Sarphati Park Amsterdam

This somewhat overlooked but peaceful and well maintained park is a restful memorial to Samuel Sarphati (1813-1866) a Sephardi Jew and socially active doctor who was a major contributor to the upkeep and improvement of the city of Amsterdam. Among his many contributions was forming a working garbage collection service and setting up bread factories and arranging for housing for workers. He was also behind large-scale urban construction projects such as building the People’s Industrial Palace which was built of glass and which unfortunately was lost to fire. Completed in 1885 with a monument to Sarphati unveiled in 1886 Sarphati Park in De Pijp is surrounded by fun shops and is only two blocks away from the famous Albert Cuyp Market, making it an excellent place to take a quick break from shopping for a tranquil moment. A less known draw of the park is that many local yoga classes convene there on Wednesdays and Friday mornings for outdoor exercises and stretching, making for great people watching without a crowd to detract from your surroundings. Well worth a visit on a sunny summer day and just as pleasant anytime a restful respite is desired this is one park you shouldn't miss.