1. De Kade

We’re starting with this cosy bistro tucked away on the edge of the city centre. With a lovely waterside terrace, it’s just the place to settle in after a warm day with something delicious to eat and a glass in hand.

Owners Juan Trentadue and Sanne Havinga focus on classic French bistro fare, ranging from seasonal dishes to timeless favourites. Think steak tartare, confit chicken and, my personal favourite, an impressive cheese board. The knowledgeable team are more than happy to pair it all with the perfect wine.

And the best part? The terrace stays in the sun until around 7pm, leaving plenty of time for a leisurely drink or dinner.

📸 The Hague Living

📍 Wagenstraat 193
www.dekade.online

2. Café Soof

No garden of your own? No worries. Hidden away in the heart of The Hague, this charming courtyard café is a wonderful spot to while away a summer afternoon. Whether you fancy a relaxed lunch or simply want to settle down with a book and an Aperol Spritz, this is the place.

“Soof” takes its name from Sophia Loren, who, besides being an actress, wrote several cookbooks celebrating fresh and flavourful food. That spirit is reflected in the menu. The kitchen works with local produce, much of it grown in the café’s own garden, so you can enjoy lunch surrounded by greenery while the bustle of the city fades away.

This sunny retreat is ideal during the day. The sun arrives early and, while it disappears before the evening, there are plenty of shaded spots for those who prefer things a little cooler.

📍 Jan Hendrikstraat 6
www.cafesoof.nl

3. Bar Bea

For laid-back summer vibes, Bar Bea near the Palace Garden is hard to beat, especially its sunny terrace boat. Named after Queen B herself, Princess Beatrix, this modern brown café has a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere thanks to owners Patrick van Aller and Bas Kokshoorn and their team. It’s the sort of place you can pop into on a whim, perhaps even several times a week.

Bar Bea is known for its extensive cocktail list and its now-famous selection of Bea’s Spritzes. The terrace catches the sun until around 6.30pm, making it ideal for after-work drinks or a leisurely weekend lunch. There are also regular evening events if you fancy staying a little longer.

📍 Veenkade 7
www.barbeadenhaag.nl

4. Bouzy

Let’s not beat about the bush: Bouzy’s Denneweglocation has more than earned its reputation as one of the sunniest spots in town. On summer days, you can sit outside until roughly 8.30pm. This stylish wine bar offers an excellent selection, from established favourites to bottles from exciting up-and-coming producers. Found a wine you love? You can pick up a bottle at Bouzy’s wine shop on Torenstraat.

There’s also a second Bouzy in Prinsestraat. It may not have the same sunny terrace, but it’s worth visiting for its atmospheric wine cellar.

📍 Denneweg 83
www.bouzy.nl

5. Palmette

Fancy chasing the sun all day long? Palmette has you covered. Open from breakfast right through to evening drinks, it’s a place where you can easily spend an entire day. The tropical interior only adds to the holiday feeling.

French cuisine takes centre stage here, with a varied menu that encourages long lunches and even longer dinners. And the terrace? It remains bathed in sunshine until around 7.30pm.

📍 Plaats 27
www.palmette.nl

6. Café Bleu

With its striking blue façade, Café Bleu is impossible to miss. And anyone tempted to take a seat will be richly rewarded. During the summer months, the café’s terrace stretches out onto the bridge, where cheerful blue parasols provide the setting for charcuterie boards and glasses of orange natural wine. Feeling indulgent? The cocktails are well worth exploring too.

Step inside Café Bleu and, for a moment, it feels as though you’ve swapped the Netherlands for the South of France. Think bold flavours, lovely views and sunshine on your face until around 7.30pm.

📍 Hooistraat 5
www.cafebleu.nl