiro the only downside to this place is the fact that,”once you are there, it is really very hard to leave.”
43. La Metoc-Bucharest
Image by La Metoc
La Metoc House is open only during summertime, and it feels like you are visiting your grandparents’ house in the countryside, because they have a beautiful garden.
44. Corvinteto – Budapest
Image by Miklos Zsamboki
Corvinteto is a great rooftop bar terrace / kert where on a warm evening you can really chill out and chat away with a cool urban backdrop surrounding you – and if you get restless, the dance floor is right below.”
45. The Inn Deep – Glasgow
Image by Gill Davies
This is a lovely cafe by the banks of the Kelvin, spotted by our Glasgow Spotter Gill
46. Pawilony – Warsaw
Image by Ola Synowiec
Pawilony is the area of little bars at the back of Nowy Świat street. Ola often meets friends here, sometimes without actually planning to. Especially when the sun is out, it’s very popular!
47. Am Himmel – Vienna
Image by Linda Nepicks
Am Himmel is in the outskirts of Vienna, and a great place to enjoy the sun on the terrace with a hot or cold drink, away from the hustle and bustle of city life!
48. Kafe Asylet – Oslo
Image by Andrea Chirulescu
In the summer, that backyard is an ideal place to go for a drink with your buddies, since you can find plenty of long tables suitable for big groups.
49. Route 66 – Zagreb
Image by Milana Martinovic
Rock ‘n’ roll and summer goes together and this place offers more than a nice spot in the sun. There’s also table football, pool (what kind of a rock club would it be without pool?) and if you get hungry you can always order a slice of pizza!
50. Swedbank Terrace – Vilnius
Image by Kamilé Naraité
A perfect place to cool down or enjoy a good picnic with friends. Our Vilnius Spotter Kamile says that Swedbank Terrace is a unique place where time stops for a while. This sounds promising!
51. Komeet – Tallinn
Image by Kristiina Kala
Another great terrace with a view spotted by local Kristiina.
“In summertime Komeet has a beautiful rooftop terrace with sunshine during the day and live music in the night time”
52.Torvehallerne – Copenhagen
Image by Elina Roivainen
Just an amazing in- and outdoor market with plenty of opportunity to sit outside in the sun and enjoy the freshly-made food or drinks from one of many bars/restaurants.
As our Spotter Elina Roivainen points out “I love Torvehallerne. the two halls are equipped with 60 different stalls selling all kind of quality goods”
53. Café 1001 – London
Image by Phoebe Ferris-Rotman
You’ll find it more and more in cafés and bars, mismatched seats! Café 1001 offers comfortable mismatched chairs, great food, live music and outdoor seating as well! “In summertime, people swamp to the outside picnic benches and the alleyway…”, Spotter Phoebe Ferris-Rotman wrote.
54. Lemon Tree – Bratislava
Image by Eva Lelkesová
Lemon Tree has many different options, but one of them is the top terrace which provides a great view over the old town. Our local Eva says that Lemon Tree means delicious kitchen and astonishing view!
55. Jazz club Gajo – Ljubljana
Image by Jost Derlink
A quote from Spotter Jošt Derlink’s review; “There is no summer without Gajo’s summer garden”. So if you make your way to Ljubljana this summer – you might want to check out this terrace.
56. Baguette Cafe-Kiev
Image By Dima Romas
Baguette cafe has a magical mini-terrace/bar stage, facing Andriivsky cathedral, and sure that’s an amazing view but it’s not over yet! Their cuisine is a mix of French/Italian food providing a pure “dolce vita”, the Ukrainian version.
57. Bomonti Brasserie – Istanbul
Image by Bomonti
This place has an amazing view, good beers and then some… Read all about it in Emre Kamar’s review on Bomonti Brasserie.
58. Teuchters Landing – Edinburgh
Image by Stu Anderson
Another really local gem discovered by Spotter Stu Anderson in Edinburgh. Teuchters Landing is the place to go to in Edinburgh for drinks, beers, local foods or/and to relax/watch sports. Really it has almost everything you can ask for. It also has a beer garden which looks out onto the water, now that summer is here, it would be a great place to visit on a sunny day.
59. LOSTin Esplanada bar – Lisbon
Image by Cláudio Carneiro
A view of Lisbon with a smidge of India! “Still the best of LOSTin is the gorgeous view over downtown and Lisbon castle, under the shadows of beautiful trees.”, according to Cláudio.
60. Budai Parkszínpad-Budapest
Image by Julianna Kató
Built as a summer theatre back in the fifties, Budai Parkszínpad became an important part of Buda’s cultural life with musicals, concerts and theatrical plays. Then in 2005, it was closed and deteriorated fast… But this year’s June, the reconstruction has finished and a bar with the same name has opened, becoming the newest hip place in Budapest.
