Gardens and parks
Trees, ponds and flowers surround you and the sounds of the city are far away: experience the green side of Amsterdam. There are over thirty parks in Amsterdam, including Vondelpark, which attracts some nine million people each year.
Picnic in the park
It's fabulous sunny weather and all the terraces are packed. Not to worry, just grab a snack from the shop and a cool bottle of rosé wine and head to the park. Whether you sit out in the sun at Rembrandtpark, lounge by the elaborate fountain at Sarphatipark or enjoy the great people watching in Vondelpark, there are plenty of lovely green spaces in Amsterdam.
Events in the park
Several annual cultural events take place in the city's parks. Not to be missed is the travelling carnivalesque theatre festival, ‘De Parade’ in Martin Luther King park. Oosterpark hosts the city's largest world music event, the Amsterdam Roots Festival in June. Vondelpark and the Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest) offer open-air theatre performances. The Glazen Huis (glass house) and Orangerie galleries are great destinations for art in Amstel Park and there's always something happening at Culture Park Westergasfabriek.
Botanical gardens
Established in 1638, the Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. The Hortus was originally a medicinal herb garden, and in 1877 became part of the University of Amsterdam. Today, there are more than 6,000 plants comprising 4,000 species flourishing in the garden and greenhouses. With its tropical greenhouses, it's also a great place to visit on a cold and rainy day!
Country estates and gardens in and around Amsterdam
Historical gardens and spectacular country estates are all within easy reach of Amsterdam. Enjoy a day in the country!
Amstelpark
Urban park with a multitude of flower gardens, a playground and a labyrinth. There is a gallery with two exhibition spaces in the park: the Glazen Huis (glass house) and the.. Read more... »
Sarphatipark
Located close to the bustling Albert Cuyp market, the Sarphatipark is a green oasis with a pond, elaborate fountain/monument and enclosed playground. An ideal place to sit out in.. Read more... »
Vondelpark
The Vondelpark is Amsterdam's most popular park, and a Mecca for the bohemian. Park facilities include: the Blauwe Theehuis ('Blue Tea House'), Friday Night Skate, City Hostel.. Read more... »
Westerpark
Located in Amsterdam West, the Westerpark is a wonderful place to walk, skate or to sit back, relax and watch people. The park has been recently renewed, and is part of the.. Read more... »
Flevopark
The Flevopark is situated in the east of Amsterdam. It is a large green park to relax in, play some sports or go for a picnic. Read more... »
Gaasperplas Park
Recreational area and nature reserve with a lake and water-sports centre. The centre offers facilities for canoeing, swimming, rowing, sailing and a surfing school. Explore the.. Read more... »
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam - De Hortus
The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world. Today, it has more than 6,000 plants. Located in the Plantage (Plantation) district on the edge.. Read more... »
Hortus Botanicus Vrije Universiteit
Large herbarium and tropical greenhouses with orchids, a collection of bonsai trees (Japanese miniature trees) and the largest collection of cactuses and succulents in The.. Read more... »
Park Frankendael
Frankendael is Amsterdam’s only remaining 17th-century country estate. The romantic park has two historic gardens - a period garden and a landscape garden – as well as a.. Read more... »
Oosterpark
City park with lots of green, a large pond, wading pool and cycle and walking paths in the east part of Amsterdam. Considered Amsterdam’s most multicultural park, it draws a.. Read more... »
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