no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Jennifer Ceaser

This 111-acre park is Amsterdam’s big green lung. It encompasses meadowland and gardens, and less busy areas can feel surprisingly rural – look out for herons by the many ponds and lakes. On warm weekends, Amsterdammers converge on the park in their thousands, to rollerblade, sunbathe, smoke dope and hang out in the cafes.

Combine Vondelpark with a visit to the city’s big art museums: the park’s northern side is a short stroll from Museumplein. The concrete paths that lace the park also make it an ideal for a leisurely bike ride or roller blade.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: +
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Vondelpark’s main entrance is close to Museumplein, off Stadhouderskade. Skates can be rented at the Vondeltuin Café in the south-west corner of the park. Ice skating is possible on the ponds in winter. 

 The most popular café in the Vondelpark is modernist ‘t Blauwe Theehuis. The 1930s, blue-and-white, flying saucer lies right in the heart of the park. 

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Conservatorium Hotel

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.7 miles]

A chic, contemporary five-star set in a heritage building. A top-notch location for art-lovers – it’s just a stone’s throw from Amsterdam’s Big Three museums.

Official star rating:

Sir Albert Hotel

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.3 miles]

A hip neighbourhood locale, stylish bar and restaurant and gentle price point give this boutique hotel an edge.

Official star rating:

Hotel Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.5 miles]

Eclectic interiors, a stellar canal-front setting and the almost perfect location make this design hotel a true standout.

Official star rating:

The Dylan Amsterdam

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.6 miles]

Amsterdam’s top boutique hotel — beautiful rooms and accomplished cuisine in a historic canal-side building.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Amsterdam

North Holland, Netherlands

Picturesque Golden Age canals, premier league art, cosy cafés, and liberal urban living combine to make Amsterdam one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals.

Website >
Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Van Gogh Museum

Amsterdam , North Holland, Netherlands[0.8 miles]

The world’s largest collection of works by post-Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh – including over 200 paintings and 400 drawings.

Best for ages: 13+ | £15

The Rijksmuseum

Amsterdam , North Holland, Netherlands[1.1 miles]

The Netherlands’ premier art museum is packed with Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, showcasing the finest works of Rembrandt, Hals and Vermeer. Over 8,000 exhibits are displayed in 80 rooms trace 800 years of Dutch art and culture. The must-see masterpiece is Rembrandt’s massive Night Watch.

Best for ages: 18+ | £16

Heineken Experience

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.6 miles]

One of the city’s most popular attractions is the historic 1867 Heineken brewery, which has retained the original brewing room with its enormous vintage copper vats and antique brewing equipment.

Best for ages: 18+ | £18

The Nine Streets

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.9 miles]

Stroll the city’s most stylish streets, packed with independent boutiques and vintage fashion stores, the latest Dutch and Flemish brands, and locally-made soaps and luxe toiletries.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Exterior view of the museum at daytime
Experience

Stedelijk Museum

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.8 miles]

One of the city’s ‘Big Three’ museums highlights international artists of the 19th to 21st centuries, and features a fine collection of works by Piet Mondrian.

Best for ages: 18+ | £17

Website >
Overview >
Exterior view of the Moco museum during the daytime
Experience

Moco Museum

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.9 miles]

The newest addition to Museumplein’s art attractions, this small museum highlights modern and contemporary artists and is home to an impressive array of works by street artist Banksy.

Best for ages: 18+ | £17

Website >
Overview >

De Hallen

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1 miles]

A sprawling food, shopping and cultural complex tucked inside a turn-of-the-century red-brick complex, that includes an indoor food hall with over 20 different international street food stalls.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free

External facade of the building looking up, with a large red sign hanging down
Experience

Huis Marseille Museum for Photography

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.5 miles]

Set in two beautiful canal houses along the Keizersgracht, this museum showcases contemporary (mainly European) photographers in its permanent collection and hosts several photo exhibits annually.

Best for ages: 10+ | £7

Website >
Overview >