Amsterdam’s parks are much more than prime places to experience the Netherlands’ famous gardening skills – they embody the freedom, tolerance and laissez-faire attitude that this particular European city is all about. The city’s green lungs are highly egalitarian, spread out in size and packed with activities that bring people delight – whether it be sun-bathing, picnic-partying or encountering wildlife, there is always more than enough room for everyone to mix, mingle and harmoniously coexist. These are the best city parks in Amsterdam.
Vondelpark
Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s fun-loving festival spirit epitomized. On a sunny day, you’ll see cyclists and in-line skaters weaving past parents pushing strollers, action on the tennis courts, and picnic crews passing around wine, cheese and probably the odd spliff or two.
This easygoing, eclectic vibe spans across a whopping 116 acres (47 hectares) of landscaped lawns, ponds, quaint footbridges and shady paths. During summer, don’t miss sitting out at one of the several cafes plunked amidst the greenery or checking out a free theater or dance show courtesy of the Vondelpark Open Air Theater.
Oosterpark
Oosterpark is a beautiful scenic park – think wild parakeets in treetops and herons pecking around the ponds – but it also holds much important history. It was established in 1891 as a pleasure park for diamond traders who struck big in South African mines. An entire centuries-old cemetery was relocated to make it happen.
In the early 2000s, immense memorials commemorating the abolition of slavery and honoring free speech (specifically, a columnist murdered by a Muslim extremist) were erected. These days, that legacy is kept alive with a Sunday “speaker’s corner” at the Spreeksteen monument. At the rock podium, people are encouraged to come and openly voice their opinions or debate under the midday sun.
Amstelpark
Family-friendly outdoor spaces don’t get much better than Amstelpark. It’s the perfect green space for little ones (and those who are still young at heart) featuring a petting zoo with free-roaming chickens and rabbits, mini golf, a labyrinth maze and a miniature train chugging around vibrant gardens of roses and rhododendrons.
The park was first established in 1972 for the prized Floriade flower show which only takes place across the Netherlands every decade. Art exhibitions are held in the Glazen Huis (Glass House), the Orangerie and the Papillon Gallery.
Sarphatipark
Tucked into the cool, creativity-loving de Pijp area, Sarphatipark is the perfect greenery for people-watching. It’s a rather compact open-air space – with rolling meadows and wooded outskirts – that gets quite packed with crowds of multicultural locals and tourists enjoying the fountain.
You can certainly pack a good picnic from nearby neighborhood shops. It’s also a lovely stop before or after exploring the nearby street market or one of all the surrounding trendy boutiques and restaurants.
Amsterdamse Bos
Amsterdamse Bos is lush forestland masquerading as the city’s largest park. A charming, nearly 2471-acre (1000-hectare) expanse of tranquil ponds, woodland and meadows make this area feel miles outside the city, despite being only a 20-minute cycle south of Vondelpark.
You can go hiking, swimming, canoeing and horseback riding here, followed by a sit-down in one of many lovely spots. The forest’s springtime cherry blossoms are also a real treat.
Rembrandtpark
Rembrandtpark might be formally dedicated to Amsterdam’s favorite Golden Age painter, but there are some funky modern art statues scattered here. With lots of walking and cycling paths spread across 45 hectares, it’s a great place to stroll about and stumble upon surprises.
Don’t let the residential buildings surrounding the expanse fool you; there is abundant wildlife and an overall air of calm here. On afternoon weekends, the vibe gets more buzzy with family-friendly draws like a water-play area, adventure playground and petit zoo.
Erasmuspark
This little park in Amsterdam West is ideal for sun-worshippers who appreciate scenic blooms with a touch of arts and culture. It’s also one of the few parks in Amsterdam where barbecuing is permitted during the warmer months, subject to certain regulations.
Erasmuspark is home to the Miracle Garden, a magnificent flower extravaganza design by Dutch artist Elspeth Diederix, providing an inspiring outdoor landscape for various artistic endeavors.
Beatrixpark
Beatrixpark is a melting pot of fabulous flora planted back when Floriade was hosted here in 1972 along with Amstelpark. Most of the trees and flowers are labeled to facilitate species-spotting, and there’s also an interesting medicinal herb garden on the park’s eastern patch. It’s a great destination for families with a gigantic modern art piece converted into a children’s playground.
Westerpark
Westerpark is urban revival at its finest. The area was once part of a former gasworks – since the industrial site closed in 1967, infection has cleared away and now luscious lawns and dreamy wading pools thrive. The park adjoins the post-industrial cultural center, attracting city-dwellers attending festivals and various cultural events.
Sloterpark
Sloterpark, near an artificial lake, offers a seaside vibe mixed with classic Amsterdam scenery. Located in Amsterdam West, this hidden gem contributes to a beach vacation atmosphere, especially during summer when locals flock to enjoy the sandy patches and live music festivals.
From April to May, you’ll also catch the tulips in glorious bloom, adding to the park’s vibrant ambiance.
