Vondelpark: reviews and practical tips

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4.7/5 3 reviews
Vondelpark
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Vondelpark

Visiting Vondelpark

Vondelpark is the largest park in Amsterdam, located right in the middle of the city. It is the go-to spot for a walk, favored by both locals and travelers for its lively atmosphere.

A bit of history

Vondelpark was established in 1865 when a group of Amsterdam citizens pooled their resources to purchase 20 hectares of land. It was originally named Nieuwe Park. Once a statue of the poet Joost van den Vondel was installed, the park took on his name. During the 1970s, the hippie community claimed the park every summer, using the wide grassy areas to sleep in sleeping bags. Special flights were even organized to bring in visitors specifically for this experience.

The green lungs of Amsterdam

More than just a park, this is a primary recreation space in central Amsterdam, right next to the Museum Quarter. Over 10 million people visit each year to wander through this 47-hectare landscape. It was designated a national monument in 1996, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. It is a lush setting to explore over a few hours, featuring over 70 species of roses, walking paths, ponds, marshes, and lakes occupied by ducks and swans, along with picturesque canals and bridges. There are nearly 15km of trails lined with oaks, poplars, and cypresses. Many birds nest in the park, including herons, ducks, jays, parakeets, and even storks.

Open-air performances

You can catch a concert, a theater performance, or a sporting event here. Every summer weekend, artists perform on the park's open-air stage. The schedule is widely available on the event website. Television and radio studios remain present in the area to this day.

Opening hours

Open continuously
Hours are indicative and subject to change

Reviews of Vondelpark

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Summary of 3 reviews
4.7/5
Average rating
+11
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
5
As a couple
4.7
With friends
4.7

Avygeo ranking

#504
in the world
#386
in Europe
#6
in Netherlands
#6
in Amsterdam

Very beautiful park

Huge, very pleasant park in the heart of Amsterdam. It is perfect for walking, cycling, having a picnic, or just relaxing by the water. The vibe is friendly and very lively, especially in the summer. A must-do to enjoy a bit of nature between two museum visits.

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A pleasant park near the museums

I went there at noon between two museum visits. It is a pretty park for walking or biking, away from the crowds of tourists. You run into ducks and herons, but also some works of art like the Picasso bird sculpture. In the summer, the park is lively with music and dance performances. If you want a complete discovery of the place, guided tours are organized.

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Not bad but nothing special

For my last few hours in Amsterdam, I went to soak up the sun at Vondelpark.

I was hesitating between this place and I do not remember what else, and after asking the locals for advice, I chose to visit the big park in the city center, right near the museums.

So yes, it is nice, it is very green. I also saw that there was a bar with a crowded terrace on the edge of the park, like the ones you can find at Buttes Chaumont.

I also had the pleasant surprise of seeing a stork from a distance nesting in the middle of a protected area.

Actually, the only slight disappointment is that the rest of the city is so full of charm that I was expecting something more elaborate for this park.

So it is worth seeing, but enjoy the city and its magical canals first before coming to spend hours here.

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