Sometimes we all need a breather… Life can be pretty hectic , and taking a moment to appreciate the slower, quieter sides of life can really improve people’s mental health. But if you live in a city, it’s not always easy to find quiet spots to read a book or take a stroll. Amsterdam, however, is no ordinary city, and there are little oases everywhere—green spaces tucked away between the concrete and the cars.
These are our favorite quiet spots in Amsterdam
1. Begijnhof
The Begijnhof is a beautiful, walled garden near the Spui. Originally, it was home to the Beguines, a group of women who dedicated their lives to God. The city’s oldest house stands in the garden. It was built in 1465, and it’s so peaceful there. Check the website for more info on visiting.
📍Begijnhof 1, 1012 WS Amsterdam
2. Hortus Botanicus
Amsterdam’s botanical gardens are breathtakingly beautiful, and a stroll through them makes for a fantastic, relaxing afternoon. All sections of the botanical gardens are now open again, so it’s the perfect time to visit! Check the website formore information about the Hortus.
📍Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD Amsterdam
3. Dignita Hoftuin
This cozy brunch café features huge windows overlooking a courtyard filled with lush trees and greenery. Even on a rainy day, you can sit by the window here and watch the rain outside. It’s one of the best quiet spots to escape city life for a while while enjoying delicious, healthy food. Check out their website for the menu.
📍Nieuwe Herengracht 18a, 1018 DP Amsterdam
4. Distilleerderij ‘t Nieuwe Diep
If you want to relax with something stronger than a cup of coffee, head to Distilleerderij ‘t Nieuwe Diep in Flevopark and enjoy expertly brewed beer among the trees, with a view of the beautiful lake. What could be better than that? Visit the website for more information about the brewery.
📍Flevopark 13a, 1095 KE Amsterdam
5. Vondelpark
The Vondelpark in Amsterdam Zuid offers 120 hectares of space to stroll around. In the middle of the park lies 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. Wide paths ensure that you can easily keep your distance from others and enjoy this wonderful park at your leisure.
6. Rembrandtpark
Rembrandtpark is located in the Nieuw-West neighborhood and is named after the 17th-century painter Rembrandt. It’s a great spot for a walk among the trees, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some small bats, including the endangered pond bat.
📍Postjesweg, Amsterdam
7. Karthuizerhof
Karthuizerhof is another one of those small squares in Amsterdam, surrounded by houses, also known as “hofjes.” It’s a hidden gem, built in 1650 to house widows with children, and it’s a lovely place to relax among the beautifully maintained greenery.
📍Karthuizersstraat 21-131, 1015 LP
8. Oosterpark
Oosterpark is another city park, built on the site of an old cemetery. It is a beautiful park with several stunning sculptures and, as is common throughout Amsterdam, features a lovely pond where you can sit and relax. The National Slavery Monument was erected here to commemorate the end of slavery in the Netherlands.
9. Slatuinen Nature Garden
Everyone should know about this incredible garden, but that’s not the case for everyone, and it’s the perfect place to escape city life for an hour or two. There are many birds here, and you can hear them singing as you walk around—such a relaxing sound. It’s only open between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Thursdays and between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Sundays, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you get the chance.
📍Slatuinenweg 45, 1057 KB
10. Palm Garden
You don’t have to travel far to find paradise in Amsterdam; just head to Prinseneiland, which is not far from De Wallen. There you’ll find beautiful palm trees and benches from which you can admire them.
📍Prinseneiland 40, 1013 LR Amsterdam
