Amsterdam Parks: Green Escapes to Explore, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Ask someone what makes Amsterdam special and they might say: the canals, the bikes, the tall houses. But ask someone who lives here, and there’s a good chance they’ll mention the parks.

These green spaces are where the city really breathes. People come here to walk, picnic, play, think, meet, or just relax. And the best part? Every district has its own park - and each one has a unique vibe, story, and something unexpected to offer.

Would you believe there are so many great green spaces in Amsterdam that I had to split them into two separate blogs? In this post, we’ll explore Amsterdam’s parks in Centrum, West, and Nieuw-West - places where locals go to walk, picnic, and enjoy nature away from the crowds.

Growing up in Amsterdam in the 1960s and ’70s, the city’s parks were basically our backyard. Back then, you didn’t just hop on a train to explore other cities - so everything happened close to home.

In summer, we’d often go to Vondelpark or Rembrandtpark after school. I still remember the picnics, the swimming, and the feeling of complete freedom. Vondelpark had (and still has) a little paddling pool where kids could splash around, and in Rembrandtpark we’d head to the Jan van Galenbad. It’s an indoor pool now, but back then it was open-air - and felt like the perfect escape on a hot day. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).