About Vondelpark

Vondelpark is Amsterdam's most loved public space: a 47-hectare (120-acre) English-style landscape park in the heart of the Oud-Zuid district, visited by more than 10 million people annually. Named after 17th-century playwright Joost van den Vondel, it opened in 1865 and was declared a national monument in 1996.

The park is central to Amsterdam life in a way that goes beyond typical urban green space. In summer, it becomes an outdoor living room — locals picnic on the lawns, musicians set up spontaneously, the outdoor theatre hosts free performances, and cyclists and joggers circle the paths. On a warm Sunday afternoon, it is one of the most alive places in Europe.

💡 Free Concerts: Between June and August, the Vondelpark Openluchttheater (open-air theatre) hosts free concerts, performances, and children's shows most days. Check the programme at openluchttheater.nl.

What to Do in Vondelpark

The Open-Air Theatre

The Openluchttheater is one of the great free attractions in Amsterdam. The summer programme (typically June to late August) covers everything from jazz and classical music to children's theatre and stand-up comedy. No tickets required — arrive early for the best spots on the grass.

The Rose Garden

At the southern end of the park, the formal rose garden contains over 70 varieties of rose and is at its best in June and September. Quieter than the main lawns and excellent for photography.

The Ponds and Waterways

The park contains several interconnected ponds where ducks, moorhens, and parakeets (a non-native but now-established Amsterdam species) are resident. Rowing boats are not available for hire, but the waterways are attractive for walking.

Cycling and Skating

The park has dedicated cycling paths and a separate skate path. Friday Night Skate (a free group skate starting from the park every Friday at 20:30 in season) is a popular local institution covering around 15km of Amsterdam's streets.

Playgrounds and Children's Facilities

The park has multiple playgrounds, a paddling pool (open summer), and a sandpit area near the main entrance. It is one of Amsterdam's most family-friendly spaces.

Eating and Drinking in the Park

  • Café Vertigo: Located in the stunning 1881 Filmmuseum (EYE's predecessor) building, with a terrace that's Amsterdam's most atmospheric place for a Sunday morning coffee.
  • Groot Melkhuis: A family café near the children's playground with a large terrace. Excellent for lunch.
  • Blauwe Theehuis: The iconic blue 1937 Art Deco tea house in the middle of the park, serving coffee, beer, and snacks. The circular terrace is excellent in summer.

Practical Information

  • Location: Vondelpark, Amsterdam-Oud-Zuid. Multiple entrances.
  • Opening hours: Open 24 hours, free entry
  • Getting there: Tram 2 or 12 to Leidseplein (5-minute walk); tram 1 to Jan Pieter Heijestraat

Tips

  • The main entrance (Stadhouderskade side) is the busiest — enter from the Leidseplein side for a quieter arrival experience.
  • Summer weekends after 14:00 can be very crowded. Weekday mornings are beautifully calm.
  • The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are a 10-minute walk east — combine a museum visit with a picnic in the park.
  • Bike hire is available near most park entrances — cycling around the park and nearby museum district is an excellent half-day activity.

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