Nature and active in Oud-West
Vondelpark
Vondelpark flanks the eastern border of Oud-West, providing the locals with ample space for strolling, picnicking, or skating. This vast green space offers something for everyone: various outdoor sculptures, a sprawling doggy field, an open-air theatre, various tearooms and an adventure playground. No visit to Amsterdam is complete without exploring the hidden corners of this iconic park.
Bilderdijkpark
This secluded spot is at the intersection of three canals, offering a prime position to unwind from the hustle and bustle near the water. It's tucked away on a sidestreet of the busy De Clerqstraat and Bilderdijkstraat intersection and is frequented mainly by locals who know where to find it. Enjoy delicious Greek food on the terrace beneath the trees at Ikaria Park here, or grab a coffee and a pastry from Monk's Coffee Roasters for a mini picnic in the grass.
Supping
The canals in Oud-West are some of the most beautiful stretches in the city. They are much quieter than in the centre and are great fun to explore with a kayak, boat rental, or stand-up paddleboard (SUP). This relaxing activity is a brilliant way to see Amsterdam’s historic waterways, houseboats and bridges from an alternative perspective. Canal SUP provides board rentals for anywhere between 1 to 8 hours. Their handy location along the Sloterkade gives you access to numerous scenic routes in Oud-West, and you are just a few paddle strokes away from the city centre.
Hollandsche Menage
Strolling down the busy Overtoom, you might come across the faint farmyard whiff usually associated with horses. That’s because tucked away behind this busy shopping street is Amsterdam’s most unusual architectural gem: De Hollandsche Manege, an 18th-century riding school with opulent Baroque interiors. Children, teens, and adults can enjoy riding classes here, designed for ages eight and up. Visitors can look down on the trotting ponies from the balcony of the stunning café.
Het Eetbare Plantsoen
How about heading to your local park to pick fresh vegetables? The enthusiastic residents living in the Borgerbuurt neighbourhood have set up an urban vegetable garden called Het Eetbare Plantsoen (the edible garden). All the vegetables and herbs grown here are edible, and this community-driven project provides a pleasant meeting point for the locals.
Bellamyplein
The area surrounding Bellamyplein was a rural, wetland area with sawmills and polder houses. Now, the small park between the prestigious houses behind De Hallen offers a scenic spot to unwind. In the warmer months, you’ll see the paddling pool full of local children splashing about to cool off.
Stadsboerderij Zimmerhoeve
In Oud-West, you’ll also find the Landje van Ome Kick - a stretch of land where Frits Bottelier, or Ome Kick, has organised children’s activities since the 1970s. This area has been transformed into the Zimmerhoeve city farm where you can pet goats, rabbits and other farmyard critters. The farm also nurtures various wild plants and hosts horticultural workshops. Incidentally, residents still know the farm as the Landje van Ome Kick.
