Oosterpark

Amsterdam


The lush greenery of Oosterpark, with wild parakeets in the trees and herons stalking the large ponds, brings an almost tropical richness to this diverse neighbourhood, despite being laid out in English style. It was established in 1891 as a pleasure park for the diamond traders who found their fortunes in the South African mines, and it still has an elegant, rambling feel.

On the south side, look for two monuments: one commemorates the abolition of slavery in the Dutch colonies in 1863; the other, De Schreeuw, is a metal profile shouting into the sky, celebrating free speech and, more specifically, filmmaker Theo van Gogh, who was murdered nearby in 2004. Another (living) monument to Van Gogh is the Spreeksteen, a rock podium marking a 'speakers' corner' established in 2005.

Families will enjoy the playground with a wading pool in summer on the park's north side.

Transportation

  • tram: 19 1e v.Swindenstraat

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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1. Spreeksteen

0.09 MILES

This tribute to freedom of speech, established in 2005, is a rock podium marking a 'speakers' corner' in Oosterpark. Organised debates occur here and…

2. De Schreeuw

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A wavy profile shouting into the sky, this tall silver sculpture in Oosterpark honours free speech – it's also a tribute to controversial filmmaker Theo…

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A great arched, galleried space, the Tropenmuseum houses a three-storey collection of artefacts from all over the world, depicting a wide range of…

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A dome tops this neoclassical arch, which was built in 1770 as a gateway to the city. On the south side you'll see the Amsterdam emblem of three St…

6. Dappermarkt

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The busy, untouristy Dappermarkt is a swirl of life and colour, with around 250 stalls. It reflects the Oost's diverse immigrant population, and is full…

7. De Gooyer Windmill

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