Vondelpark Amsterdam

Beautiful Amsterdam Park 

Vondelpark Amsterdam is no hidden gem. It stands out as the green lungs of the city, over 100 acres of green, which compliments the cobbled streets and waterways of the intimate city of Amsterdam very well.

Anyone from the UK will feel like they are in a similar park to Hyde Park or Regent’s Park as Vondelpark design was influenced by the English landscape style, with tree lined winding paths, ponds and large open spaces.

Vondelpark is not just a place to relax but also features restaurants/cafes. kids play areas, large spaces for picnics and games and an open air theatre for shows and concerts. It is also located near Museumplein so provides a lovely counterpoint to the architectural gems of the city.

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How to get to Vondelpark

Vondelpark is conveniently located in the southern part of Amsterdam, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city. Whether you prefer walking, cycling, or using public transport, you have multiple options:

• Bike: Cycling is the most popular and efficient way to get to Vondelpark. Amsterdam is known as one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities, and you’ll find dedicated bike lanes throughout the city. Many bike rental shops are available near the park’s entrances.
• Tram: Trams 1, 2, and 5 have stops near Vondelpark. Tram 1 and 2 provide easy access to the southern entrances, while Tram 5 is convenient for the western side. Learn more about Amsterdam Trams.
• Bus: Several bus lines, including 397 from Schiphol Airport, have stops near Vondelpark. Learn more about Amsterdam buses.
• Walking: If you’re staying in the city center, a leisurely walk to the park can be a pleasant way to start your visit. Although it may take a little while as there are plenty of distractions along the way.
• Canal: You could alight at Museumplein and then make your way to Vondelpark as part of your visit to the area populated with lots of iconic Amsterdam museums.

Museumplein near Vondelpark

Museumplein is a public square in Amsterdam next to Vondelpark, which is home to several museums:

1. Rijksmuseum – This is the national museum of the Netherlands, which houses an extensive collection of Dutch art and history.
2. Van Gogh Museum – Museum dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh containing the largest collection of his paintings and drawings in the world.
3. Stedelijk Museum – Devoted to modern and contemporary art and design.
4. Moco Museum – Privately owned modern and contemporary art museum.

In addition to these very popular museums, Museumplein also houses The Concertgebouw, which is one of the best concert halls in the world. You can attend a classical music concert, jazz performance and sometimes even pop concerts here.

It is no surprise to find visitors to these museums often having a break and picnic in Vondelpark before heading to their next attraction.

A little further south by the RAI Convention Centre sits Beatrixpark, this is a smaller park than Vondelpark and as it’s further out, it is quieter too. If you really want to escape the business of the Museumplein area then Beatrixpark is a good option.

Things to do in Vondelpark

Relax and Picnic

Vondelpark’s vast green lawns, scenic ponds, and tree-lined paths provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation. Locals and visitors alike flock here to soak up the sun, read a book, or enjoy a leisurely picnic. Grab some Dutch cheese, fresh bread, and stroopwafels from a local market, and you’re all set for a lovely picnic experience.

Explore the Rose Garden

One of Vondelpark’s hidden gems is the Rosarium, a beautifully landscaped rose garden with over 70 varieties of roses. It’s a tranquil spot to admire the blooms, take photos, or simply find a bench and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Sculptures and Art

As you wander through the park, keep an eye out for various sculptures and art installations. The most famous of these is the “Fish” sculpture by Pablo Picasso. Additionally, the park often hosts temporary art exhibitions and installations.

Vondelpark Open Air Theater

During the summer months, the Vondelpark open air theatre (Openluchttheater) comes to life with free performances, including concerts, dance shows, and theater productions. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy some culture in a beautiful outdoor setting. Check the schedule in advance to plan your visit.

Paddle Boating

The park’s central pond offers the chance to rent paddleboats. It’s a fun and romantic activity for couples or a delightful adventure for families with children. Glide along the water while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

Vondelpark 3 – visit the Vondelpark Pavilion 

Vondelpark 3 is the name of the lovely cafe/restaurant that really calls out to visitors of Vondelpark. Housed in the achingly beautiful Vondelpark Pavilion building, which you may have seen in various TV/films it is always a busy but lovely place to stop and recharge.

