Finding the perfect terrace is quite a mission. You want friendly, fast service, delicious food and drinks at a reasonable price, a comfortable seat with a nice view, and, of course, just the right amount of sunshine.
Naturally, no terrace guide of Enschede would be complete without the Oude Markt, but sometimes you’d rather escape the city for a quiet bit of nature or a hidden gem tucked away in the city centre. Or perhaps you’re staying close to campus and looking for the ultimate post-study spot? Whatever your mood, we’ve got you covered.
Pro-tip: looking for a (not so sunny) terrace? Head over to zonopjebakkes.nl to check exactly when the sun hits a specific terrace. Yes, the Dutch take ‘terrasje pakken’ very seriously.
Oude Markt
De Beiaard
A true student classic and the ultimate choice for craft beer lovers. Located right opposite the iconic Grote Kerk, this pub is fittingly named ('beiaard' is the Dutch word for a carillon or chime of bells). By the late afternoon, the sun hits this side of the square just right. They carry an extensive selection of draft craft beers, and their pulled pork beer bitterballen are a must-try!
De Kater
Ah, De Kater, another student classic on the Oude Markt. In Dutch, ‘kater’ holds a double meaning: it’s both a male cat and, not surprisingly fitting, a hangover. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for an afternoon drink that accidentally turns into a late evening, it’s a solid go-to spot for students. And here’s a bonus: it's excellent for people-watching across the square in the shade with your sunglasses on.
Proeflokaal Enschede (formerly known as Proeflokaal België)
If the (old) name of the café refers to our southern neighbours, you already know what to expect on the menu, and no, it’s not Belgian chocolates. This place, again, offers a great deal of specialty beers and it’s the perfect spot to hang out with friends. They also have a stack of board games you can play!
SamSam
Finding the perfect spot on the Oude Markt – with just the right amount of sun – can take some strategy. Thankfully, SamSam is always a safe bet for a sunny table. It’s the perfect spot for a coffee in the morning, a drink in the afternoon or a bite in the evening. Tip: their home-made ice tea is delicious! And while you’re there, why not head upstairs and catch a movie at Concordia?
Copacabana
Ordering a cocktail or mocktail usually comes with a price. But at Copacabana, prices are reasonable which is probably why it’s a real student spot. Are they serving up the absolute best drinks in town? Perhaps not, but what can you expect with a student budget?
Courtyards and hidden gems
Bardot
If you walk slightly away from the Oude Markt, you’ll stumble upon Bardot, a French-style bar and bistro. Their greatest asset? The hidden patio! Admittedly, it’s not your typical student spot, but in a list of the best terraces in Enschede, this one simply cannot be missed.
Het gouden randje
Another hidden gem in the city centre! This teahouse offers a peaceful getaway right in the middle of town. The real ‘gouden randje’ (which roughly translates as golden touch) is the friendly owner, who makes you feel welcome straight away. Its small courtyard terrace is just as lovely as the homemade pastries and tea selection.
Nature getaways
Sprakel in het bos
Now let’s make things a bit more sophisticated! A quick bike ride from town and you suddenly find yourself right in the middle of the woods. This tea garden is an idyllic spot offering a fantastic spread of sweet and savory snacks – just as you’d expect from a proper high tea. Pinkies up!
Marcook’s
Speaking of lovely bike rides: a bit further out, near Twente Airport, you'll find Marcook’s. Sure, with its adjacent playground it might not look like the ultimate student spot at first glance. But hey, considering it has a spot in the Top 100 Terraces in the Netherlands, we could hardly leave it off this list, could we? Plus, if you're a fan of a seriously good BBQ, there’s really no better place to be.
Theetuin Driene
Another great spot for a high tea: Theetuin Driene! If you want to get a real taste of the Twente countryside, this really is the place to go. It’s hard to believe that it’s so close to campus, being about a 5-minute bike ride away. There’s honestly no better place to unwind.
Van Doorn & Doorn
A bit closer to the city centre, in the Roombeek area, lies Van Doorn & Doorn. If we’re talking about nice terraces, this one can also not be missed! Although it’s set within a residential neighbourhood, the surroundings are beautifully green. It’s great for a quick coffee, a long brunch, or a relaxed lunch. Perfect if you don’t really want to leave the city.
Campus
Sports Centre
A sports canteen might not sound like your typical go-to terrace spot, but true UT’ers know better. For great sunset views, you should definitely go to this rooftop terrace (yes, we know how to make something sound fancy). No, but seriously, there’s nothing quite like a post-workout drink in the sun here, or pre-workout drink even? No one has to know if you skip the gym altogether and head straight home to be a couch potato.
Theatercafe Vrijhof
Whether you’re taking a break from studying in the library or went to a Studium Generale lecture: the terrace of the Theatercafe at Vrijhof is always a great place to go. With its view of the Torentje van Drienerlo, you really can’t get a more iconic campus spot than this!
Honorable mentions
Twentsche Foodhal
The great thing about a food hall is that there’s always plenty of choice. Whether you’re craving sushi, tacos, or a plate of pasta, you certainly won’t leave hungry. The outdoor terrace is also great, especially if you're coming with a (larger) group. And if you really want to make the most of it, you can book a fun activity like a cocktail or cooking workshop, an escape room, or even Prison Island or Beat the Floor!
Angolino
The newest one on this list: this Italian lunchroom opened in spring 2026 and has already made quite a name for itself. It’s the perfect spot if you’re into Italian sandwiches or, why not, a tiramisu? Their sunny terrace is located right in the heart of the city centre, offering plenty of opportunity for people-watching with all the shoppers around.
Stoet
‘Stoet’ means bread in dialect here in Twente, and it’s surely a fitting name for this lovely lunch spot. It’s located in the public library in Enschede, so if you’re doing a study session in the city centre this is the perfect place to have a break and enjoy a nice lunch, pastry or just a good cup of coffee. Their terrace outside with the wooden picnic tables is quite cute, but if it’s raining you can just as easily cosy up in one of their comfy chairs and just ignore the fact that you have to study for that exam you have coming up.
