Article from Spotted by Locals - Experience Europe like a local
Image by Miltiadis Sarakinos
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 75 best summer bars in Europe our locals have spotted in 2013.
1. Bains des Paquis – Geneva (by Sylvie Meynier)
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.
“It´s a place that lots of locals love because it´s simple and less formal than most spots in Geneva”
Image by Sylvie Meynier
2. Strandperle – Hamburg (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 her for a glass of milk after bathing in the river Elbe”
Image by Kyra Garske
3. Kulturstrand – Munich (by Andreas Eder)
Kulturstrand is a great beach bar and an art project along the river!
“This spot has an exceptional position on the most central one of all Isar Bridges.” – The picture says it all
Image by Andreas Eder
4. Mlýnská kavárna – Prague (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.”
Image by Tomáš Jungwirth
5. Le Jemmapes – Paris (by Harriet O’Brien)
This is a good place for a summer refreshment, down at the canal-side. Harriet O´Brien says: “Summer is finally here and there´s nowhere so summer-cool as Qaui de Jemmapes.”
Image by Harriet O´Brien
6. Hopper Café - Antwerp (by Niko Caignie)
There is a great view of the Antwerp Cathedral from Hopper Café and in summers their terrace is located right next to it. The street which the café is on, is also prohibited for cars, which gives it a very peaceful vibe.
“Besides the jazzy atmosphere of this café, its terrace is one of the best to capture the most sun during the day”
Image by Niko Caignie
7. Helvetia Hotel Restaurant – Zurich (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.”
Image by Miltiadis Sarakinos
8. Rue Jourdan – Brussels (by Wouter Spitters)
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!
“The Rue Jourdan is one of the places to be when you’re looking for a cozy street full of nice terraces in the Louiza Area”.
Image by Wouter Spitters
9. Bordello’s – Bucharest (by Alex Olteanu)
Bordello’s is a place you’ll most definitely pass, as it is in the historical centre of Bucharest. Local Alex Olteanu recommends that you stop and take a look, for the cocktails and the atmosphere are amazing. ”hmmm… the ‘Bordellos’ atmosphere”, he writes. Along with a terrace where you can enjoy the sun and people-watch to your hearts content, it’s a good place to wind down, or maybe even wind up to start your night!
Image by Alex Olteanu
10. Heinz Minki – Berlin (by Robby Block)
Who doesn’t love a biergarden? During the day you can catch some sun rays, and at night the lights around the trees make for a very cozy and comfortable setting.
“This biergarten though is particularly lovely and memorable. The sprawling garden seems huge, though on a warm night it will certainly fill up.”
Image by Robby Block
11. The Art Foundation – Athens (by George Rigos)
The Art Foundation is a fairly new hotspot in Athens. With its courtyard and art exhibitions it’s a perfect way to absorb some vitamin D and entertain yourself.
Notes by George: “This is one of the scarce spots in town where you can still see the internal yard which dominated in most of prewar buildings of Athens”
Image by Aggeliki Georgokosta
12. Westergasterras – Amsterdam (by Gisela Clarke)
Westergasterras is situated in Amsterdam West, right next to a lovely green park. Many people go jogging here, alone or with their pets. Besides a vibrant social scene, a superb green view of the park, Westergasterras offers amazing food and drink!
“When the weather is good the party starts early and you can dance outside in the sunshine”
Image by Gisela Clarke
13. Terrasse Cafe – Zurich (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.”
Image by Miltiadis Sarakinos
14. La Barje – Geneva (by Lorcan Meyfarth)
Have you ever been to a bar where you’re served from a caravan? The most common place to find special places like this would be at a festival. But Geneva offers you this right in the center, along the river Rhone!
Lorcan Mayfarth writes: “Aside from its great ambitions, the bar is a nice place to go to the place is refreshing when the temperatures are too high. You can even wet your feet in the Rhone!”
Image by Lorcan Meyfarth
15. Houtsiplou – Brussels (by Ianthe Lancsweert)
In the center of Brussels with a view of the fountain, is a bar called Place Rouppe – 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.”
Image by Theophane Raballand
16. La Clémence – Geneva (by Lorcan Mayfarth)
“La Clémence is the bar I would take every visitor to.” This is the opening line to local Lorcan Meyfarth’s blog about the bar La Clémence. So go on over the blog and read what else Lorcan has to say about the sunny and lively bar La Clémence.
Image by Lorcan Meyfarth
17. Walem – Amsterdam (by Maarten-Jan Meyer zu Schlochtern)
Walem features a canal side terrace, a modern and comfortable interior and a rear-side garden terrace.
