Vondelpark

The Basics

The park’s close proximity to Museumplein makes it a convenient stop during a day of wider-city sightseeing. Active travelers can ride along scenic cycle paths on a bike tour, while culture vultures canstroll the park’s rich avenues on a walking tour. Discover the park’s hidden gems on a tour that focuses solely on Vondelpark, or explore the green space at your own pace by taking advantage of the hop-on hop-off buses that stop nearby.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Vondelpark’s is popular with families, joggers, cyclists, and wildlife-watchers.

• Bring your binoculars for a closer glimpse of flora and fauna, including blue herons and over 150 different species of tree.

• Remember your boots and umbrella during the rainy months, as some spaces can get muddy.

• Vondelpark’s main paths and cafée terraces are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. wheelchair- and stroller-friendly.

How to Get There

The centrally-located park is easily accessible by foot, bike, or tram. Trams number 1, 2, and 5 from Centraal Station stop at Leidseplein, directly opposite the park. Alternatively, you can take advantage of comprehensive sightseeing tours to find the park, along with other city attractions, with ease.

When to Get There

During summer, Vondelpark’s open-air theatre offers a programme of free events, including shows for kids—though be sure to book the often sold-out shows in advance.. The park is also particularly charming during fall, when green gives way to golden and amber hues.

New Names and Flat Fish

Originally named Nieuwe Park, Vondelpark was rechristened by locals in reference to the Joost van den Vondel statue located in the northeast. Vondel was a 17th-century writer, who remains a celebrated figure in Dutch culture. Look out for the Picasso-designed Figure Découpée (L'Oiseau), a surreal sculpture that offers fine photo opportunities and a perfect picnic spot.

Ways to explore

Vondelpark’s proximity to Museumplein makes it a convenient stop during a day of wider-city sightseeing. It’s a 15-minute walk from top Amsterdam museums, such as the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, which are best explored with skip-the-line tickets to avoid waiting in line for hours. Active travelers can ride along scenic cycle paths on a bike tour, while culture lovers can discover the park’s rich history on a walking tour. You can also explore the green space at your own pace by taking advantage of the hop-on hop-off buses that stop nearby.

Accessibility

Step-free entrances and wide pathways make Vondelpark easy to navigate in a wheelchair.

Age limits

None; thanks to six play areas and a playground, Vondelpark is ideal for kids.

What to pack

In summer, be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy beneath the shade of the park’s trees.

What to wear

A helmet if you’re planning to cycle around the park’s perimeter.

Not allowed

Mopeds, barbecues, overnight camping

Amenities

Playground, theater, sports courts, cafés, restaurants, skate rental store

Address

Vondelpark’s main entrance is at Stadshouderskade, but there are also other entrances around the park, including at Willemsparkweg, Amstelveenseweg, and Stadhouderskade.

Driving

Like all of the Dutch capital, Vondelpark is made for cycling, so leave the car at home and use the park’s network of cycle trails.

Public transportation

Trams 1, 2, and 5 from Centraal station stop at Leidseplein, directly opposite the park. Buses N47, N57, N97, 347, and 357 also stop at Emmastraat, the closest stop to the park.

Best times to visit

Vondelpark is open 24 hours a day, but early morning is a particularly lovely time to visit.

Best days to visit

The park comes to life on the weekends, when it’s the ideal place to people-watch as it buzzes with activity.

Best months to visit

Vondelpark is the epicenter of Amsterdam Pride in July, when it is renamed Pride Park for the celebrations.

Special events

Volndelpark’s open-air theater hosts performances from July through August; shows are free, but you’re advised to secure a spot by booking online.