Vondelpark

Amsterdam's largest park at 47 hectares, and the city's living room. On any warm day, half of Amsterdam is here: cycling through, having picnics, watching free performances at the open-air theatre in summer, or just lying in the grass staring at the sky. The park runs east-west, with the Museum Quarter at the eastern entrance and Oud-West along the southern edge. The rose garden has 70 species and peaks in June. The Blauwe Theehuis (Blue Tea House) in the center is the classic meeting spot.

The park was designed in 1865 as a private garden for wealthy residents, went public in the 1950s, and by the 1970s had become the legendary campsite and gathering place of the hippie trail. Today it is beautifully maintained. The ponds, bridges, and winding paths create the illusion of much more space than 47 hectares. The southern section near the music dome is the quietest. The western end has a large playground and paddling pool that fills up with families on warm weekends.

The Openluchttheater (Open Air Theatre) runs free concerts, comedy, and theatre performances from June through August, and it is one of Amsterdam's best-kept secrets. Shows range from classical music to hip-hop to children's theatre, and you simply show up and sit down. The park is also a legitimate cycling corridor. Thousands of commuters cut through it daily, so stick to the walking paths if you want to avoid becoming a speed bump. On King's Day (April 27), the park becomes Amsterdam's biggest outdoor party.