Your Trip to the Netherlands: The Complete Guide SEE FULL GUIDE prev next Your Trip to the Netherlands: The Complete Guide Best Time to Visit Weather & Climate Airports in the Netherlands Getting Around the Netherlands Cities to Visit Complete Guide to Amsterdam Best Hotels in Amsterdam Amsterdam's Public Transportation Essential Dutch Phrases One Week in the Netherlands 48 Hours in Amsterdam Getaways From Amsterdam Top Things to Do in the Netherlands Castles to Visit in the Netherlands Best Things to Do in Amsterdam Things to Do With Kids in Amsterdam Shopping in Amsterdam Amsterdam's Top Markets Live Music in Amsterdam Amsterdam's Must-Visit Museums Guide to the Keukenhof Flower Gardens Must-Try Food in the Netherlands Craft Beer in the Netherlands Heineken Experience Amsterdam's Top Restaurants Nightlife in Amsterdam Your Trip to the Netherlands: The Complete Guide close Overview Europe Netherlands Make the Most of Your Visit to Vondelpark in Amsterdam By Kristen de Joseph Kristen de Joseph Kristen de Joseph is a freelance writer, editor, and academic researcher for Leiden University. Her work has been featured in multiple Michelin guides for Amsterdam, Austria, and Germany. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 08/04/19 Fact checked by Michelai Graham Fact checked by Michelai Graham Michigan State University American University Michelai Graham is a technology and business reporter who has written for The Urban Institute and Scoop News. She reports for AfroTech, Lifewire, and The Plug. TripSavvy's fact-checking Nick Brundle Photography/Getty Images Amsterdam's Vondelpark is a public urban park located in the Old South. Opened in 1865 as Nieuwe Park, it was renamed Vondelpark to honor the 17th-century dramatist Joost van den Vondel. Beloved by Amsterdam locals and visitors alike, Vondelpark contains a plethora of cafes and restaurants, as well as indoor and outdoor activities, making it enjoyable during any time of the year. For those unfamiliar with the park, choosing what to see and do can be overwhelming, so here is a comprehensive visitors' guide to the Vondelpark. Things to Do Some of the most popular activities and performances in the park are open to the public, free, or have a nominal fee. EYE Vondelpark - The park side location of the popular film institute. EYE screens movies from the Netherlands and abroad on a daily basis; showtimes can be found on their website.Vondeltuin - The athletically inclined can rent in-line skates and protective equipment at the Vondeltuin, located in the southernmost terrace in the Vondelpark. After burning off some calories skating, you can also enjoy a casual meal at the rink. Hollandsche Manege - Equine enthusiasts, don't miss this spin-off of Vienna's celebrated Spanish Riding School, where you can get a peek at the horses and their trainers from the upstairs cafe.Orgelpark - A former church turned classical and jazz concert site, this unique venue should not be missed. See their website for a concert calendar and ticket information.Open Air Theater - Amsterdammers turn out in droves for the free open-air theater performances every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during summertime. Where to Eat The Vondelpark has a handful of cafes and terraces, but for more substantial eats, you'll have to head just outside the park's boundaries. Blauwe Theehuis - This Vondelpark classic serves moderately priced meals in a monumental "tea house", but occasionally suffers from its own popularity with too few servers to appease the crowds. Hap-Hmm - Traditional Dutch cuisine at its best, Hap Hmm churns out no-frills dishes at rock-bottom prices. Blauw Amsterdam - Not to be confused with Blauw aan de Wal, Ron Blaauw, or any other popular restaurant with “Bla(a)uw” in its title, Blauw Amsterdam is one of the top Indonesian eateries in town, noted for its rijsttafels meals. Pasta Tricolore - Located on the chic P.C. Hoofdstraat, this Italian espresso bar and trattoria serves decadent sandwiches, antipasti (appetizers), and entrées to eat in or take out. For Kids The Vondelpark is a veritable children's paradise, where visitors are rarely far from the nearest sandbox. Here are some special child-oriented attractions in the park: Kinderkookkafé - The Kinderkookkafé has become a phenomenon with its simple but unique premise: children hone their skills in the kitchen (under supervision, of course!) while parents can kick up their heels and relax.Klein Melkhuis - Stop in for a bite at the Groot Melkhuis café. The cafe has a fantastic kid's menu, as well as a fabulous children's park, the Klein Melkhuis, to entertain your little ones. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Share Pin Email