Terras van De Ysbreeker

The terrace of De Ysbreeker is one of the best-known spots on the Amstel to settle down for a coffee, lunch, drinks or dinner. From the spacious terrace you look out over the river, where rowers, pleasure boats and canal cruise boats sail to and fro. Thanks to the sunny location and the lively view, the terrace feels like a city square by the water. For well over three centuries this has been a meeting place for Amsterdammers. Over the years artists, writers, politicians and students came together here, which is why De Ysbreeker grew into one of the most iconic cafés in the city.
Where does the name come from?
The name De Ysbreeker refers to the historic icebreaker that used to lie in front of the door. This special ship kept the Amstel navigable in winter, so that ships could continue to bring clean drinking water from the Vecht to Amsterdam. The inn that stood here as early as the 18th century took over the name of the ship. The old spelling ‘Ysbreeker’ has been deliberately retained as a nod to the rich history of the place.
Fun fact
De Ysbreeker was much more than a café in the early 20th century. It was known as the meeting place for artists, writers and socialist politicians. According to historians, the basis was even laid here for the Marxist weekly De Tribune, from which the Communist Party of the Netherlands later emerged. A terrace with a hefty dose of Amsterdam history, then.