Bucket list experience:
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
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.
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Destination Guide >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
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.
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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.
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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.
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Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.6 miles]
Amsterdam’s top boutique hotel — beautiful rooms and accomplished cuisine in a historic canal-side building.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
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.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
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
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
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
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..
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
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
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
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
