Amsterdam is great, but sometimes you just want to swap the chaos of cyclists and the busy streets for some peace, sunshine, and fresh air. Fortunately, the city is bursting with amazing green oases where you can leave the daily chaos behind. These are the parks you absolutely must visit at least once.
Vondelpark
Vondelpark in Amsterdam Zuid offers 120 hectares of space to stroll around. In the center of the park is a beautiful pond, and be sure to check out the three sculptures scattered throughout the park. Particularly impressive among these sculptures is “The Fish” by Pablo Picasso.
Noorderpark
Noorderpark forms the lively, green heart of Amsterdam-Noord and is easily accessible by metro. Here you’ll find, among other things, the famous Noorderparkbad, a beautiful rose garden, and creative cultural hotspotslike De Roze Tanker. With plenty of space for sports, walking, and playing, this is a wonderfully versatile place to spend an afternoon.
Amstelpark
Amstelpark is another wonderful open space to enjoy in Amsterdam Zuid. Although the maze may not be accessible at the moment, there’s still plenty to see. A beautiful rhododendron garden winds through the park, with another section dedicated to roses, which are still in bloom even in early fall.
Vliegenbos
The Vliegenbos is Amsterdam’s oldest urban forest and is tucked away in Amsterdam-Noord. This unique deciduous forest, rich in elm trees, is managed as naturally as possible and is a true paradise for rare birds such as the kingfisher and the green woodpecker. It’s the perfect place to completely escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy pure nature.
Westerpark
Westerpark is a type of city park. It’s an oasis in the city and was built on the site of an old gas plant. As you walk around, you can still see a few old factory buildings. There are some fascinating sculptures in the park, and spending an afternoon by the water is definitely worth it.
Nelson Mandela Park
Nelson Mandela Park is the colorful and dynamic heart of Amsterdam-Zuidoost, famous for the annual Kwaku Summer Festival. In this large park, you’ll find extensive sports fields, a unique international arboretum, and a beautiful magnolia valley. With its butterfly hill and observation tower, it’s a lively place that’s definitely worth a visit.
Oosterpark
Oosterpark is also a city park, built on the site of an old cemetery. It’s a beautiful park with several stunning sculptures and, as is the case everywhere in Amsterdam, there’s a lovely body of water where you can sit and relax. The National Slavery Monument was built here to commemorate the end of slavery in the Netherlands.
Rembrandtpark
Rembrandtpark is located in the Nieuw-West neighborhood and is named after the 17th-century painter Rembrandt. It’s a great place for a walk among the trees, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some small bats, including the endangered pond bat.
Gaasperpark
Gaasperpark is located on the shore of the Gaasperplas in Amsterdam-Zuidoost and was originally built for the 1982 Floriade. This protected nature reserve is the perfect spot for water recreation, complete with a water playground, a marina, and expansive sunbathing areas. Thanks to its peaceful, green surroundings and the well-known city campground, it’s a wonderful oasis to spend a sunny day.
Gaasperplaspark
Normally, Gaasperplaspark has a water sports center where you can go canoeing, swimming, and sailing. However, it also serves as a nature reserve and features more than 5 km of trails for walking or biking. It’s a great place to get your daily dose of exercise and fresh air.
Martin Luther King Park
Martin Luther King Park is a charming urban park in Amsterdam-Zuid, beautifully situated between the Rivierenbuurt and the Amstel River. The park is best known as the permanent summer home of the iconic theater festival De Parade. In addition to the expansive sunbathing areas, you’ll find unique works of art, including the famous sculpture *De Engel* and a unique, tolerated small statue of Martin Luther King himself.
Beatrixpark
Beatrixpark is incredibly beautiful, especially the section that was laid out before 1930. Water winds its way through the park, as it lies at the intersection of two canals, making it a wonderful place to stroll through.
Sloterpark
Sloterpark is one of Amsterdam’s largest parks, with plenty of space to explore and enjoy nature. There’s a petting zoo and even an outdoor and indoor swimming pool. It’s still a wonderful place to visit, and it’s definitely worth spending an afternoon there.
Frankendael Park was once the estate of a wealthy Amsterdammer, and you can still see that in the elegant gate that welcomes you. Part of the old estate is also visible without entering the park, but it’s worth taking a look because it still retains the character of an old country house. The park itself is divided into gardens with different themes, and they are all beautiful. It’s a wonderful place to explore and enjoy on a spring afternoon.
Erasmus Park
Erasmuspark is a unique, low-lying park in Amsterdam-West designed according to the clean, harmonious lines of Piet Mondrian. You’ll find a large sports field, fitness equipment, a playground, and a cozy café with a terrace. The unique, ever-changing flower garden, The Miracle Garden, makes the park a colorful and atmospheric place to relax.
Somerlust Park
Somerlust Park is located on the banks of the Amstel River in the modern Amstelkwartier neighborhood. The park is extremely popular with swimmers in the summer thanks to its unique natural stone swimming steps, which make it easy to step into the natural water for a swim. With its beautiful views of the water, this is the ultimate spot in the city for a delightful summer afternoon.
Flevopark
The Flevopark forms the green eastern border of the Indische Buurt neighborhood in Amsterdam-Oost. In addition to a large outdoor swimming pool and a historic Jewish cemetery, you’ll find the hidden gem Distilleerderij ‘t Nieuwe Diep here. This charming tasting room is located in a historic former pumping station, where you can enjoy artisanal, house-distilled genevers and liqueurs surrounded by nature and right on the water.
Diemerpark
Diemerpark is a vast, wild landscape park in Amsterdam-Oost and boasts the highest biodiversity in the entire city. In addition to a unique “wandering area” full of rare plants and animals, you’ll find sports fields, hiking trails, and a fine sandy beach on the IJmeer. It’s the perfect spot for anyone looking for unspoiled, rugged nature and relaxation by the water.
Baanakkerspark
Baanakkerspark is an ecologically managed nature park in Amsterdam-Noord with a varied landscape of forest, marsh, and a unique heath garden. Children can explore the park with a special treasure map, while birdwatchers flock here to the distinctive “woodpecker posts.” Thanks to its twelve charming bridges and peaceful walking trails, it’s the ideal hidden spot for a relaxing, green stroll.
Sarphatipark
Sarphatipark is usually less crowded than some other parks, even without the usual tourists in the city. It is named after the Jewish physician Samuel Sarphati. It is one of the most beautiful parks in Amsterdam, with plenty of space to run around.
