Vondelpark

Right where you're standing, at this beautiful entrance gate, you're already getting a taste of Vondelpark's character — grand, elegant, and just a little bit full of itself. And honestly, the park earned that reputation fair and square. It all started in 1864, when a group of well-to-do Amsterdam gentlemen, led by Christiaan Pieter van Eeghen, decided that what this city truly needed was a place to relax. A noble ambition. Less noble, perhaps, was their guest list — when the park opened in 1865, workers were simply not invited.

The neighbourhood's reputation had to be maintained, after all. Keeping an eye on all of this, right here at the entrance, is De Stedemaagd — a statue representing the city of Amsterdam. She's been watching the comings and goings for years, and she's seen quite the transformation. Because in 1953, the municipality took over and threw the gates open for everyone. Suddenly, this exclusive retreat became the beloved green heart of Amsterdam, spread across 47 hectares of picturesque ponds, playgrounds, and open-air theatre performances. The park was designed by Jan David Zocher and Louis Paul Zocher, inspired by English landscape gardens. Amsterdam's very own answer to Central Park — just with considerably more bicycles.