61. Bocadero-Antwerp
Image by Steven Lemmens
Bocadero is the place to be during the summer in Antwerp, but without the too snobby atmosphere. Our Spotter Steven comes here for some beers or wine together with some food to pick at! He likes this place especially because there is enough room for everybody, even when it’s crowded, you will find yourself a nice corner!
62. Summer Terrace-Vilnius
Image by Kamilé Naraitė
Our Vilnius Spotter Kamilé simply can’t imagine summer without this place. The Summer Terrace became a part of Vilnius city life more than ten years ago and is still successful. There are many different activities every day!
63. Babouras-Athens
Image by Dimitris Hall
Babouras is one of the favorite summer spots of our Athens Spotter Dimitris! There are 3 main reasons why this place is so special to him. Wanna know them? Just click on the article link :)!
64.Büyük Londra Oteli & Terrace Bar-Istanbul
Image by Büyük Londra Oteli
Picture yourself on a beautiful terrace, with a glass of wine and overlooking the Golden Horn of Istanbul. Nothing more to add here. WOW!
65. Lago Zürich – Zurich
Image by Miltiadis Sarakinos
Lago Zürich is actually a nautical center which rents out boats and organizes events on the water. But later at night, it’s an excellent spot for a drink!
“It combines the beautiful view towards the sunset sky while offering relaxing distance from the crowds of Utoquai.”
66. 25° Est -Paris
Image by Adam Roberts
Terrace, great food, live music, amazing view and there are also two art-house cinemas nearby. 25˚ is the place to be during a Parisian Summer!
67. Fermentoren-Copenhagen
Image by Igor Lenivtsev
Apart from having a great selection of beers an outside area with a DJ during summer nights. Nice bartenders, cool area and again, just really good and interesting beers.
68. HaMalabia-Tev Aviv
Image by Alona Feldman
HaMalabia in Tel Aviv has a very cool vibe, outdoor seats including a long shared table and table games which makes it an easygoing place to meet up with friends! Of course you can drink some beers here, but the best feature is the Malabi! Dairy and vegan malabis are available as well.
69. Bufet Horná Stanica-Bratislava
Image by Martin Jusko
During the summer this is your exit strategy from the heat of the town. Come here by bike and a cold beer will be waiting for you. And there is also a lovely view from the terrace!
70. Mädchen ohne Abitur-Berlin
Image By Jeremy Gerhardt
It is a colorful place, mostly red but not an ugly red, neither bloody, just a red that makes you feel comfortable with appropriate dim lighting. During the summer you don’t even realize you are sitting outside on the terrace as they’ve managed to extend their light atmosphere onto the street.
71. Uit Steppe en Oase-Ghent
Image by Julie Cornelis
How nice is this place? You are literally in the center of Ghent without noticing it, in a very nice garden. It’s full of plants, little corners and Eastern elements. Eastern because the garden is part of an antiquarian specialized in objects of the Middle-East.
72. Rooftop 42-Geneva
Image by Diana Orduna
Rue du Rhône is another great address for summer in Geneva! At number 42, after you take the elevator to the last floor, you’ll find Rooftop 42; a bar with a splendid view of Geneva’s lake, Jet d’Eau, and all the beautiful hotels from the other side of the lake. Diana loves having rosé wine in “pool” style; meaning they add ice cubes to make it super fresh!
73. Mappamundo-Brussels
Image by Renata Riva
Mappamundo located on Square St. Gery has a beautiful terrace and outdoor seating where you can rewind and relax during the summer and a wide selection of drinks and even the possibility of food during the day!
74. Rooftop Bar-Dublin
Image by Alina Ecke
The terrace bar of the Marker Hotel has open and sheltered areas, both are good observation points. When it comes to food and drinks, it’s not the cheapest menu, but the local gin called Marker Bar cocktail is exceptional! Do not forget to check the opening times that are subject to change every week.
75. Arco Iris-Madrid
Image by Cat Bethune
Arco Iris is the perfect place to go on summer evenings, when you’ll find all the terrazas crowded and lively. Good luck finding a table (sometimes you have to stand around in an informal queue for a few minutes until you secure your spot)! When you do sit down, though, you’ll probably end up staying for hours, soaking up the atmosphere!
So there you go…a 75-long selection of great summer bars, as recommended by some of our European Spotters. Didn’t see one to your liking, or one for the city you’re currently in? Worry not, there are plenty more options and tips on the city blogs! We could have gone on and on, but we forced ourselves to a halt at 75.
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