This green lung in the urban jumble of central Amsterdam is a great place to take some exercise, watch a performance or just chill out with the locals.
When the day dawns warm and sunny, there’s only one place to be – Amsterdam’s largest public park is a favourite haunt of locals and visitors alike.The Vondelpark was opened in 1865 and named after Dutch poet and playwright Joost van den Vondel. People flocked to this open-air oasis to go horseback riding, take a walk, or just to escape from the sultry air of the overcrowded city. Nowadays bicycles have overtaken horses in popularity, but the principle remains the same. Over 10 million people every year enjoy the natural pleasures of this beautiful spot.The park is a magnet in summer in particular, when families and friends gather to share a picnic, sunbathe or enjoy a drink on the restaurant terraces. During the week, the park fills up with office workers snatching a quick lunch break or letting off steam at the end of a hard day, and at weekends there are football games and other sports to watch while the kids head for the playground.Explore the park’s 47 hectares of pathways, ponds and flowerbeds at a slower pace on foot, or hire a bike or roller blades to complete a whistle-stop circuit. Enjoy the heady scents of the rose garden, listen out for birds as they sing from the top of huge chestnut trees, scan the edge of the pond for nesting storks, and keep an eye out for the splash of colour that signals the approach of a wild parakeet. Don’t miss the statue of The Fish, donated to the park by the famous Spanish artist Picasso.During the summer months the open-air theatre puts on a programme of concerts, plays and cabaret. Some shows are free, or you might be asked for a donation. If you’re not in the mood for more formal entertainment, you could just chill out and watch the world go by from the comfort of the Blauwe Theehuis (Blue Teahouse) terrace, a favourite meeting place for Amsterdamers since 1937.Vondelpark is located close to Leidseplein and Museumplein, just a short walk from the tram stops. Parking in the city centre can be difficult so, if you want to maximise your relaxation time, use the reliable and convenient public transport network.
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