Cheap Things to do in Amsterdam

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
amsterdam

Amsterdam, you say? Yes, it's one of Europe's finest cities, with a canal-load of things to do, see, hear, and taste. But, after a few days of sampling the city's many delights, your wallet might be suffering somewhat. You want cheap things to do in Amsterdam? You've got cheap things to do in Amsterdam! Without further ado, here's our guide to the best cheap things to do in Amsterdam!

Including:

  • Museums
  • Bike hire
  • Pedal boats
  • See a new movie
  • Cocktail tours
  • and more!

 

Get Cultural

Unlike some European cities, practically all of Amsterdam's museums require an entry fee. Some of these can set you back a fair price, while others are a lot more reasonable. In the spirit of our topic, let's discuss the latter!

Something that makes Amsterdam stand out is its Red Light District. The city's progressive approach to sex work draws both admiration and ire from different parts of the world, but if you're interested in its erotic history, check out the Erotic Museum. Inside, you'll find art pieces, sculptures, and some hilarious forms of media that shine a light on Amsterdam's kinkier side. It's only €7 to get in, so even visitors with a passing interest may find it hard to pass up.

Another big draw for tourists is Amsterdam's legalization of cannabis. While many cities, states, and even countries have now followed suit, a decade ago, Dam led the charge. Of course, the plant has a rich history with humanity, one that you can explore at the Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum. It's just €9 for entry, and you'll be able to explore multiple exhibits that show hemp's use throughout the centuries.

 

Get riding!

Amsterdam is known for many things; progressive policies, beautiful landscapes, and the abundance of canals and rivers, to name but a few. Another of the city's most unique traits is the way it has embraced cycling. You'll find dedicated cycle lanes on nearly every main road, plenty of car-free streets, and even the city's food delivery services tend to use bikes over cars or mopeds.

So why not hire a bike and see more of the city! With the fresh air in your face, you'll get the chance to avoid what little traffic Amsterdam has, and dart about the city to see the sights! Plus, plenty of cycle lanes run alongside the myriad canals and rivers, ensuring you'll have great views along the way.

 

Puss N Boats

Recently, you may have seen a rise in the 'animal cafe' scene. For the uninitiated, these cafes are often full of adorable, fluffy friends such as dogs, cats, or other acceptable critters. Patrons can interact with them while they eat, drink, or whatever else they feel like doing there. But Amsterdam is a progressive city of the future. They don't need cat cafes anymore. They've upgraded...to cat boats.

De Poezenboot, or Cat Boat, is a state-of-the-art boat full of cats. Cats that you can go and see right now. It's free to board the SS Meowsly (not the real name, but it should be), but they do accept donations from visitors who want to keep this floating cat shelter afloat. Pun intended because all puns are, whether people want to admit it or not.

 

Pedal to the wood

If you want to actually ride those sweet canal waves at breakneck speed, you'll need a boat. But throw your motorboats out, get rid of your jetskis, and certainly ditch your luxury yachts. We're going analog, baby. As analog as it gets.

Channel your inner cyclist and hire a pedal boat to burn around Amsterdam's snaking canal system. Split the cost, and the effort, with three friends, and you can hire one for just over €6 an hour. It's easily one of the best cheap things to do in Amsterdam, and a great way to see the city from a different angle!

 

Pancakes!

The Dutch pride themselves on their pancakes. It's as simple as that. It's an infectious desire that's made its way to all corners of the Earth. There's nothing quite like those fluffy, joyous things. So, when in Rome, why not indulge in them yourself?

Pancake Amsterdam offers a tasting session for a very reasonable price. €5 will get you the pancake of your choice from their wide selection of multicultural offerings. Then, if one just isn't enough, you can grab a table and order from their diverse menu of delicious treats.

 

Movie Magic

Sure, sitting in a movie theater on your vacation might be a strange idea, but bear with us. Amsterdam's weather can be unpredictable at best, and downright alarming at worst. Should the heavens open up a split second after the sun was shining, you might yearn for the safety, comfort, and dryness of a theater.

