5 European Cities with the Best Sunny Terraces

Barcelona: sun almost guaranteed

With over 2,500 hours of sunshine per year, Barcelona is a terrace lover's paradise. The wide boulevards of the Eixample district offer plenty of south-facing terraces, while the Gothic Quarter's narrow streets create a mix of shady retreats and sun-drenched squares. Las Ramblas and Plaça Reial are classic spots, but locals know the real gems are in Gràcia and Poblenou.

Pro tip: in summer, the midday sun can be intense. Many locals prefer terraces with partial shade around lunchtime and save full-sun terraces for the golden hour before sunset.

Lisbon: chasing light on seven hills

Lisbon's hilly terrain means every street has a different relationship with the sun. South-facing miradouros (viewpoints) like Miradouro da Graça offer panoramic sun exposure, while the narrow streets of Alfama create a patchwork of light and shadow. The city's pastel buildings reflect sunlight beautifully, adding warmth even in shaded areas.

The Ribeira district along the Tagus River is perfect for afternoon sun, and the wide Praça do Comércio stays sunny well into the evening hours.

Amsterdam: making the most of every ray

The Dutch relationship with sunshine is special — when the sun comes out, so do the terraces. Amsterdam's canal-side cafés are legendary, with south-facing spots along the Herengracht and Prinsengracht being the most coveted. The Jordaan neighborhood has pocket-sized terraces that catch afternoon sun, while the wide-open Museumplein offers unobstructed sunlight.

Because Amsterdam sits at 52°N latitude, the sun angle is quite low in winter. But in summer, the long days (sun rises before 5:30 AM and sets after 10 PM) mean extended terrace hours that are hard to beat anywhere in Europe.

Paris: terraces as a way of life

Parisian café culture revolves around the terrace. The wide Haussmann-era boulevards were practically designed for outdoor seating, with generous sidewalks catching sun for much of the day. The south-facing terraces along the Seine — especially on Île Saint-Louis — are magical in the afternoon.

Le Marais offers sun-drenched squares like Place des Vosges, while Montmartre's elevated position means terraces here often catch sun even when lower neighborhoods are in shadow.

Rome: where every meal belongs outside

Rome's terrace culture is inseparable from its food culture. Trastevere's charming piazzas offer evening sun that bathes terracotta buildings in golden light. Campo de' Fiori's morning market transforms into a sun-soaked terrace scene by afternoon. The wide Via del Corso and Piazza Navona provide open-sky dining where shadows are rarely a problem.

With a Mediterranean climate giving Rome warm, sunny weather from April through October, the terrace season here is one of the longest in Europe.

Check the sun before you go

No matter which city you're visiting, Coffee in the Sun helps you find the sunniest terrace. See real-time building shadows on the map, check the sun situation for any time of day, and never end up in the shade by accident. It works worldwide — in cities and towns across the globe.