10 Best Natural Sights Around Amsterdam
Escape to Amsterdam's Most Beautiful Landscapes
Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and the locals will certainly agree with that sentiment, but you’ll find much more than stunning architectural features here. This city is also home to impressive natural sights that showcase plenty of vibrant greenery.
The natural sights in Amsterdam have much to offer whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or relaxing serenity. With numerous parks and gardens, you can base your entire vacation around seeing the area’s top natural sights. Take a look at the most picturesque destinations in town that showcase vibrant greenery and more.
1. Vondelpark
One of the city’s largest and loveliest parks
Good for: Couples, Families, Budget
Vondelpark is a massive park encompassing 120 acres of land with plenty of green space and activities that the whole family can enjoy. You’ll find quite a few attractive walking paths along with serene ponds that are perfect for strolls and bike rides.
This park is also home to an outdoor open-air theater and a playground for your little ones to run around in. You’ll also discover some intricately crafted statues here along with several food service facilities, so you won’t even have to leave the park to find a bite to eat. Read more
Location: 1071 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Vondelpark
2. Amsterdam canals
The city’s 3 iconic main waterways
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
The Amsterdam canals are among the most iconic aspects of the entire city, being classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you visit, you can enjoy the well-maintained walking paths along the banks, or you can venture directly through the water with a chartered boat tour.
The canals have a lot of history, dating back to the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age. This history is maintained today, as you’ll discover a variety of beautiful historical buildings along the canal sides. You’ll also definitely want to explore the numerous, photogenic bridges that crisscross the canals for scenic views down the pretty streets.
Amsterdam canals
3. Hortus Botanicus
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world
Good for: Families, History, Budget
Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, offering a rich history and vibrant greenery within the Plantage District. This garden was first established all the way back in 1638 as an herb garden, and it has since been opened to everyone interested in vibrant flora.
When you visit these gardens, you’ll find a variety of native plants in addition to more exotic species. Some are endangered and rare, like the fascinating Persian Ironwood tree, which is listed as critically endangered. Read more
Location: Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +31 (0)20 625 9021
Hortus Botanicus
4. Amstelpark
A miniature train and a maze for family fun
Good for: Families, History, Budget
Amstelpark is a lovely park most widely known for its exciting hedge labyrinth, serene atmosphere, lush greenery, and calm waters. The labyrinth is compelling for adults and children alike to explore, but that’s just the beginning of what this park has to offer.
When you visit, you can explore a wide variety of other attractions, including a mini-golf course and the iconic rhododendron valley. In this section of the park, you can enjoy about 139 species of colorful rhododendrons in bloom during the springtime. Read more
Location: Arent Janszoon Ernststraat 1, 1083 GA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Daily from 7 am to 10 pm
Phone: +31 (0)20 644 4216
Amstelpark
5. Rijksmuseum Gardens
A plethora of garden styles to explore
Good for: Couples, Families
The gardens at the Rijksmuseum include a collection of several different garden styles that are well-maintained and arranged to maximize their aesthetic appeal. The flora here consists of vibrant greenery and colorful blooming flowers depending on the time of year you visit.
As well as enjoying all the plants here, you can also take a relaxing stroll along several walking paths. Make sure you also visit the beautifully restored van Logteren gazebo where you can grab a drink. Don’t forget to check out the water maze as well, which is a must-visit if you have children with you. Read more
Location: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +31 (0)20 674 7000
Rijksmuseum Gardens
6. Het Amsterdamse Bos
A landscape in romantic English style
Good for: Couples, Families
Het Amsterdamse Bos is a popular landscaped park that spans 1,000 hectares of space making it massive in scope and packed full of fun things to do. The park’s aesthetic beauty is easy enough to appreciate thanks to the wide-open spaces and well-maintained walking and cycling paths.
As you explore, you’ll discover several activities available including a whole range of different sports facilities to enjoy. The ponds and streams are open for swimmers, and there’s even a sandy beach within the park. Make sure you also check out the open-air theater which regularly hosts events. Read more
Location: 1182 DA Amstelveen, Netherlands
Phone: +31 (0)62 908 1628
Het Amsterdamse Bos
7. Westerpark
An intimate and relaxing neighborhood park
Good for: Couples, Photo
Westerpark is a large and popular park named after the neighborhood it’s located in. The park includes the space around the former Westergasfabriek gasworks. Within this eclectic region, you’ll find quite a few special attractions like avant-garde businesses and restaurants.
The park itself is packed with stunning beauty, including a vast central water feature in the middle of vibrant green meadows. Several impressive works of art have been implemented into the park, including some that only appear during certain seasons. Music festivals are also held here throughout the year. Read more
Location: Haarlemmerweg 4, 1014 BE Amsterdam, Netherlands
Westerpark
8. Keukenhof Gardens
Iconic Dutch tulips in bloom
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
The magnificent Keukenhof Gardens are home to 800 different varieties of tulip that showcase their vibrant colors in the springtime. Keep in mind that this is a seasonal garden, so you’ll have to visit between the end of March and mid-May to see it in all its glory.
More than 7 million bulbs are planted here each autumn to ensure they’re blooming by the time spring comes. As well as the stunning sight of all those tulips, the sculpted grounds are a lovely place to wander around. You might even catch a flower show if visiting at the right time.
Location: Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse, Netherlands
Open: March–May: daily from 8 am to 7 pm
Keukenhof Gardens
9. Amstelland Green Neighborhood
Gorgeous green space by the Amstel River
Good for: Couples, Families
The Amstelland Green Neighborhood is a popular destination for travelers looking to relax by the meandering Amstel river among vibrant greenery and quiet quaint surroundings. While the Amstelland area is quite large, the green area is the region that juts into Amsterdam’s south side.
Visiting this area will make you feel as if you’ve crossed over into rural countryside, but you’re never more than a 15-minute cycle from the city center. There’s plenty of walking paths to discover, and peaceful, serene nature all around making it a popular escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Amstelland Green Neighborhood
10. Strandzuid
A waterfront oasis in the city
Good for: Couples, Families, Food
Strandzuid is a relaxing beach area created in the middle of the city where you can enjoy a peaceful time by the water without having to actually travel to a distant coast. It’s located by Beatrix Park with stunning views of nature all around.
One of the best aspects of this area is that there’s a good quality restaurant on site. You can grab something to eat or get a drink at the outdoor bar while watching the glistening water. Plus, the tropical look and feel of the restaurant and its beachfront will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to a paradise island, a unique experience within Amsterdam.
Location: Europaplein 22, 1078 GZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31 (0)20 639 2589
Strandzuid
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