Visit Vondelpark: Amsterdam’s not-so-hidden haven

Nestled between the famed architecture of this exciting metropolis is Amsterdam’s 47-hectare green space, Vondelpark.

Marked by a gold signature in Victorian script on a wrought iron gate, no one would expect to find this haven between the 19^th century Rijksmuseum and Heineken Museum and yet, there it stands.

The wide avenues merge into serpentine pathways, and the vast lakes into trickling rivulets. Vondelpark offers something for the casual stroller, the sunbather, the reader, the adventurist and everything in between.

Delicate features of arched bridges, bandstands surrounded by flowerbeds and statues are scattered throughout, blending the manmade and the organic.

Although there are evergreens which ensure the park maintains elements of bold colour throughout the year, the range of flora sees the park change with the seasons. Pastel blossom colours illuminate the area in spring, with an effusion of green in the summertime. In autumn the park is set ablaze with reds, golds, oranges and coppers and in the winter the barren trees are comforted with a blanket of crisp, white snow.

Naturally, all that walking through Amsterdam’s favourite park will work up an appetite. Vondelpark has thought of that, too, with cafés and restaurants, as well as an almost endless option of picnic spots. The Blue Teahouse, famous for its saucer-like shape, is a café by day, even offering yoga classes, but a bar by night, serving up local cuisine in a stunning setting. Groot Melkhuise boasts a minimalist, Scandi interior, with a large terrace set on the waterside, making it the perfect spot to sip away at a fresh coffee, or maybe a few beers.

Plus, there are six play areas and an enormous play park, so if the kids somehow end up wanting more than the never-ending nature, then they can run wild there.

Vondelpark is also busy with events throughout the year. Summertime sees the annual OpenAir Theatre. A range of theatrical exhibitions are performed from the beginning of May until the end of September, including modern dance and stand-up comedy and entry is free.

Pride Amsterdam, one of the biggest Pride events in the world, hosts an event in the park every year, Pride Park, which is an amazing opportunity for people of all ages to come and learn more about the LGBTQ community and heritage. The Vondelpark Pavilion is also home to cultural events throughout the year and there’s even a hostel hiding amongst the foliage, the unique location of which attracts 75,000 visitors yearly.