OBA Oosterdok is the Amsterdam Central Library located near Central Station. The library has a small panoramic viewpoint and seating terrace at the café-restaurant on the 7th floor.
It offers some good views of the city and is well worth a short visit.
Amsterdam Central Library terrace at a glance
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The outdoor terrace is open during the summer season (April-October) and has good views looking out towards the south side of Amsterdam. Note, the large canopy and concrete pillar does restrict views of the sky and towards the west.
The library is the second largest in Europe after Birmingham. To access the terrace you should go up the lift or escalators to the 6th floor, then take another lift or stairs to the 7th level.
The Babel café-restaurant at Level 7 serves a simple selection of drinks and light meals. However, if you just want to go up to visit the terrace you are free to do so.
Some of the features of the sweeping panorama are now marked on transparent boards which also have info on other buildings of note in Amsterdam.
Particularly good views are available of the green NEMO Science Museum to the east which to some people looks like a ship’s hull.
Similar views can be seen by the front windows on the lower floors – which actually have better views of the sky without the top floor canopy.
Amsterdam Central Library is a nice place to hang out for a while and take in a free view of the city.
More panorama locations in Amsterdam include the nearby Luminair Rooftop bar and the A’DAM Lookout
OBA Central Library Terrace Essential Info
OBA Library Opening HoursLibrary open 08:00-22:00 (Mon-Fri), 10:00-20:00 (Sat-Sun). Note, the terrace is shut during the winter (November-March). |
AdmissionFree entry to the terrace, although access during bad weather may be restricted. |
OBA Central Library LocationThe Central Library is 5-10 mins walk east of Amsterdam Central station, along the Oosterdokskade walkway. |
OBA Central Library Address / ContactOBA Central Library, Oosterdokskade 143, 1011 DL Amsterdam |
Last update 11 August 2026, article originally published in 2008.
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