🌳 Amsterdam’s Green Side, Part 2: From City Gardens to the Big Forest
Peaceful parks in Oost, Zuid & Noord for relaxed travel days
In Part 1, we explored some of Amsterdam’s best parks in Centrum, West, and Nieuw-West — from classic Vondelpark to the wide green spaces of Sloterpark and the peaceful Tuinen van West.
Now, let’s continue that journey — this time to the east, south, and north of the city. These parks are ideal for travelers looking to slow down, recharge, and enjoy the city’s nature and culture at an easy pace.
Whether you want to wander through quiet gardens, sip coffee by the water, or simply enjoy a picnic without the crowds, these parks are perfect for a calm and joyful day in Amsterdam.
🧭 Skip ahead to a neighbourhood:
Travelglaze memories:
🌼 A Childhood Among the Parks
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.
One year in primary school, we even had our own school gardens. We learned how to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers — pretty special for city kids who mostly lived in upstairs apartments without any garden of their own. It was our first real introduction to nature, and honestly, those lessons stuck.
It’s no surprise that even today, Amsterdam’s parks feel like home.
🌅 Oost – Green Space with Culture and Local Energy
Oosterpark
Oosterpark offers a calm, leafy escape right in the heart of Amsterdam-Oost. It’s welcoming, open, and full of character — great for a midday break or a quiet walk among locals.
🧺 What you can do: Stroll, relax under the trees, or watch local life unfold
🎉 Events to know about:
Keti Koti Festival (July 1) – A joyful and meaningful celebration of freedom and remembrance
Roots Festival – Global music, friendly vibes, and relaxed performances
Occasional food stalls and community events in summer
📜 Did you know?
Oosterpark was designed in the late 1800s for local residents. It’s also home to the National Slavery Monument, offering space for both reflection and celebration.
💡 Comfort tip: Visit in the morning, explore the nearby Tropenmuseum, then bring a light lunch to enjoy in the shade — it’s a perfect easy-going city moment.
Flevopark
If you’re craving peace and nature, Flevopark is a wonderful spot to take a break. It’s one of the quietest parks in Amsterdam — wide paths, lots of green, and very few crowds.
🚲 What you can do: Take a slow walk, cycle through the trees, enjoy a quiet picnic
🎉 Events to look for:
Occasional nature walks or family activities
Outdoor film nights in summer (low-key and relaxed)
📜 Did you know?
Flevopark has one of Amsterdam’s few outdoor swimming areas — and a peaceful lake to sit beside. It’s also home to a small café and distillery tucked into the trees.
💡 Comfort tip: Head to Distilleerderij ’t Nieuwe Diep, a charming, quiet café by the water — ideal for a peaceful drink or pause during your day.
🌸 Zuid – Stylish, Green, and Perfectly Calm
Beatrixpark
Beatrixpark feels like a well-kept secret. It’s elegant and uncrowded — perfect if you’re looking for quiet beauty and a place to breathe.
🌼 What you can do: Walk slowly through flowerbeds, sit with a book, enjoy the stillness
🎉 Events:
Small wellness activities and local art walks (check local listings)
📜 Did you know?
This park was designed in the 1930s and named after Queen Beatrix. It’s full of beautiful landscaping, soft paths, and peaceful water features.
💡 Comfort tip: If you’re looking for a calm break during a busy day in Zuid, this is your park. Bring coffee and enjoy it on a bench surrounded by trees and quiet.
Amstelpark
Amstelpark is colorful, creative, and perfect for relaxed discovery. There’s always something to enjoy — but nothing too loud or crowded.
🌿 What you can do: Explore the themed gardens, visit art exhibitions, take kids on the mini train
🎉 Events to enjoy:
Amstelpark Festival – A family-friendly day with food and local art (light and casual)
Art exhibitions at Zone2Source throughout the year
Tulip displays in spring
📜 Did you know?
Amstelpark was created for a global garden expo in 1972, and its variety of plants and quiet corners still make it feel like a peaceful retreat.
💡 Comfort tip: Visit during the tulip bloom or on a weekday afternoon for a peaceful walk among flowers and sculptures.
Amsterdamse Bos
A bit larger than your average park — okay, a lot larger — Amsterdamse Bos is where you go when you really want to unwind. It’s full of tree-lined trails, water routes, and quiet spaces to disconnect.
🌲 What you can do: Go for a long walk, rent a canoe, or visit the goat farm
🎉 Events to look for:
Bostheater performances – Open-air plays under the trees (relaxed and special)
Forest yoga and weekend retreats
Organic markets and seasonal events at the goat farm
📜 Did you know?
This entire forest was planted by hand in the 1930s as a public works project. Now, it’s one of the most beloved green spaces in the Netherlands.
💡 Comfort tip: Head to the Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve, where you can sip fresh goat milk or cappuccinos under the trees — an easygoing, feel-good outing.
🌿 Sarphatipark – A Small, Social Green in De Pijp
Tucked inside the lively De Pijp neighbourhood, Sarphatipark is a favourite among locals — and easy to miss if you’re new to the city.
It’s not large or wild, but it feels like a shared backyard. There’s always someone reading under a tree, walking a dog, or sipping takeaway coffee from the Albert Cuyp Market just around the corner.
Why visit?
It’s the perfect break after exploring the buzzing streets of De Pijp. Sit by the pond, watch the world go by, and enjoy the feeling of being part of everyday Amsterdam.
TravelGlaze Tip:
Pick up a snack from the market (maybe a fresh stroopwafel?) and eat it on a bench in the sun — just like the locals do.
🎨 Noord – Creative, Community-Oriented, and Full of Character
NDSM-Werf
If you love creativity, but still want open space and no rush — NDSM is a great place to explore at your own pace. It’s not a typical park, but its wide-open feel and industrial beauty are something special.
🖼️ What you can do: Wander through street art, browse vintage stalls, have lunch by the water
🎉 Events to explore:
IJ-Hallen – A giant flea market, great for slow browsing
Over het IJ Festival – Relaxed theatre performances and installations
Local food pop-ups and art exhibits year-round
📜 Did you know?
Once a shipyard, NDSM is now a creative district full of energy but never overwhelming. Artists live and work here, and cafés open onto wide plazas and river views.
💡 Comfort tip: Take the free ferry from Central Station, grab a seat at Pllek, and watch the boats go by — zero stress, maximum charm.
Noorderpark
Noorderpark is a peaceful, community-driven park in Amsterdam-Noord. It’s friendly, welcoming, and perfect for a laid-back afternoon.
🛝 What you can do: Take a walk, enjoy a coffee, let the kids play
🎉 Events:
Noorderparkfestival – Small and local, with music, food, and games
Outdoor film nights and performances at Noorderparkkamer
📜 Did you know?
Noorderpark was built to connect two neighborhoods and bring people together. It’s a great example of how green space can feel both local and special.
💡 Comfort tip: Grab a drink at Pompet, a relaxed café in the park, and take your time — this is a perfect spot for doing nothing at all.
🌞 Final Thoughts: Calm, Culture, and Comfort in Every Park
These parks show a different side of Amsterdam — one that’s calm, open, and full of joy in the small things. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with kids, these are places where you can move at your own pace, enjoy nature, and take a real break.
🌿 Amsterdam doesn’t always have to be busy. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is sit under a tree, watch the world go by, and just be there.
Have you visited any of these parks — or do you have a favorite green spot in Amsterdam I didn’t mention?
I’d love to hear your stories or tips. Share them in the comments or send me a message — I’m always collecting calm corners for fellow travelers who love exploring at their own pace.
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