Amsterdam · Park
Westergas & Westerpark: Amsterdam's Park in a Former Gasworks
Just west of the Jordaan, Westerpark wraps green lawns and canals around the red-brick halls of an old gasworks. Today Westergas is one of Amsterdam's favourite places for a lazy afternoon, a Sunday market or a summer festival. Here is its story, the highlights, and how to visit.
By the AllTrips Editorial Team ·
Westergas & Westerpark at a glance
Location: Haarlemmerweg, West Amsterdam, beside the Jordaan. Allow: 1–2 hours. Entry: free; some events ticketed. Nearby: the Jordaan and Noordermarkt.
The story of Westergas
In the 1880s a large gasworks was built here, on the western edge of the city, to make gas from coal for Amsterdam's streetlights and homes. The red-brick halls, with their decorated gables, were designed in the Dutch Neo-Renaissance style of the time. The works kept running for almost a century before closing in the 1960s.
The site was badly polluted, so it took years of cleaning before it could be reused. Around 2003 the old gasworks reopened as a cultural park, joined to the green Westerpark next door. The historic buildings were restored and filled with restaurants, a cinema, studios and event halls.
What you will see
- The gasworks halls — restored red-brick industrial buildings, now home to cafés, restaurants and event spaces.
- Canal-side lawns — open grass and water where locals picnic and sunbathe in summer.
- Westerpark — a relaxed city park with ponds, playgrounds, a children's farm and quiet paths.
- Markets and festivals — regular Sunday markets, food events and summer music festivals.
- Haarlemmerweg architecture — grand 19th-century brick buildings along the park's southern edge.
Entry and events
The park and the Westergas grounds are free to enter at any time. You only pay for what you eat and drink, or for tickets to concerts, festivals and some markets held in the old halls. Big festivals can close parts of the grounds, so check the agenda if you plan a quiet visit.
Official information
Westergas — official website
For the current events agenda, market dates and opening times of the restaurants and venues, check the official website before your visit.
Visit westergas.nlGetting there
From the Jordaan, walk or cycle west along the Haarlemmerweg — it takes only a few minutes. From Centraal Station it is about 20 minutes on foot, or a short tram or bus ride.
Practical tips
- Pair it with a morning at the Noordermarkt, then walk west to the park for lunch.
- On sunny weekends the canal-side terraces fill up early — arrive before noon for a table.
- Rent a bike: the park is a pleasant stop on a ride through West Amsterdam.
- See every stop on our Amsterdam attractions map.
Frequently asked questions
Is Westerpark free to visit?
Yes. Westerpark and the grounds of Westergas are free and open to everyone. Some concerts, festivals and events inside the old gasworks buildings are ticketed.
What is Westergas?
Westergas is the cultural park inside Westerpark, built around the red-brick buildings of a former 19th-century gasworks. Today the buildings hold restaurants, cafés, a cinema, event halls and offices.
How do I get to Westerpark?
Westerpark is a short walk or bike ride west of the Jordaan, along the Haarlemmerweg. Several trams and buses stop nearby, and it is around 20 minutes on foot from Centraal Station.
How long should I spend at Westerpark?
Allow about 1 to 2 hours for a walk through the park and a drink by the water, or longer if a market or festival is on.
Are there markets at Westergas?
Westergas regularly hosts markets and festivals, including a well-known monthly Sunday market. Dates change, so check the official Westergas agenda before you go.