Vondelpark is a lush, green oasis located in the heart of Amsterdam, serving as the locals’ primary escape from urban life. The 47-hectare park is landscaped with manicured footpaths, shimmering ponds, expansive lawn space, playgrounds and bridges, making the perfect place for a relaxing evening or midday picnic.

You can cycle along the winding paths or catch a show in the open air theatre. Warm days make for a good time to mingle with the locals and travellers who have come to swill champagne, lounge on the edge of duck-filled ponds or engage in active sport. There is enough to do at Vondelpark to entertain you for hours on end, and its expansive landscape never feels too crowded.

Vondelpark contains some prominent artwork, including a statue of the Fish by Picasso. When you’re feeling famished, there are four combination bar and restaurants where you can satiate your appetite or simply wet your palate before returning feeling refreshed to bustling city life.

Getting there

It’s a 20-minute walk from the city centre into Vondelpark and travelling from one end of the park to the other takes about 30-minutes. There are tram stops that line the park’s borders, making for easy access to public transit. You can also embark on a bike tour around the area to take in the sights like a local.