Amsterdam · Free park

Sarphatipark: De Pijp's Green Heart

A peaceful 19th-century park with a central pond, shady lawns and a monumental fountain — right in the middle of the Albert Cuyp Market street. Here's what to see, when to go and how to combine it with De Pijp's food scene.

By the AllTrips Editorial Team ·

The central pond and fountain in Sarphatipark, Amsterdam, surrounded by trees in early autumn colour
The central pond and fountain, with the park's monument in the background.

Sarphatipark at a glance

Area: De Pijp, on Albert Cuypstraat. Allow: 30 minutes to 1 hour, longer for a picnic. Entry: free. Open: daily, all day. Nearby: the Albert Cuyp Market, the Heineken Experience and Museumplein.

Why it is loved

Sarphatipark opened in 1885 and is named after Samuel Sarphati, a 19th-century Amsterdam doctor and city planner who fought for better public health, housing and green space for the city's workers. The park was part of that vision — a green breathing space in what was then a dense new working-class district.

Today it is the living room of De Pijp: locals read on the benches, children feed the ducks on the pond, and on sunny days the lawns fill with picnics. Unlike the bigger Vondelpark, Sarphatipark stays mostly tourist-free — it is the place to see everyday Amsterdam life.

What to see and do

  • The central pond — the heart of the park, with a small fountain and waterside benches under the willows.
  • The Sarphati monument — a 19th-century temple-like fountain monument at the park's centre, dedicated to the doctor the park is named after.
  • The lawns — wide, open grass areas that double as De Pijp's picnic and sunbathing spot in summer.
  • The playground — a fenced play area that makes the park a favourite with local families.
  • Tree-lined paths — chestnuts, willows and beeches, especially pretty in autumn colour.
A visitor sitting by the pond under weeping willows in Sarphatipark, Amsterdam
A quiet spot by the pond under the weeping willows.

The park's best trick is its location: Albert Cuypstraat — home of the Albert Cuyp Market — runs straight past it. Buy a fresh stroopwafel or a portion of haring at the market and eat it on a bench by the pond.

Locals relaxing on the lawn in Sarphatipark, Amsterdam, with bicycles parked beside the path
Locals on the lawn on a sunny afternoon.

Getting there

Sarphatipark sits in the middle of De Pijp, with entrances on Albert Cuypstraat and the surrounding streets. The nearest metro stop is De Pijp (North–South line), about five minutes on foot, and trams stop on Ferdinand Bolstraat and Ceintuurbaan. From the Heineken Experience it is about 10 minutes on foot; from Museumplein about 15 minutes.

Official information

Sarphatipark — I amsterdam

Location, history and visitor information from Amsterdam's official city guide. Entry to the park is free.

Visit iamsterdam.com

Practical tips

  • Combine with the Albert Cuyp Market — the market street passes the park, and the park is the best place to eat your market finds. Note the market is closed on Sundays.
  • Weekend afternoons in summer are the liveliest; weekday mornings are almost empty.
  • There are no cafés inside the park — pick up food and coffee on Albert Cuypstraat or Van Woustraat first.
  • Dogs are welcome in designated areas; look for the signs at the entrances.
  • Autumn is the prettiest season here, when the chestnuts and beeches turn.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Sarphatipark free?

Yes. Sarphatipark is a public city park — entry is free and it is open all day, every day.

Where is Sarphatipark?

In the De Pijp neighbourhood, right in the middle of Albert Cuypstraat — the Albert Cuyp Market street passes the park at its midpoint. It is about a 10-minute walk from the Heineken Experience and 15 minutes from Museumplein.

What is there to do in Sarphatipark?

Stroll around the central pond, relax on the lawns, visit the playground, and see the 19th-century fountain monument dedicated to Samuel Sarphati. In summer the lawns fill with locals picnicking and sunbathing.

Who was Sarphati?

Samuel Sarphati was a 19th-century Amsterdam doctor and city planner who campaigned for better public health, housing and green space. The park, opened in 1885, and its central monument are named after him.

Is Sarphatipark good for children?

Yes. The park has a playground, open lawns for running around and ducks on the pond. It is fenced and mostly traffic-free, making it one of the more family-friendly green spots in the city centre.

Sources

Reviewed October 2026. Sarphatipark is a public park and free to enter at all times.