In this article, I present the Vondelparkthe largest park in the Netherlands, located in Amsterdam!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of the Vondelpark
- What you can see in the park
- The ideal way to visit
- How to get there
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
- Things to do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about the Vondelpark, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
VondelPark: article summary
VondelPark: presentation of the country's largest park
Visit Vondelpark is a huge green space - covering an area of 48 hectares ! - located in the capital's Zuid district, in the south-west of the city.
This park is part of the residents' daily lives for several decades and which I invite you to visit when you come to visit Amsterdam.
I'll introduce you to it and tell you how to discover it easily!
Introducing Amsterdam's Vondelpark
VondelPark is the largest park in the Netherlands. Opened in 1865, it owes its name to 17th-century Dutch playwright Joost van den Vondel.
It was on the initiative of Mayor Jan Messchert van Vollenhoven and a group of citizens that the idea of creating a large public park emerged in 1864. They began by raising the necessary funds to purchase 8 hectares, and the park, modelled on the English gardens of the time, opened to the public in 1865.
It is called Nieuwe Park (the New Park) but was renamed Vondelpark in 1867, when the statue of Vondel was installed in the center of the park.
Initially, it was reserved for walks on foot and on horseback but bicycles were allowed (mornings only!) as early as 1893. Little by little, the park became an integral part of local life, becoming a must-see place for Amstellodammers to stroll and enjoy. concerts and other outdoor shows organized all year round.
With family or friends, this is a must-see visit to Amsterdam!
Facts and anecdotes about the Vondelpark
- It attracts more than 10 million visitors every year
- You'll come across Cut-out figure or The bird from Picasso in the park!
- We find vivacious wildlife at the Vondelpark, with herons, ducks and ring-necked parakeets.
- It was declared a National Monument in 1996!
- The statue of Joost van den Vondel is by Louis Royer and its pedestal by Pierre Cuypers, who designed the Gare Centrale and the famous Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam!
How do I find out more about VondelPark?
There are many ways to explore this magnificent park, to admire its wide flowered avenues and ponds, have a picnic and enjoy a breath of fresh air in the middle of the city.
Many visitors are pedestrians and joggersothers opt for the means of transport that I also prefer: the bike!
Rent a bike at VondelPark is an excellent idea, for several reasons:
- You can visit the park at your own pace and take the full tour
- You can discover Amsterdam's other districtscross canals and bridges, with 3-hour, 1-day or 2-day rental options
- It's easy to move from museum to museum or monument to monument, just like a local.
What does bike hire at VondelPark include?
When you book your bike online, you'll have :
- Bicycles for the chosen duration : 3 h, 1 or 2 days
- From a complete plan to find your way around
- From a Life-saving poncho for rainy days. In Amsterdam, it often appears without warning!
Simply present your ticket at the park store to pick up your vehicle and start pedaling!
How to get to Amsterdam's VondelPark?
VondelPark is located at the following address: Vondelpark, 1017 AA Amsterdam
You can reach it easily via :
- Via the Streetcar 1,2 and 5, stop Leidseplein
- Visit busline 18 from Central Station, stop Schoutenstraat
- On foot from most points of interest in the city center, in about 30 minutes
VondelPark: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's what you need to know before visiting VondelPark to make the most of it!
Rates and booking
Entrance to the park is 100 % free. If you would like to rent bicycles to explore the area, the rates are as follows :
- 12.5 euros for 3 hours
- 16.5 euros for 1 day (24 hours)
- 31 euros for 2 days (48 hours)
The bikes are intended for people over 12.
When you book online, you can choose the day you want the bikes to arrive, the exact time and the rental period. You'll be sure to have a bike at your disposal during your stay!
Opening hours
VondelPark is open at all hours! However, the activities, services and attractions open at the following times 9am - 6pm.
Practical information
Helmets are not mandatory for cycling.
What to see and do in the area?
The Vondelpark is located in the south-western part of the district. Leidseplein and northwest of the Museumplein. There's a lot to see in the area, including a high concentration of in museums ! Here are a few suggestions:
- The superb Rijksmuseum and its immense collection of local and international works of art
- Visit Van Gogh Museum dedicated to the famous Dutch painter
- For lovers of modern art, the Stedelijk Museum is a must!
What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Amsterdam guide.
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