Thankfully, Filmhuis Cavia has you covered. This snug, 40-seater theater is an underground, non-profit cinema that shows arthouse films. So, if you're in the mood to delve into the mind of strange creators who live in the leftfield, then why not give it ago? Each screening will only set you back €5, so even if you tire of the sepia-toned film about hats that definitely has a deeper meaning, you can always hop up and out when the rain inevitably passes in 10-15 minutes!

 

Pick and Mix

The spirit aficionados out there will be of gin's resurgence as one of the hottest drinks on the scene. The craft beer revolution of the past 15 years has also seen gin ride its coattails to become the de-facto spirit for the young and restless. But did you know that before gin came genever? Does the name genever fill your mind with questions?

Well, have them answered at the House of Bols. For just €16, you can enter this genever distillery, tour the premises, learn all about the history of this curious spirit, and then sample some of the brand's premium spirit. What a deal. And who knows, maybe genever will usurp your love of gin and take its place as the rightful ruler?

And that's our guide to the best cheap things to do in Amsterdam!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do Alone in Amsterdam

They say that 1 is the loneliest number. But what do they know? Sometimes, having the freedom to do and see whatever you want whenever you want is just what you need. So, if you're visiting Amsterdam alone, or you have a day to yourself, what are the best things to do? Well, we're going to tell you. Right now. So sit back, scroll down, and retain all this sweet information, because these are our picks for the best things to do alone in Amsterdam! Including: Museums Boat tours Bike rental Stadium tours Brewery visits   Image courtesy of Gerard Arrey/Shutterstock Artifact watching Why not go check out a museum while you're on your lonesome? You get to stay as long as you want, and no one need drag you around any museum that doesn't interest you! The Moco Museum is for the modern art enjoyer, with an unofficial 'residency' courtesy of street art legend Banksy. Inside, you'll find works from many artists besides the elusive stenciler, each with their own views on modern life, governance, and greed. Truly some eye-opening works lie within, and plenty of photo ops, should you dare ruin the moment with your need for social media attention. Or, on the more classic side of art is the Rijksmuseum. Featuring works from luminaries of the Dutch Golden Age of painting, discover well-known pieces from Rembrandt, Vermeer, and many more. The museum houses over 8,000 works of art, so good luck seeing them all in one day! Or, if science is more your jam, big and little kids will love the NEMO Science Museum. With hundreds of interactive exhibits across multiple floors, exploring everything from electricity to chemical reactions, there's something for everyone inside. Then, when you're done, head to the roof for more exhibits embedded in a luscious garden.   Bayside High Or, leave your seasick friends and family at home and go explore Amsterdam on the open ocean. Well, not the ocean per se, but certainly on the city's many canals and rivers! If you want to see Amsterdam's highlights all rolled into one waterborne trip, then why not hop on a boat tour of the city? There are multiple stops along the way, giving you the opportunity to stretch your legs, explore, and snap some sweet pics. You'll head past the Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, Centraal Station, and the Anne Frank House. Or, if you want to see what else the country has to offer, and take a roundtrip tour of The Hague, Rotterdam, and Delft! You'll tour Rotterdam's illustrious harbor by boat, see the historic Delft town center, and then onto The Hague, the governing center of the whole country. Just make sure you set aside a day for this one, because you'll be exploring for hours on end!   