Oosterpark was laid out in 1891 to accommodate the diamond traders who found their fortunes in the South African mines, and it still has an elegant, rambling feel, complete with regal grey herons swooping around the ponds and wild parrots chattering in the trees.
On the south side, look for two monuments: one commemorates the abolition of slavery in the Netherlands in 1863; the other, De Schreeuw , honours free speech and, more specifically, filmmaker Theo van Gogh, who was murdered here 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 on the park's north side.
