Plantage, south of the Zoo, and Oosterpark Loop

2.6 miles / 4.2 kilometres

This is a fairly satisfying walk which will take you out of the inner city, starting at the Amstel River by the Skinny Bridge. Going east, you will head towards the zoo beside canals and other waterways.  Then you will go south and west taking you back through the Oosterpark (Eastern Park) which makes for a nice leafy loop, fantastic in autumn. The walk is 2-3 miles but there's lots to see both natural and cultural.

Plantage, south of the Zoo, and Oosterpark Loop in Amsterdam (follow link to see in Google maps)

There's a great variety of trees along the way, plane trees, elm, water cypresses, majestic Lombardy poplars and the Oosterpark contains a lot of interesting trees.

And this walk also has wonderful vistas with the magnificent Museum of the Tropics which you can see from many angles. The southside of the zoo is gorgeous and the Muiderpoort (gate) also impressive.

Refreshments

cafés bars and restaurants a bit thin on the ground here so avail of what you come across. Here are some suggestions:

• De Groene Olifant

  Sarphatistraat 510. Open from about 11 a.m.

  Means ‘the green elephant’ being opposite back of the zoo. They serve coffee, tea, lunch, drinks, dinner and their outdoor seating area is great.

• Hotel Arena

  's-Gravesandestraat 51. Open most normal hours

  This is a youth hotel but they serve the likes of us too. Their outdoor area is very nice, off the street and secluded. Ideal for a coffee, beer, wine etc and they serve food too. The inside of the hotel is worth inspecting.