Amsterdam local Maarten-Jan Meyer zu Schlochtern: “Walem is the place to be, when you are in the mood for great drinks, sandwiches on the canalside with a great terrace.”
Image by Maarten-Jan Meyer zu Schlochtern
18. Berliner Betrüger – Hamburg (by Louise Kunth)
WARNING! This picture will make you want to immediately leave your office or classroom and book a ticket for Hamburg right away! While Louise Kunth still highly recommends this place, you’d better wait until you have some free time! Read more!
Image by Oberstübchen
19. Le Bar du Marché – Paris (by Harriet O’Brien)
Le Bar du Marché’s terrace offers you a great view of the Seine.
“…the corner of the rue de Seine and the rue Saint-André des Arts, providing an ideal vantage point over this colorful, ever-frenetic corner of Paris.”
Image by Yoko can´t spell
20. Café bar Amphore – Hamburg (by Kyra Garske)
“An amazing place for starting the day, best with relaxing breakfast in 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!
Image by Kyra Garske
21. Esplanada do Principe Real – Lisbon (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!
Image by Erik Lassche
22. Le Bateau – Geneva (by Sylvie Meynier)
The view to Jet d´Eau is amazing! We’d also like to mention the amazing perks Le Bateau offers! Drinks, views, sun, food, dancing and fun!
“Bateau Genéve gets better every year”
Image by Sylvie Meynier
23. Hotel Bairro Alto – Lisbon (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.”
Image by Erik Lassche
24. El Brujito – Hamburg (by Kyra Garske)
Yummy, South American cuisine!! And South American cuisine should be eaten outside in the sunshine, and El Brujito provides ample opportunity.
As local Kyra Garske writes, “You can sit inside on chairs and armchairs, in front of the door on a bench (great during the day) or in the beer-garden in the backyard.”
Image by Kyra Garske
25. Bar Lennon – Barcelona (by Pedro Ghinaglia)
From Japanese and Brazillian 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.”
Image by Pedro Ghinaglia
26. 38°-41′ – Lisbon (by Cláudio 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 to the Tagus River, as well to the bridge “25 de Abril”
Image by Claudio Carneiro
27. De kleine kunst – Ghent (by Julie Lenssens)
Our Spotter Julie from Ghent has found a treat in her discovery of bars.
“What a great place! I love the bustling atmosphere in this bar” she says.
Image by Julie Lenssens
28. La Latina – Madrid (by Teresa Juan López)
La Latina is an area crowded by bars. It’s perfectly normal for you to arrive at this square and find it like the picture above!
Local Teresa Juan López confirms this on her blog, “People sitting on the floor sunbathing with a beer in their hand; people playing the guitar or just chatting. The neighbourhood changes completely and it is full of activity. A combination of tapas, sun, drinks and a late breakfast.”
Image by Teresa Juan López
29. Het Zuiderterras - Antwerp (by Niko Caignie)
Het Zuiderterras restaurant has amazing views of the riverside of Antwerp. And providing the wind lets up a bit this can be enjoyed from their rooftop terrace.
“The food is good, service is good but the view is the thing you should come for” says local Niko Caignie.
Image by Niko Caignie
30. La Mer à Boire – Paris (by Adam Roberts)
“…wait until the sun peeks through the clouds then move outside to the large terrace. Here you are at the highest point in Paris, and you can appreciate the best panoramic view available anywhere in the city.” You might have to wait a bit in Paris for sunny weather, but when it does happen, Adam Roberts recommends you await it at La Mer à Boire for the best view of Paris.
Image by Adam Roberts
31. St Christopher’s Place – London (by Charl Asuit)
Again, this is not a bar of café, but a great collection of bars, cafés and restaurants along an alive-with-music street! St Christopher’s Place is busy through out 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.”
Image by Patrik Bergstrand
32. Café 1001 – London (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.
Image by Phoebe Ferris-Rotman
33. The Penthouse – Madrid (by Aldara Collet)
When does a penthouse not come with a view? This Penthouse comes with a view too, to be more specific, a view you can enjoy from their rooftop bar! “The ambiance is quite eclectic and you can find actors, as well as tourists that want to enjoy the view”, local Aldara Collet writes.
Image by A. Collet
34. Point Éphémère- Paris (by Harriet O’Brien)
“Simple food and inexpensive drinks are available until late and the canal-side terrace is a great hang-out and a perfectly protected sun-trap.” Harriet O’Brien writes. So really, what reason is there not to try it out?
Image by Harriet O´Brien
35. Akkademia bar – Milan (by Audrey Smith)
Akkademia bar is situated amongst a host of restaurants and therefore stands out. “With outside seating, it’s busy all seasons and on tap you can find the good quality beer”, Audrey Smith said.