Two wheels, one rider Another fantastic way to explore Amsterdam on your own is by bike. It's no secret that Amsterdam is the most cycle-friendly city on Earth, so why not rent one for yourself and see what all the fuss is about? There's pretty much no place you can't go on a bike; even many of the country's freeways have cycle lanes! It's the easiest way to make your way through Amsterdam's many winding, cobbled streets as you explore the city from top to bottom. Then, swap urban for flora at one of Amsterdam's brilliant parks, which are all cycle-friendly too! A fair warning: the cyclists that call Amsterdam's lanes home take no prisoners. If you're a bit rusty, or are getting used to the hired bike's gears, do yourself a favor and go practice in a park. There's no room for slowpokes in the fast lane, baby, and you're likely to be stared at or tutted if you fumble your way on the lanes.   Image courtesy of Vladimir Zhoga/Shutterstock Stepover into history For the soccer fans out there, you might not wish to drag your partner out to a stadium tour. Not everyone digs the beautiful game, and there probably aren't many things more boring than a non-fan to walk around a stadium staring that silverware that means nothing to them. So, leave your soccer-hating partner in the dirt, and do yourself a favor. Go take a tour of the Johan Cruijff Stadium, home of European juggernauts Ajax. Comfortably the Netherlands' best team for decades, this 75-minute tour will take you around the team's facilities, including the changing room, down the tunnel, and even pitchside. Then, explore the extensive trophy cabinet, with many domestic and European trophies won by soccer legends like Johan Cruijff, the stadium's namesake. Simply the best, and one of the most perfect things to do alone in Amsterdam if you're the only soccer fan!   Go grab a beer Of course, one of life's many pleasures is sitting out in the sun, sipping a beer, and letting the warm calmness wash over you. Just us? Surely not. Thankfully, if that sounds like paradise to you, Amsterdam's got some treats you shouldn't miss. For craft beer connoisseurs, hop on a free ferry from Centraal Station over to Amsterdam Noord. There, a short walk from the harbor, you'll find the Oedipus Taproom, a delightful brewery cum bar, with plenty of outside seating, friendly staff, and a comprehensive number of different beers on tap. You can even order a burger from the resident eatery 'The Beef Chief'. Don't worry; they do veggie and vegan burgers too, if murder isn't your acquired taste. And, as the staff and patrons are both incredibly welcoming, with conversations struck up left, right, and center, it's one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam! Or, if you want a more touristy experience, why not take a tour of the Netherlands' favorite amber export, Heineken? At the Heineken Experience, you'll tour the very first Heineken brewery, which opened nearly 200 years ago. You'll learn about the brand's heritage, how it's brewed, and what innovations they're planning to bring to the beer game. And don't worry, when all is said and done, you'll get a chance to try a couple of glasses yourself, on the house. And those were our picks for the best things to do alone in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley
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Best Day Trips From Amsterdam

