In times of crisis, travellers who are unwilling to forgo seeing the world must tighten their budgets to the maximum. How can this be done?
Firstly, one must find a cheap flight to Amsterdam and then seek out economical alternatives for visiting the destination. That’s why we’re providing you with 10 ideas for free things to do in Amsterdam, allowing you to explore the city at the best price and enjoy it to the fullest. And everything in life is possible; even in a city like Amsterdam, many activities can be enjoyed completely free of charge.
Canal Cruise in Amsterdam
One of the best ways to enjoy Amsterdam is by strolling along its canals in the city center. Crossing bridges and admiring the architecture of the houses lining important canals such as Herengracht or Keizergracht is a must. It’s worth taking a walk along the Amsterdam canals both during the day and at night when the bridges are illuminated.
Ferry Ride on the IJ River
Taking a boat ride along Amsterdam’s canals isn’t free unless you happen to know someone in Amsterdam with their own boat. Nevertheless, there’s a way to enjoy a similar experience without spending a penny. You can hop on a ferry at Centraal Station, which crosses the IJ River and connects to the northern part of the city. It’s a short journey, about five minutes, but it offers beautiful views of the city from Amsterdam’s port.
Buddhist Temple on Zeedijk
In Amsterdam’s Chinatown, bordering the famous Red Light District, you’ll find an intriguing Chinese temple you can enter for free, the He Hua Temple. The temple is open to the public from 10:00 to 17:00. Take advantage of your visit to stroll through some of Amsterdam’s most historic streets.
Free History and Art in Amsterdam
Even if your budget doesn’t allow for visits to Amsterdam’s major museums like the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum, you can still enjoy some free glimpses of art.
Just past the entrance to the Amsterdam Museum, on the famous Kalverstraat 92, you’ll find a passage featuring 15 large paintings dating back to the 17th century. During the museum’s opening hours, you can see this collection of paintings for free, known as the Archer Gallery.
Classical Music Concert
Both at the famous Concertgebouw (on Wednesdays) and at the Muziektheater (on Tuesdays), free midday concerts are offered. You can enter the famous Concertgebouw building, located on Museum Square, to attend a rehearsal of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra or listen to the conservatory’s chamber music.
These concerts last about half an hour and it’s recommended to book in advance as they tend to fill up quickly. You can attend the concerts between June and October.
Visit a Diamond Factory
For over four centuries, Amsterdam has been known as the City of Diamonds. If you want to learn more about the noble art of diamond cutting, carats, color, etc., you can visit Gassan Diamonds, which offers guided tours of its facilities for free. Gassan is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and offers tours in 27 different languages. The diamond factory is located at Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat 173-175, Amsterdam.
Begijnhof, the Convent
The Begijnhof or convent is another must-visit spot in Amsterdam, and entry is completely free. This complex was built in the 14th century to be a residence solely for women. Today, its houses are still inhabited but can be visited during the day until 5 pm. You can enter this oasis of tranquility to admire its gardens and two chapels, as well as the house considered the oldest in Amsterdam.
Tranquility and Nature in Vondelpark
Vondelpark is one of Amsterdam’s most famous parks and a green oasis in the heart of the city. Here, you’ll find bars, restaurants, and even the Filmmuseum. Entry to this park, like all parks in the city, is free. On a sunny day, it’s well worth setting aside some time to enjoy a peaceful stroll through Vondelpark, which spans 47 hectares in central Amsterdam.
Albert Cuyp Market
Amsterdam boasts a rich tradition of market trading. You might stumble upon a market while strolling through Nieuwmarkt or the Waterlooplein area. However, if you want to visit one of the city’s most famous markets, head to the trendy district of De Pijp. Here, you’ll find the renowned Albert Cuyp Market, where almost anything is sold, from bikes to fresh fish, meat, and natural fruit juices, as well as clothing, antiques, or delicious stroopwaffles. Moreover, the market’s surroundings are filled with interesting restaurants and cafés where you can recharge.
Flower Market
Amsterdam’s famous flower market, Bloemenmarkt, is one of the city’s most famous tourist attractions. But do you know the best part? It’s entirely free. You can stroll through Holland’s most famous market without spending a single penny, admiring the flowers, the varieties of tulip bulbs on sale, and more. I recommend avoiding peak hours or you’ll find yourself elbowing through the crowds. It’s better to visit during the early or late hours.