Image by Audrey Smith
36. Canvas op de 7e – Amsterdam (by Martin Sollmann)
This roof top bar is located on top of a former newspaper building. Canvas offers cheap cocktails and an even cheaper view of Amsterdam from the rooftop terrace!
“DJ´s, singer-songwriters, theme/parties or cocktail nights (5 EUR a cocktail), you can have it all @ canvas. But whatever takes place at Canvas, nothing can beat the view: I think it’s one of the best Amsterdam has to offer.” Martin Sollmann says.
Image by Martin Sollman
37. Le Trottoir – Milan (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.
Image by Audrey Smith
38. Aux Folies – Paris (by Harriet O’Brien)
Imagine! Edith Piaf and Maurice Chevalier used to sit here! Harriet O’Brien also says, “The drinks are cheap and the service super-efficient; late afternoon even finds the terrace (a rare sun-trap amid the narrow shaded streets) bathed in somnolent rays.”
Image by Akuppa
39. Jardin du Bassin de l’Arsenal – Paris (by Harriet O’Brien)
Harriet O’Brien has found that walking, let alone laying on the grass is not okay in Paris! Well now she’s found something. Slap bang in the middle of Place de la Bastille this park is a stark contrast to the rest of busy Paris.
“A restaurant/café at the Bastille end of the garden has a cool shady terrace – an ideal stop-off for a coffee or an aperitif.”
Image by Harriet O´Brien
40. Volo cocktail bar – Milan (by Audrey Smith)
Volo “has a lovely outside garden with gazebo and an inside area when it’s a bit colder. With the weather now nice and hot, it’s time to enjoy this great bar!”, Audrey Smith writes on her blog. Cocktails and a view! Can’t you just wait to try it?
Image by Audrey Smith
41. Pur Pur terrace – Zurich (by Miltiadis Sarakinos)
Pur Pur is a good terrace for a drink during summer nights. It actually has two terraces you can choose from.
Miltiadis: ”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.”
Image by Militiadis Sarakinos
42. Lago Zürich – Zurich (by Miltiadis Sarakinos)
Lago Zürich is actually a nautical center which rents 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.”
Image by Miltiadis Sarakinos
43. Play café – Athens (by Margarita Kalogeropoulou)
The name Play Café really does say it all. Filled with cute and colorful ornaments and toys for kids, is a relaxed venue to do just that!
Athens Spotter Margarita: ”PLAY likes to play.”
Image by Margarita Kalogeropoulou
44. Café no Chiado – Lisbon (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 tourity than others and offer great food to boot!
Image by Erik Lassche
45. Les Cercles des Voyageurs – Brussels (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.
Renata Riva says, “What fascinates me is its laid back atmosphere with soft music and confortable armchairs.”
Image by Renata Riva
46. Hotel do Chiado – Lisbon (by Erik Lassche)
Another hotel in our list, the Hotel do Chiado. And really…the view says it all. A great place to sit all day and forget about your worries and just look around and be!
Image by lisbon.theperfecthotels.com
47. Portas do Sol drinks & food – Lisbon (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.”
Image by Cláudio Carneiro
48. Café Chéri(e) – Paris (by Harriet O’Brien)
Don’t let the rickety exterior and terrace scare you away. According to spotter Harriet O’Brien Café Chéri(e) it is, “a great place for a rest in the sunshine with an aperitif.”
Image by Harriet O´Brien
49. LOSTin Esplanada bar – Lisbon (by Cláudio Carneiro)
A view of Lisbon with a smidge of India! “Still the best of LOSTin is the a gorgeous view over downtown and Lisbon castle, under the shadows of beautiful trees.”, according to Cláudio.
Image by Cláudio Carneiro
50. Corvinteto – Budapest (by Kálmán Faragó)
Corvinteto is a great rooftop bar terrace / kert.
Budapest Spotter Kalman: “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.”
Image by Miklos Zsamboki
51. The Big Blue – Glasgow (by Gill Davies)
This is a lovely cafe by the banks of the Kelvin, spotted by our Glasgow Spotter Gill
Image by Gill Davis
52. Pawilony – Warsaw (by Ola Synowiec & Szymon Kubia)
Pawilony is the area of little bars at the back of Nowy Świat street. Ola & Szymon often meet friends here. Especially when the sun is out, it’s very popular!
Image by Szymon Kubiak
53. Am Himmel – Vienna (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 citylife!
Image by Linda Nepicks
54. Kafe Asylet – Oslo (by Andrea Chirulescu)
Oslo Spotter Andrea: “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.”
