There are loads of things to do in Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest green space, no matter what you love doing while you’re on holiday. With plenty of activities to choose from, places to have a bite to eat, and stretches of grass to relax on, you’ll find it easy to spend a whole day here.
Here, we share some of our favourite things to do in Vondelpark, and reasons why you should visit during your time in Amsterdam.
Vondelpark activities
If you fancy getting active while you’re in Amsterdam, Vondelpark is the place to go! With 120 acres to see, you can enjoy a long walk around the park, or opt for a bike like the locals do and discover all that the park has to offer on two wheels. Don’t worry if you haven’t taken your bike with you, you can hire one while you’re there.
For something a bit different, you can choose to hire rollerblades instead. You’re sure to find that these add a little extra excitement to your trip around the park, and if you visit on a Friday night you can take part in a free 20km skate tour which takes in Vondelpark and some of the surrounding area too.
When you need a rest, you’ll find loads of pretty spots where you can sit and relax with a picnic while you watch the world go by. There are even hammocks hung between some of the trees where you can really unwind after a few hours of exploring.
Eating and drinking in Vondelpark
Vondelpark is a great place to head for food and drink, especially in the summer, as many of the eateries boast sun terraces which offer the perfect excuse to take a break and enjoy something delicious.
Groot Melkhuis is one of the most popular places to go, particularly for families, as it has an amazing playground in addition to its waterside terrace. With play equipment, a sandbox, and a bouncy castle and cotton candy stall when the weather is good, there’s lots for kids to enjoy while you indulge in sandwiches, cakes, salads, and poffertjes, which are small Dutch pancakes.
You’ll also find a large terrace at Vondeltuin, where you can eat Dutch delicacies such as bitterballen (deep fried meatballs) and pancakes. Relax in a beach chair while sipping on your favourite beverage, and stay until late during summer nights when the terrace it lit by torches.
Vondelpark culture
Those who love taking in a bit of culture during their holiday will also find lots of things to do in Vondelpark. The deeper you head into the park the more you will discover, such as famous bronze statues, a rose garden which is home to over 70 species, and a number of water features – including one designed by Picasso!
The Openluchtheatre is another cultural delight that you will find in Vondelpark, and you’ll be able to see a number of concerts and plays taking place in this open air theatre between May and September. All performances are free of charge, and the range of genres covers everything from cabaret to jazz.
You’ll find that Vondelpark is within easy walking distance of lots of Amsterdam’s museums too, so once you have had a cultural wander around the park you can step outside of it and visit a number tourist favourites, including the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum.
With so many great things to do in Vondelpark, you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time exploring all that it has to offer, or simply taking a break from the bustling city around you. Inspired to visit? Book your Hull to Rotterdam crossing today!
