Amsterdam is definitely not a place to complain of a lack of impressive sights. Canals, tulips and stunning architecture make up the city’s unique blend of cutting-edge modernity and stylish quaintness. And while its man-made wonders bustle with attention at all times, its natural side is often unfairly overlooked by tourists. Parks, like virtually anything else in the city, are designed with a sense of bold creativity. If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-track aspect of the city which only adds to its charming character, then you should definitely hop on a bike and ride through the following parks.
Vondelpark
As Amsterdam’s most popular park, Vondelpark is the locals’ beloved haunt. On a sunny day you could see them having a picnic and sunbathing with their families – the soft green grass will tempt you to join in too. This is also an excellent place to see that the city’s flora does not end with tulips: more than 70 different types of roses populate the flower beds here.
Rembrandtpark
With several Rembrandt statues scattered all around, the eponymous park is a veritable shrine to the great Dutch artist. His figure features so prominently here that if you are a fan of his you can literally choose the setting in which you want your picture taken with him.
Oosterpark
Located, as its name implies, in the East and most culturally-diverse part of Amsterdam, this park is a frequent setting for various interesting cultural feasts and events. Several scenic ponds let you cool your feet in the summer heat. As you are cycling or strolling through, the scent of sizzling steaks and sausages often reaches your nose: Oosterpark is a popular family BBQ spot.
Park Frankendael
The grounds of this park once belonged to a large seventeenth-century estate and contain many private and hidden spots which any nature lover or recreational walker would be thrilled to discover. In the middle of the estate is the one-time manor house which today hosts various cultural events.
Open Garden Days
As you walk by or cruise along Amsterdam’s canals, you may often wonder what lies beyond the tall brick walls which line the canals on either side. Over a single weekend during the year you will have the chance to find out. It is then that dozens of canal houses open their gates to tourists and other curious eyes and you can taste the serene bliss of living among these secluded private gardens.
How to Get There
The flight from London to Schiphol Airport takes about an hour. Once safely on the ground in Amsterdam, airport transport to the city only takes about a quarter of an hour. If you want to spend this final stage of your journey in comfort and security, you should pre-book the transfer services to ensure a no-hassle journey from the airport to the centre.
Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for affordable Amsterdam airport transport Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
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