Greed. Gordon Gecko said it was good. We'd argue he was right, but not for the same reasons. See, sometimes it's good to be greedy for more. But not money. No, we're talking about the greed and need for experiences. Prepare for the segue, because we're talking about journeying outside of Amsterdam and discovering the wonders that lie beyond. Did that make sense? Not really. Will our guide to the best day trips from Amsterdam open your mind and blow your socks off? Quite possibly. Read on, and discover the hidden - and not so hidden - gems that lie a short trip from Amsterdam's shores! Including: Zaanse Shans Edam Keukenhof Gardens Brussels Rotterdam and more! Windmills, glorious windmills Let's kick things off with a blast from the past. Zaanse Shans is a village stuck in time, transporting visitors back to the pre-industrial days. Simpler times, for sure, but certainly more arduous. While it may appear that Zaanse Shans is a giant, open-air museum, it is, in fact, a community. So don't go prodding any life-like statues; those are people. Just a fifteen-minute train from Centraal Station, this charming village is full of explorable windmills, museums, and shops where you can pick up authentic cheeses, grains, and condiments milled on-site. On top of that, Zaanse Shans is simply a beautiful travel destination brimming with photo opportunities. Do yourself a favor and pick up a Zaanse Schans Card, which gives you access to all the good stuff for one low price. Plus, you can see everything in about half a day, giving you more time to make the most of your Amsterdam vacation! Alternatively, take a bus tour of Zaanse Schans and the surrounding towns to sate your rustic fix in a single day! So, if you're looking to take your foot of the gas and relax, it's one of the best day trips from Amsterdam! A bit cheesy Next on our tour of fun beyond Amsterdam's walls is a town famous for its biggest export - Edam. Yes, Edam isn't just a cheese; it's a cheese named after the town that birthed it! Just a 30-minute drive, or a 40-minute train trip north of the city, you'll find this delightfully rustic town, cloaked in medieval brick and mortar. You'll only need a short stay to see everything, as it isn't exactly a tourist hotspot. However, the cobbled streets, centuries-old bridges, and aforementioned medieval decor do make it a breath of fresh air after staying in the Netherlands' biggest city. On every Wednesday over the summer, Edam holds a cheese market that attracts connoisseurs from far and wide, so plan your trip appropriately and go sample the town's crumbly delights! If you want a more curated experience, why not take a bus tour from the city that will let you hit up all the rustic glory of Amsterdam's satellite towns in a single day? Tulip Town If you want some of the most romantic sights in the country, head to Keukenhof. Famous for its rolling fields of colorful tulips, it welcomes nearly one million people every year. A 30-minute drive, or bus tour from the city, Keukenhof boasts the biggest flower garden on the planet. Comprising over a million bulbs, you'll see all sorts of beautiful flowers alongside tulips, such as hyacinths, daffodils, and other spring flowers. If you take the bus tour, you'll have the chance to explore the fields on foot as you wander along 15km of footpaths. Many gardens make up Keukenhof, with each representing different landscapes across the globe. English, Japanese, and Dutch are just some of the many on display. Keukenhof is well worth a visit if you want to squeeze a bit more beauty out of your vacation! Brussels Now, you may be wondering why Brussels is on this list. Isn't it in Belgium, after all? Well, yes, it is. But the beauty of Amsterdam is that you're a stone's throw from the border! Brussels is a beautiful city, with its mix of medieval and modern, the abundance of cafes, bars, and museums, and plenty of other things to do too. It is a 2-hour train ride from Centraal Station, so you'll want to make the most of it. However, if you want to cram your vacation full of as many sights and sounds as possible, why not make the trip? While English isn't as ubiquitous in Brussels as it is in Amsterdam, you'll still be able to fumble your way through food and drink orders if necessary. Just point at the menu and give a thumbs up. Or don't do that, and maybe learn the basics you need to get about and try your best. It's entirely up to you. As it's a long trip, plan ahead and make sure you know what to do when you get there. The last thing you want is to waste your precious time coming up with an itinerary on the fly! Rotterdam is anywhere? Amsterdam's growing sibling, Rotterdam is well worth a trip if you want to see something new. A mix of old and new like much of the Netherlands, it's a picturesque place with plenty to do and see. Rotterdam is home to the largest harbor in Europe, so why not take a tour by sea and see it from a different perspective? You'll also find a bunch of places to eat, drink, and shop, and a heap of museums if you want to learn more about the city's history. For the architecturally-minded, you'll be fascinated by the Cube Houses (or Kubuswoningen). These lob-sided square houses need to be seen to be believed. And, if you're looking for tasty food in an awe-inspiring setting, head to Market Hall (or Makthal) and pick up something delicious. Hague. No, not William And finally, we end our list of the best day trips from Amsterdam with a journey to the center of the Dutch government. But don't worry, it's not all politics. The Hague has plenty for budding adventurers to explore. Take a 45-minute train from Amsterdam, or hop on a bus to tour the surroundings. See the famous Girl With the Pearl Earring up close at The Mauritshuis, stroll past the Peace Palace - where international law is presided over, and enter the topsy-turvy world of M.C Escher. Oh, and did we also mention there's a beach there? The Hague is also a stunning seaside town, so if the weather's good, go get your tan on! And that wraps up our list of the best day trips from Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley
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Best Amsterdam Souvenirs

