Westergasfabriek

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Lonely Planet review

A stone's throw northwest of the Jordaan, this late-19th-century Dutch Renaissance complex was the city gasworks until it was all but abandoned in the 1960s, its soil contaminated. The fabriek has re-emerged, thankfully, as a new cultural and recreational park, with lush lawns, and a long pool suitable for wading, sports facilities and even child care. The aesthetic of surrounding Westerpark goes from urban plan to reedy wilderness, with marshes and shallow waterfalls.

Inside the main buildings you'll find cinemas, cafés, restaurants, nightspots and creative office spaces. Watch for events in the Westergasterras, a slick, postindustrial party venue.