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Vondelpark, Amsterdam: 5x places to eat & drink
Every day I cycle to work through the Vondelpark. A little bit of green, and peace and quiet before the start of my day. Well, peace and quiet might be a bit of an exaggeration. It’s a busy commuter-cycling-route and you do need to watch out for speeding cyclists and bumbling tourists.
But did you know the Vondelpark is a great place for lunch and a couple of drinks? These are the 5 hotspots.
1. Vondelpark3
This the first restaurant you come across when travelling from the centre of town. It has a beautiful and sunny outside area, with a touch of chic. The service is a little random. So make sure you’re seen when you want to order a drink. But worth it when enjoying the sunshine with a glass of rosé!
Restaurant Vondelpark3
Open: 10am-11pm
2. Het Blauwe Theehuis
This building looks a little like a flying saucer, or UFO, and is situated in the middle of the park. A fun, no-nonsense place. When it’s busy, you might have to queue for a little while. But they have great sandwiches and coffee. During Summer you can also have dinner on some days of the week.
Het Blauwe Theehuis
Open: 9am-9pm (Fri/Sat/Sun until 11pm)
3. Groot Melkhuis
If you’re visiting Amsterdam with children and they would like to play, this is the place to visit. There is a large playground with a bouncy castle, and a big outside space to eat and drink. It’s a buffet-style restaurant. They will call out your number when your food is ready. It feels a little like being on a campsite 😉
Tip: if you walk a little further, there is a free outdoor kids’ swimming pool. It’s not very big and noisy but lots of fun!
Groot Melkhuis
Open: 10am-6pm
4. De Vondeltuin
This outdoor restaurant is at the end of the park (exit Amstelveense Weg). You can have breakfast, lunch and dinner here. Or just have a drink. It’s a relaxing place. Not too big but really cosy. Next to the Vondeltuin there is a sandpit, so a great place for kids too.
De Vondeltuin
Open: 10am-9pm
5. Vondelpark Open Air Theatre
And finally the best kept secret of the Vondelpark is its open air theatre. During the Summer there will be free performances. Music. Theatre. Dance. And comedy. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday you can often find big names in Dutch theatre on the small stage. For the best view you will need to be early. There is also a bar for drinks and snacks. It is my favourite place in the Summer!
Or you could bring your own food and drink, and have a picnic in the park. Note: you are not allowed to have a BBQ in the park and they will fine you!
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