The Vondelpark

1. Arrival
2. Nights
3. Guests
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Amsterdam holiday apartments near to the Vondelpark enjoy all the nearby benefits of the largest city park in Amsterdam. This beautiful park, spread out over 120 acres, is an urban paradise for walkers, joggers, roller-skaters and those looking to relax. With an open-air theatre, playgrounds, a film museum and various horeca (hotel/restaurant/cafe) establishments, Vondelpark has plenty to offer.

The park, originally named Nieuwe Park, was opened way back in 1865. Two years later, a statue of Dutch poet and playwright Joost van den Vondel was placed in the park and the name Vondelpark was adopted. The park was extended in the 1870s to reach its current size of 120 acres. Rose gardens, playgrounds, tearooms and various other attractions were added over the following century, with the Vondelpark eventually receiving rijksmonument (state monument) status in 1996.

Today, various sights and activities can be enjoyed in the park, making it a great destination for families staying in Amsterdam holiday apartments. The open-air theatre (Vondelpark Openluchttheater) hosts plenty of free concerts from June until August. Performances range from classical music to pop music, and also include musicals and cabaret. Visitors often leave a €1.00 donation after any show.

The national film museum (Netherlands Filmmuseum) is also located within the park. Housed in the Vondelparkpaviljoen, an ornate 19th century pavilion, the film museum has screenings of films both old and new. When visiting the park from nearby Amsterdam holiday apartments, a trip to the museum is always worthwhile. Regular tickets cost €7.20 while children can enter for €5.

With a handful of play areas and one large playground in the park there are plenty of things to keep kids entertained. Roller-skates are also available for hire. While skating around the park, keep an eye out for some intriguing sculptures. Most notable amongst these statues is Pablo Picasso’s The Fish, a slightly strange work of art but impressive nonetheless.

For eating and drinking in the park, head towards one of the Dutch horeca establishments. This may be an unfamiliar word for many visitors staying in Amsterdam holiday apartments ; the word itself is a contraction of hotel/restaurant/cafe. There are a few of these horeca bar-restaurants dotted about the park. Check out Groot Melkhuis, Vondeltuin or Vertigo (the film museum bar).

The Vondelpark is located in the stadsdeel Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, south of the Leidseplein and not far from the Museumplein. Families staying in Amsterdam holiday apartments can reach the park by bus, tram or public transport (or walk if located in the immediate area).