Perfect picnic spots in Amsterdam

For barbecues: Erasmuspark

Pay attention, pit masters! While barbecuing is not allowed at most of the city parks, you can still grill to your heart's content at Erasmuspark in Amsterdam’s popular Bos en Lommer neighbourhood. This lush park is laid out in the Mondriaan style, with the landscape designed to create visual harmony between the paths, trees and grass. Speaking of fine art, a giant polar bear statue will cool you down with its stoic arctic vibes as you sweat over the coals. Is it even really a party if there isn’t at least one giant polar bear present?

Supplies: Explore the neighbouring streets of Jan van Galenstraat, Jan Evertsenstraat and Bos en Lommerweg for cheese and charcuterie from Caseus, Greek-inspired dips and goodies from Ela! Traiterie and magnificent wine bottles from Bureau Wijn.

Barbecuing rules and regulations: Before you head out, check this map of Amsterdam parks to see where you should and shouldn’t barbecue and make sure you adhere to the barbecuing rules and regulations provided by the municipality.

For animal lovers: ARTIS

What could be more magical than a picnic under a centuries-old tree with woolly animal friends for company and atmospheric open-air music? Throughout the summer, on weekends, Amsterdam's iconic ARTIS Zoo keeps the gates open till late, so park-goers can pack their own picnic supplies to enjoy the Zoomeravonden programme. Watch the ARTIS agenda for more information and dates for their delightful summer evening picnic.

Supplies: Don't miss Borrl Kitchen Deli on the neighbouring Plantage Kerklaan and Bakhuys for fresh bread and pastries.

For foodies: Sarphatipark

With the Albert Cuyp market just a stone's throw away, Sarphatipark is the ideal place for gourmets to settle down with a hamper of fresh produce. This picturesque city park is nestled in the heart of the bustling De Pijp neighbourhood - known for its eclectic selection of convivial cafes, bakeries, delis and take-out spots that will keep foodies occupied for days.

Supplies: Have a read of our dedicated De Pijp neighbourhood guide for more tips on where to pack the perfect picnic supplies.

For chilled-out picnics: Beatrixpark

The royal park in Zuid is intimate and relatively quiet, but it’s still big enough to make you feel like you’ve escaped the city for the day. Pack some cold cuts, strawberry scones, a bottle of wine and some lemonade and enjoy the beautiful landscaping and the peace and stillness of the lake. Little ’uns will love wading in the paddling pool, so a splashing good time is guaranteed for all.

Supplies: Feduzzi is your one-stop shop for a gourmet picnic basket with some retro Italian flare, whilst Le Fournil de Sébastien is on of the city's best bakeries.

For nature enthusiasts: Amsterdamse Bos

The 1,000-hectare woodland expanse of the Amsterdamse Bos (‘Amsterdam Forest’) is a breathing space in every sense. Three times the size of New York’s Central Park, it was conceived in the 1930s, a product of the depression era, with the dual goal of generating more greenery and creating employment for 20,000 out-of-work Amsterdammers. Today, there’s a world-class waterway for rowing, various swimming pools and endless footpaths along which to inhale that fresh forest floor.

Supplies: Fresh cheese, yoghurt and ice cream from the Ridammerhoeve organic goat farm will taste even better on a picnic blanket.

For sun-seekers: Flevopark

Take a plunge in verdant Flevopark, where you’ll find the warmed Flevoparkbad and plenty of natural greenery home to 19 protected animal species and oodles of avian activity. Also nestled within this leafy park is ’t Nieuwe Diep, a distillery housed in a restored water pumping station from 1880, which now pumps out artisan jenevers on its sunny lakeside terrace, as well as typical Dutch bar snacks such as ossenworst (smoked raw beef sausage), sheep’s milk cheese with fenugreek and local mustards.

Supplies: Stroll up Javastraat for countless Middle-Eastern grocery stores, bakeries, and stand-out Italian delis such as Gallizia.

For urban beach bliss: Het Stenen Hoofd

This stone jetty along the Westerdoksdijk, nestled between the up-and-coming Houthavens and Haarlemmerbuurt neighbourhoods, is a hidden-in-plain stretch of beach. The waterfront strip of sand and grass is an ideal spot to toss down a chequered blanket and unpack a wicker basket stuffed with picnic treats and eats. During the warmer months, it often hosts outdoor events such as open-air film screenings, so you can enjoy dinner and a movie without spending a cent.

Please note: Swimming at Het Stenen Hoofd is currently not allowed. Fines can be issued.

Supplies: Head to Le Sud on Haarlemmerdijk for a range of excellent cheese shops, bakeries and delis, such as Le Sud, for exquisite Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare.

For peace and quiet: Gaasperpark

Want to have a picnic somewhere where you can hear the birds chirping? For those seeking peace and quiet, Gaasperpark in Zuidoost is an excellent location to lay down a blanket, sit back and eat all the goodies you have brought with you. There's also a fabulous swimming spot at the adjacent lake, Gaasperplas.

Supplies: Zuidoost is awash with local markets and grocery stores, have a read of our dedicated neighbourhood guide for the best tips on where to shop for local produce.

For adventurers: Schellingwouderpark

Experience the city from a distance at Schellingwouderpark in Amsterdam Noord, which is easily accessible by taking the free ferry across the river from behind Central Station. After wandering this lush wooded area that's teeming with local wildlife and birds, choose a spot on the IJ and take in the superb views and cityscapes.

Supplies: Visit Landmarkt on the Schellingwouderdijk to score organic and fair trade products.

For grill-masters: Westerpark

Along with Erasmuspark, Westerpark is one of the few places where you can have a barbecue. Lay your blanket next to the water or on the lush lawns and light up! If you don't have one yourself, use one of the places with a permanent barbecue.

Barbecuing rules and regulations: Before you head out, check this map of Amsterdam parks to see where you should and shouldn’t barbecue and ensure you adhere to the barbecuing rules and regulations provided by the municipality.

Supplies: The surrounding neighbourhood is teeming with foodie hotspots, so check out our dedicated pages for exploring the area. Likewise, the Haarlemmerplein farmers market on Wednesdays is an ideal spot to score fresh cheese, bread and other delectable local produce.