6 x Best Parks in Amsterdam

amsterdam parks

Amsterdam is a small city with lots of of parks, meaning wherever you are in Amsterdam you’re always near some green space. In the Summer months the parks attracts lots of tourists and locals, and each park is different and boasts a variety of things to see and do. Some you can walk to but others you may want to cycle or get public transport.

See my top 5 parks and things to do in each one below!

1. Vondelpark

Probably one of the most well known parks in Amsterdam, Vondelpark is really popular for cycle rides, BBQs, and sitting on an outdoor terrace for a beer. Super close to the centre, Vondelpark is nestled between Museumplein and the street Overtoom, meaning it’s easy to visit.

I’d recommend hiring a bike, cycling round Vondelpark a couple of times and then stopping off at a bar for a drink in the sun – both the Blauwe Teehuis and Vondelpark/3 are great for a drink. Or, if you are on a budget, you can buy some drinks and snacks from a nearby supermarket and have a picnic.

2. Westerpark

Westerpark is only a 30 min walk or a 10 min cycle from the centre and is a great place to park up your bike and explore. In the park is a hub of buildings called Westergas – the city’s old gasworks – which now serves as bars, restaurants and shops.

One of my favorites is Troost, a microbrewery which serves amazing beers and burgers and also hosts a brewery tour on Saturday’s at 4pm. Further into the park is Ton Ton Club, a Japanese inspired bar/restaurant/play area for adults. The food and drinks are great, but the real appeal is the area upstairs with arcade games, Dance Dance Revolution and arcade shooters. Also in Westerpark is the Tony’s Chocolaloney home store – come here to eat your weight in free chocolate tasters and buy some of the best chocolate the Dutch has to offer.

In addition to eating and drinking, Westerpark is a lovely park to walk around and have a picnic – in early Spring you’ll find blossom trees. On the first Sunday of every month you’ll find the Sunday Market Westergas with art, fashion and design stalls and live music and creative workshops.

3. Amsterdamse Bos

Not so much a park – but more of a large wood – Amsterdamse Bos is a great place to visit if the weather is warm and you’re stay in Amsterdam extends past a weekend. Cycling from the center takes about 40 mins, but once you’re there there’s loads to do.

Cycle along the Bosbaanweg, a man made stretch of water for rowing races, or go open swimming in one of the big lakes. Visit the Goat Farm and try some goat milk ice cream, or head to the blossom trees in Kersenbloesempark (Cherry Blossom Park) in Amsterdamse Bos. There’s also places to eat and drink, check out their website.

4. Sloterpark

Sloterpark is in Amsterdam West, a 30 minute cycle from the center. Popular with locals, Sloterpark is a great place to come on a hot day to light up a BBQ and swim in the lake. But the reason it’s in my list of top parks is because of the Water Centre that offers paddle board and kayak hire. Paddleboard hire is 15 Euro for one hour or 25 Euro for two hours) but it is really beautiful and very much away from the hustle and bustle of central Amsterdam.

Sloterpark also has a frisbee golf course, a beach, a swimming pool, and also festivals and dance parties.

5. Amstelpark

Located in Amsterdam South, Amstelpark is a 30 min cycle from Amsterdam Center. It is a big park with several small gardens located inside which can be explored. There are also several restaurants and cafes, an ice cream truck and a frites stand.

There’s plenty of activities, including: a mini-golf course, a 2m high hedge maze, and a train that runs through the park (although this is probably more for children…!)