Beatrixpark is a free, quiet English-style park in Amsterdam Zuid, tucked between Station Zuid and the RAI convention centre. Laid out in 1938 and named after the newborn Princess Beatrix, it is one of the city’s oldest planned parks and far calmer than Vondelpark. Come for a picnic on the lawns, the summer paddling pool, a herb garden, an off-leash dog meadow, and shaded paths around a small lake. Entry is free and no booking is needed. Barbecuing is not allowed here, so plan a cold picnic instead.
Beatrixpark at a glance
| Where | Amsterdam Zuid, between Station Zuid and RAI (Prinses Irenebuurt / Zuidas) |
| Opened | 1938; oldest section a listed municipal monument since 2005 |
| Entry | Free, open daily, no booking |
| Best for | Picnics, young children, dog walks, a quiet stroll away from the crowds |
| Paddling pool | Open roughly May to September, 10:00–18:00, when it is warmer than 20°C (68°F) |
| Barbecue | Not allowed (Amsterdam only permits BBQs in Westerpark and Noorderpark) |
| Dogs | Off-leash on the dog meadow near the stone circles; not in the playground or pool area |
| Nearest stations | Amsterdam Zuid and Amsterdam RAI (trains + Metro 50/51/52 at Zuid; tram 4 to RAI) |
What is Beatrixpark and where is it?
Beatrixpark sits in Amsterdam Zuid, with Station Zuid to the west and the RAI convention centre to the east, close to the A10 ring road and the Zuidas business district. It opened in 1938 and was named after Princess Beatrix, who was born that same year and later became queen in 1980. The oldest part was designed by the Dutch landscape architect Jakoba Mulder, who also helped shape the Amsterdamse Bos, in a romantic English garden style: a small lake, open lawns, and winding paths. That original section has been a listed municipal monument since 2005.
Because it draws mostly local families, office workers on a lunch break, and dog walkers rather than tour groups, Beatrixpark stays calm even in summer. It is a genuine local attraction rather than a headline sight, which is exactly why it is worth the short trip south.
Things to do in Beatrixpark
Key attractions
- Herb garden (Artsenijhof): A walled apothecary-style garden of medicinal herbs on the eastern side of the park, guarded by two stone lions bearing Amsterdam’s coat of arms. It is a quiet, educational stop for plant lovers.
- Playground and paddling pool: A large playground with climbing frames, swings, slides, and a sandpit. The paddling pool opens on warm summer days for little ones to splash in.
- Art and pavilions: Sculptures and small pavilions are dotted through the park, a reminder of the exhibitions once held here. They make good landmarks and shaded rest stops.
Popular activities
- Walking and cycling: Paths wind past open fields, wooded corners, and water, giving you a scenic loop that is easy on foot or by bike.
- Relaxing by the lake: Benches and gentle grass slopes around the small lake are good spots to sit, read, and watch the waterfowl.
- Basketball: A recently refreshed basketball court is open to use, so bring a ball if you want a game.
- Dog walking: There is a popular off-leash dog meadow near the stone circles where local dogs meet. Keep dogs on the leash elsewhere and out of the playground and pool area.
Beatrixpark vs other quiet Amsterdam parks
If your goal is green space without the Vondelpark crowds, Beatrixpark is one of several calm alternatives. Here is how it compares to other locals’ parks, so you can pick the one that fits your plan.
| Park | Area | Vibe | Best for |
| Beatrixpark | Zuid (near RAI) | Calm, leafy, English-garden | Picnics, toddlers, dog walks, quiet |
| Sarphatipark | De Pijp | Small, local, English-style | A quick break beside the Albert Cuyp market |
| Amstelpark | Zuid (by the Amstel) | Large, serene, manicured | A petting farm, a maze, and long walks |
| Oosterpark | East | Historic, relaxed | Families, summer splashing, monuments |
| Park Frankendael | Watergraafsmeer | Least known, most tranquil | Escaping crowds entirely |
The short version: choose Beatrixpark if you want a quiet, family-friendly lawn near the Zuidas; Sarphatipark if you are already in De Pijp; and Amstelpark if you want a bigger day out with a petting farm and a maze.
