Amsterdam, the capital and most populated city in the Netherlands, is a top tourist destination with plenty of well known attractions. From the Anne Frank House, Van Gough Museum, and De Negan Straatjes (Nine Little Streets), to outdoor activities such as a boat ride along the canal and visiting some of the best parks in Amsterdam!

Experienced travel writers from Ask the Dutch Guy have compiled this list of the best parks in Amsterdam that you can visit as a family, by yourself, with a group of friends, as a couple, anything really! If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and exploring the cities’ main attractions while relaxing in some green space, be sure to include one or several of these parks on your Amsterdam itinerary!

Tired of exploring and walking around Amsterdam? Luckily, you’re in a city with so many beautiful parks where you can relax. Amsterdam parks are perfect for various activities, whether relaxation, games, picnics, and many more! 

So, after a long day of exploring the city, enjoy some downtime at some of the best parks in Amsterdam. Check out our list below: 

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Vondelpark

Who doesn’t know Vondelpark? If you’re new to the city and you ask for the best park in Amsterdam, a local or two will likely point you to Vondelpark. Everybody knows this! However, if you don’t want to be with plenty of tourists in the area, you can skip this park; but, it’s still worth seeing, especially if it’s your first time. Aside from the green space, you will find several cafes around the area that serve amazing food. Also, if you’re here from June to September, you can catch free events at the open-air theater.

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Erasmuspark

The park is named after a Dutch humanist, Desiderius Erasmus. It’s a small park located in the west part of the city. Essentially, the main park is an island with green fields, gardens, and a cafe. Visit the Miracle Garden here, which is made by Elspeth Diederix. The Miracle Garden features some unique blooms that are absolutely breathtaking. If you love art, you can see some artworks here as well. The design elements in bridges that border the park will also catch your attention; they are made by Amsterdam School. 

Frankendael Park

Perfect for kids and adults, the tranquil space in the Oost part of the city, the park offers a beautiful green space. There are trails here that can follow, whether you’re walking, cycling or running. Here, you can enjoy nature exactly how it should be; and if you ever get hungry while you’re reading a book under the shade of a tree, you can choose between two gourmet restaurants in the area. Once a month, you will be able to experience a food market here that you shouldn’t miss. It’s a hoot!

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Sarphatipark

Don’t be surprised if you find this park packed with tourists and locals; but don’t worry, you’ll have a lot of space still. The park is surrounded by bars and restaurants, which is why there are many people here all the time. It’s also near a market, which is useful for those who plan to have a picnic in the area as they can easily buy their stuff from the market.

Beatrixpark

If you are interested in seeing varieties of trees and plants, then you will love it here at Beatrixpark. And even if you’re not a fan, you will certainly appreciate them as you walk through the park. Many of the plants and trees here are labelled as well, so it’s easy to identify them. The summer is a great time to be here because there are a lot of locals and a market also comes here once a month.

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Gaasperpark

If you’re looking for an Amsterdam park that is filled with attractions, then Gaasperpark is one of them. It has several playgrounds, water slides, and restaurants where you can eat. In the summer, you can cool off by swimming in the lake or you can also camp here. The ample green areas are a delight to walk on! 

Amstelpark

Located along the Amstel River, the park is a huge green space that is filled with beautiful trees. You’ll see the Riekermolen or Rieter windmill at the south part of the park that is perfect for the ‘gram. There is also a rose garden and a Japanese garden here. Amstelpark is perfect for families because aside from basking in the tranquility the space offers, there are some fun family-friendly activities here, such as mini-golf, a petting garden, and a small train. 

While you’re here, make sure you visit the rhododendron valley that has over 130 varieties in bloom. Also, the Monument Rozenoord is here, which is a memorial to the men who were executed at the end of WWII by German forces.

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Nelson Mandela Park

The park was initially called Bijlmer Park, but it was renamed in 2014 to honor that South African politician. The park has been completely redesigned and is now a civic park with sports areas, playgrounds, and a forest with the national trees of residents who live in the area. There is also a skate park and a theater here. 

If you’re here during springtime, check out the magnolia valley because the magnolias will be in full bloom. Also, every late July each year, the vibrant Kwaku Summer Festival takes place here.

Flevopark

Get the whole family or even you alone and enjoy Flevopark. It has a playground, tennis courts, barbecue areas, and even an outdoor swimming pool. You will also be able to explore the Hewish cemetery here, which is the Joodse Begraafplaats Zeeburg. As you can see, there are a lot of activities you can enjoy here! 

You can even visit the Nieuwe Diep in the center of the park, which is a distillery and tasting room. If you have kids, you can relax at Jeugdland, an adventure park for children situated on the park’s edge.

Hortus Botanicus

Hortus Botanicus is situated in the famous Plantage district, which is also one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens. Today, it is now part of the University of Amsterdam. It was a medicinal herb garden at first, and now it is home to over 6,000 plants. Check out the tropical greenhouses and see the famous Persian ironwood tree, too. 

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It’s nice to know that there are beautiful parks you can go to to get closer to nature at the end of a long day. Moreover, these parks are perfect for downtimes with your family and even when you’re only by yourself. Check out these parks while you’re here and you’re not going to regret it. They are some of the most beautiful parks you will ever see in the country.

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Published by Melissa

Hello! My name is Melissa (or Missy). I'm a nurse by day, but my true passion is travel. I'm a part time traveler, travel blogger, and photographer. Travel blogging allows me to share my experiences and knowledge with you as well as allows me to share in your experiences and learn from you. View all posts by Melissa