They also have a sunny terrace, making it an excellent spot for people-watching. It also has an interesting history being the original location of the Film  Museum which has since moved to the opposite side of the River IJ, next to A’DAM Lookout.

People-Watching

Vondelpark is a great place for people-watching. You’ll see a diverse mix of locals and tourists, artists, musicians, and families enjoying their day. The park’s atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, making it more likely to strike up conversations with fellow visitors.

Rollerblading and Skateboarding

If you’re into rollerblading or skateboarding, Vondelpark offers smooth paths and ramps for these activities. It’s a popular spot for enthusiasts to show off their skills.

Playgrounds for Kids

Families with children will appreciate the numerous playgrounds scattered throughout the park. They provide a safe and fun place for kids to play while parents relax nearby. There are also the ponds and lake which are always interesting places to entertain kids by.

Events and Festivals in Vondelpark

Vondelpark hosts various events and festivals throughout the year. Some notable events include:

• Vondelpark Run: An annual running event that attracts participants of all skill levels. This also happens in Rembrandt Park too.
• Openlucht Filmfestival (Open-Air Film Festival): Enjoy outdoor movie screenings in the park during the summer months.
• Concerts and Performances: Beyond the Openluchttheater, there are often pop-up concerts and performances, especially during weekends and special occasions.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Opening Hours: Vondelpark is open year-round, 24-hrs. Obviously daylight hours are the safer times to visit.
• Litter and Recycling: Help keep the park clean by disposing of trash in designated bins. The Netherlands is known for its strong recycling efforts, so be sure to separate your waste accordingly.
• Respect the Rules: Respect park rules, such as no open fires or amplified music, to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
• Bike Etiquette: If you’re cycling through the park, keep an eye out for pedestrians, and use your bell to signal your presence. Bikes should yield to pedestrians.
• Weather: Amsterdam’s weather can be unpredictable, so come prepared with layers and rain gear, especially if you plan to spend a full day in the park.
• Safety: Vondelpark is generally safe, but it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. As you would expect, if visiting at night keep your wits about you.
• Accessibility: The park is accessible to individuals with mobility challenges, with paved paths and ramps at key locations.

Is Vondelpark a good place to stay in Amsterdam

Personally, we love staying in this area. It has a relaxed ambience, plenty of green spaces, is within easy reach of the historic centre and of course offers some of the best museums in the world on your doorstep.

But, as with everything it depends on what you are looking for from your visit to Amsterdam. If you are looking for nightlife or want to explore the city’s historic center, you may prefer to stay in areas like the Jordaan, De Pijp, or the Canal Ring. But, Museumplein & Vondelpark is a great area to stay in Amsterdam, especially if you are interested in arts and culture.

Vondelpark and Museumplein is pretty central, though we would call it on the inner edge of the city centre, not the heart of it.

One of the benefits of being on the ‘inner edge’ is the range of accommodation options, including luxury hotels, some very nice budget-friendly hostels, great value 2-star budget hotels, and even some vacation rentals.

You’ll also find that Museumplein is very well connected to the rest of the city through trams, buses and the canal boats. Amsterdam is a small compact city so you are never too far out in our opinion.

If you are looking to stay in a little bit of luxury close to Museumplein and the green space of Vondelpark, we would recommend

Hotel Conscious Vondelpark

This is a lovely hotel along the edge of Vondelpark. Its a good walk to Museumplein (1 mile) but you can walk thriugh the park and start and end your day in lovely natural surroundings. Use the link below to compare prices for your visit.

Hotel Conscious Vondelpark

additionally, another very popular luxury hotel in this area is Park Plaza Amsterdam Vondelpark. Again it sits near the edge of Vondelpark and Museumplein is just a short 10-15m stroll away through the park.

If you’d like to learn more about staying in this area, we have a specialist page that focuses on Vondelpark and hotels in Museumplein and around the Van Gogh Museum, which is at the heart of Museumplein Amsterdam.

Tickets for Amsterdam Museums in Museumplein

It is alweays advisable to book your tickets in advance.  There are some very popular museums in Museumplein by Vondelpark, these include Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum and Moco Museum. Although sometimes there are limited tickets on the door, most of the big museums now have online advance bookings only with entry time slots. You can use the links below to plan and book in advance.