Image by Andrea Chirulescu
55. Route 66 – Zagreb (by Milana Martinovic)
Rock ´n´roll and summer goes together and this place offers more than a nice spot in the sun.
Milana from Zagreb ask: “what kind of a rock club without a pool”?
Image by Milana Martinovic
56. Swedbank Terrace – Vilnius (by Kamilé Naraité)
A perfect place to cool down or enjoy a good picnic with friends.
Spotter Kamilé Naraité says; “Swedbank Terrace is a unique place where time stops for a while”. What can be better than that?
Image by Kamilé Naraité
57. Komeet – Tallinn (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”
Image by Kristiina Kala
58. Torvehallerne – Copenhagen (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”
Image by Elina Roivainen
59. Kamarite – Skopje (by Bojana Trajkovska)
Our Spotter Bojana writes about Kamarite and tells about its hidden location in a backyard of the inner city of Skopje – but don´t worry. Her article will explain.
Image by Bojana Trajkovska
60. Riga Terrace – Riga (by Diana Lace)
The biggest open air restaurant and bar in the Baltic States, with a fantastic view and a great variety of food. Enjoy!
Spotted by Diana Lace who says; “On a careless evening there is nothing better than coming to the Riga Terrace and rewarding yourself with some delicious treat”
Image by Diana Lace
61. Zontybar – Saint Petersburg (by Dasha Scherbinina)
Our local, Dasha gives us a little bit of history and insight on this bar, details on how to get there and it´s crowd.
Image by Dasha Scherbinina
62. Lemon Tree – Bratislava (by Eva Leklesová)
Lemon Tree has many different opportunities, but one of them is the top terrace which provides a great view over the old town.
“Lemon Tree restaurant means delicious kitchen and astonishing view” says Eva Leklesová.
Image by Eva Leklesová
63. Gondolen – Stockholm “Gondolen has a bar with the best view in all of Stockholm” - Well, guess that says it all.
Image by Aaron Larsson
64. Radio Cafe´- Sofia (by Ana Blagova)
A great outdoor party place – underneath the busy city life!
“Parties happen easily here, and they also have live shows”
65. Café DikT – Rotterdam (by Michael Afanasyev)
“Where the sun always shines” – the headline for this article by Michael, who´s favorite time is; “when the market is buzzing on the street below”
Image by Michael Afanasyev
66. Summer on the Tiber – Rome (by Ivan Marra)
Summertime in Rome, on the riverside, must be something for everyone, so here is a fantastic place to spend a few hours.
Image by Ivan Marra
67. Dukes 92 – Manchester (by Paul Coleman)
Spotter Paul coleman says about this place; “The area directly outside the bar really comes alive in the summer months, as together with the upstairs terrace, this is a perfect sun trap”.
Image by Paul Coleman
68. BarKa – Warsaw (by Nitzan Reisner)
BarKa keeps on being popular among the people of Warsaw.
“It´s thanks to places like this, that Warsaw makes amends with its river”
Image by Nitzan Reisner
69. Jazz club Gajo – Ljubljana (by Jost Derlink)
A quote from Spotter Jost Derlink´s articles; “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.
Image by Jost Derlink
70. Bomonti Brasserie – Istanbul (by Emre Kamar)
This place both have an amazing view, good beers and then some… Read all about it in Emre Kamar´s article on Bomonti Brasserie.
Image by Bomonti
71. Ravintola Loiste – Helsinki (by Kathrin Deter)
A great spot in Helsinki, that can be enjoyed on all hours of the day. Take a look at the view:
“The outside area is quite big, with a terrace that goes around 3 sides of the building so it offers you a beautiful Helsinki panorama in different directions”.
Image by Kathrin Deter
72. Harvey´s – Frankfurt (by Clara Hebel)
This article will tell you about a great breakfast spot, in Frankfurt, that changes into a bar at night with long wooden tables.
For eating, local Spotter recommends the delicious burgers with crispy chips on the side.
Image by Clara Hebel
73. The Pavillion Bar – Dublin (by Damian Byrne)
The “Pav” as its called by the locals, is a great place to enjoy the sun in Dublin.
Image by Damian Byrne
74. Basta – Belgrade (by Maja Simov)
This is definitely a bar to know in the Savamala area of Belgrade.
“I like it because its hidden, has a great selection of white wines and a great crowd.” says Maja Simov.
Image by Maja Simov
75. Teuchter´s Landing – Edinburgh (By Stu Anderson)
Another really local gem discovered by Spotter Stu Anderson in Edinburgh. This is the place to go in Edinburgh for drinks, beers, local foods or/and to relax/watching 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”.
Image by Stu Anderson
Have a great summer!
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