What the park feels like
Walking in, Beatrixpark mixes modern landscaping with an older, romantic core. Crowd levels are manageable: unlike the busy Vondelpark, it stays calm even on warm weekends, so there is space to spread out a blanket.
The landscape shifts as you go: open fields, wooded stretches, and a small lake where waterfowl gather. Those settings make good spots for photos or for simply sitting still. Paths are clean and well maintained, and occasional signs explain the park’s history.
Joggers and dog walkers use the park daily, which gives it a friendly, neighbourhood feel. The oldest section keeps its original English-park character around the lake, and small pavilions from past exhibitions offer shaded places to rest.
Tips for visiting Beatrixpark
Best times to visit
Spring and early summer are the best times, when the lawns green up and the weather suits a long stroll. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. If you are coming for the paddling pool, aim for a warm day between May and September, roughly 10:00 to 18:00, and arrive earlier to beat the peak.
What to wear
Wear comfortable walking shoes for the trails, and dress in layers. Amsterdam weather changes fast, so a light jacket is useful in the early morning or evening.
Entry, picnics, and barbecues
Entry to Beatrixpark is free and there is no need to book. Bring a picnic: the open lawns and benches are ideal for a relaxed meal. One important rule to plan around: barbecuing is not allowed in Beatrixpark. Under Amsterdam’s park rules, BBQs are only permitted in Westerpark and Noorderpark, so pack a cold picnic here. For more spots and the citywide BBQ rules, see our guide to Amsterdam picnic locations.
Getting there
The park sits between Station Zuid and Station RAI. From Amsterdam Centraal you can take a train or the metro to Amsterdam Zuid (Metro 50, 51, and 52 stop there), or tram 4 to Station RAI, then walk a few minutes to the park. There is limited street and garage parking near the Zuidas if you drive. To tap on and off Amsterdam trains, trams, and metro with a card or phone, see our OVpay guide.
General tips
Dogs may run off-leash on the dog meadow near the stone circles; check signs for the boundaries and keep them out of the playground and paddling pool. There is a public toilet near the paddling pool, handy if you are staying a while. Look out for the sculptures scattered through the park as you walk.
Accessibility and facilities
Beatrixpark is easy to get around. Wide, paved paths suit wheelchairs and strollers, and there are plenty of benches to rest on and enjoy the views.
- Restrooms: A public toilet is near the paddling pool and main entrance.
- Food and drink: There are a few cafes near the park; inside, food stalls are limited, so a packed picnic is the easiest option. Clean up after yourself.
- Parking: Limited paid parking is available near the entrances and the Zuidas; it fills up on weekends, so arrive early.
- Play areas: The playground and summer paddling pool are the main draw for families with young children.
Frequently asked questions
Is Beatrixpark free to enter?
Yes. Beatrixpark is a free, open public park with no entry fee and no booking. It is open daily.
Can you barbecue in Beatrixpark?
No. Barbecuing is not allowed in Beatrixpark. Amsterdam permits park BBQs only in Westerpark and Noorderpark, so bring a cold picnic here instead.
When is the Beatrixpark paddling pool open?
The paddling pool generally runs from May to September, around 10:00 to 18:00, on days warmer than 20°C (68°F). The city cleans it daily. Hours can change with the weather, so treat this as a guide.
Are dogs allowed in Beatrixpark?
Yes. Dogs are welcome and can run off-leash on the dog meadow near the stone circles. Keep them leashed elsewhere and out of the playground and paddling pool area.
How do you get to Beatrixpark?
Take a train or Metro 50, 51, or 52 to Amsterdam Zuid, or tram 4 to Station RAI, then walk a few minutes. The park sits between the two stations, near the RAI and the Zuidas.
Last updated: July 2026 (what we verified)
Reviewed in July 2026 against the Vereniging Vrienden van het Beatrixpark (the park’s friends association), the City of Amsterdam park and barbecue rules, and I amsterdam. We confirmed the 1938 opening and Jakoba Mulder design, the 2005 municipal-monument status of the oldest section, the Artsenijhof herb garden, the summer paddling-pool hours, the off-leash dog meadow, and free entry. We corrected two points in the earlier version: Beatrixpark does not have its own petting farm (the nearest ones are in Amstelpark and the Amsterdamse Bos), and barbecuing is not allowed here, which resolves an inconsistency in the old text.
