Amsterdam — By Andy Hayes on February 10, 2011 at 2:10 pm
Filed under: Amsterdam Short Term Accommodation, parks, top-feature

The Other Green Stuff in Amsterdam: Best Parks in the Dutch Capital

Last year, I talked about some great Amsterdam biking trips – get your two wheels and pedal for the hills. But what if you don’t feel like biking? Sometimes the wind and rain can be pretty off putting. Or maybe biking just isn’t your thing?

No problem. What people often overlook in their quest for some Amsterdam fun is that the city does a very good job of affording locals and visitors some fresh air and a space to enjoy the great outdoors. The weather isn’t always dreary, and Amsterdammers are a crowd who like to be outside and enjoy some fresh air whenever the opportunity presents itself.

You can do the same, even if you’re just in town for a short visit. Here are some of my personal favorite city parks, and all of them you can either walk to or take a quick tram ride to depending on where in town you’re staying.

Vondelpark

Since you’ll be on foot, take time to explore the inner section of the park – there are some lovely rose gardens, as well as bridges that will take you across reflecting ponds perfect for a postcard shot to send back home. There are also some “hidden” cafes – I say they’re hidden because a lot of times people just zoom on by on their bikes and don’t even notice them. Anything in the park is good, so just let serendipity take you.Vondelpark (map) is the largest of the inner city parks, and the most popular with tourists – possibly because it’s easy to find, as you’d pass it on your way to the museum district, but also it has a number of amenities inside: there’s a popular bike rental shop, several cafes and restaurants, a small filmhouse, foodcart vendors with drinks and snacks, and the biggest attraction of all: people watching. Regardless of the weather, there is usually something ridiculous going on, such as a street performer, a party, or just locals sunning themselves in the sun.

If you’re walking on one of the main paths – particularly those on the exterior sides of the park – be mindful of bike traffic, which tends to take an aggressive and speedy approach to getting through the park. If you hear a bike bell behind you, get out of the way quickly.

Westerpark

As the name implies, Westerpark (map) is found to the west of the city center. This is my top recommendation for a number of reasons, but first let me warn you it’s a bit of a walk to get here. All you do is head down Haarlemmerstraat and just keep walking for about 15-20 minutes. This road goes all the way to Haarlem, but after the large roundabout, you’ll bump right into the park. Along the way are a few shops you might find of interest, as well as a cheese shop and wine store.

Why I love this park is because it is a place that hits all the senses. One of my favorite bakeries, the Bakkerswinkle (Dutch:baker’s shop), has an outlet here. Throughout the park there are strange, almost whimsical statues and figures planted in the most random of places – for example, there is a wedding dress in one of the ponds. I think it’s funny and creative, but you may differ. There are some wading ponds as you can see in the picture, and even a filmhouse that has its own film festival during the year.

Sarphatipark

If you visit the neighborhood of De Pijp, either to visit the Heineken museum, hit the busy weekend market, or to just go to dinner in one of this many ethnic restaurants in this area, be sure to schedule in some time for a stroll in Sarphatipark (map). It’s named after a Jewish philanthropist, and Dr. Sarphati’s monument is still the major landmark in the park today. This is a very quiet and reserved park, with beautiful homes hiding behind the trees on the exterior and wide open spaces on the interior. With just a small playground, pond, and few other accoutrements, it’s a nice place to sit with a coffee or BOYB and just think. Reflect on the Amsterdam experience.

Oosterpark

Last by not least is the Oosterpark (map), found in the eastern part of the city. Similar to the previous, this park is very quiet and reserved, with a central pond the perfect point to look out at all the gorgeous buildings surrounding. The park has a few different status and sculptures placed throughout, so it’s worth a walk around to check them all out. Part of what I do love about this park is the walk to the park itself – there are some amazing shops, restaurants, and architecture to be found in the area, as many immigrants are living in this district. It’s also fun to see all of the ducks that call this park home, as well as the dogs being walked who usually stare at the ducks but leave them alone.