Vacations are all about fun. You save up to travel, head to a new place, and surround yourself with the local culture. Of course, vacations aren't cheap, especially when they involve hours-long flights and accommodation. That means you need to pick your vacation partners well and, ultimately, it means that some will be left behind. To ensure they don't curse you or seek vengeance for the slight, pick them up a souvenir! But, if you're heading to Amsterdam, which are the best? Read on, and discover our picks for the best souvenirs in Amsterdam! Including: Stroopwafels Cheese Fritessaus Drops Tony's Chocoloney and more!   Stroopthroat Let's begin with an undeniable Dutch delicacy. To those not in the know, stroopwafels are two wafer-thin waffle cookies joined in sweet matrimony by a layer of delicious caramel. They're as good as they sound, and you can find them everywhere. Somehow, it's not a trend that's taken off worldwide, making them the perfect gift to bring back from your vacation. You'll find them in most supermarkets, but do yourself a favor and go get the good stuff. You'll find plenty of bakeries that make them fresh on-site. Check out Van Wonderen Stroopwafels for the best of the bunch. Stroopwafel makes it to the top of our list of the best Amsterdam souvenirs.   We Gouda problem? One of the things the Dutch pride themselves on is their cheese. Unlike other countries that have dozens of national cheeses, the Netherlands goes for quality over quantity. And their most famous cheese is arguably Gouda. This one has made it to the far corners of the world, with many shops selling Gouda. But the Dutch give Gouda its proper props, with many different types of the delicious cheese found in specialist cheese shops across Amsterdam. While you'll find packets upon packets of Gouda in the supermarket, head to a specialist like Old Amsterdam or De Kaaskamer to get the good stuff.   Saucy sides French fries. One of America's favorite foods get a lot of love over in Europe too. Which makes sense, given they likely originated there. However, where the continents differ is in the choice of dipping sauce. Much of Europe goes with mayonnaise, while the US tends to lean towards ketchup or other sauces. But the Dutch have their own dipping sauce created specifically with the French fry in mind; Fritessaus. It's a lighter, sweeter mayonnaise equivalent, containing chives, lime juice, and often capers. It might not sound amazing, but trust us, it brings a whole new taste sensation to your fry fascination. Go pick a bottle of it up from a supermarket, and induct your friends and family into a new world of dipping delight.   A drop in the ocean Lots of Dutch delicacies tend to fall on the sweeter side. It's no wonder, then, why bikes are so popular in the country. Not only is it a cheap way to get about, but it's also the perfect excuse to burn off some of those sugary calories! That might be why drops are one of the country's go-to snacks. These sweets are the country's take on licorice, which is, in fairness, already an acquired taste. Traditionally used to ease sore throats, it has since morphed into a sweet treat, coming in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. It might not be for everyone, but it makes for an incredibly authentic and unique souvenir. For the daring gift-giver, pick up some salmiak. It's a salty alternative that your loved ones will either love...or hate!   A clockwork chocolate Yet another sweet makes our list, but this one is far less divisive. In a world full of Nestles, Cadburys' and Hersheys, this one is a new kid on the block. But boy, is it coming out swinging. We're talking, of course, about Tony's Chocoloney, one of The Netherlands' biggest exports. Having only existed since 2005, it's going toe-to-toe with centuries-old brands and taking the points. This delicious brand of chocolate is 100% fair trade, something other brands only wish they could boast about. So morally, they already have the high ground. But what about taste? Well, we're pleased to say they're one of the best, with dozens of exciting and creative flavor fusions you won't find anywhere else. And, while you can find Tony's Chocoloney in most supermarkets, why not go to the source at the Tony's Chocoloney Superstore? Sample the latest flavors, create your own chocolate bar from a long list of delicious ingredients, and then pick up a Rainbow pack for that special someone. Tony's is, without a doubt, one of the best souvenirs you can pick up in Amsterdam.   Clog on A list of the best Amsterdam souvenirs would be sorely lacking if it didn't mention clogs. The traditional Dutch wooden shoe has become an iconic object associated with the Netherlands, and with good reason. They're strange, yet obviously quite cute, and not at all practical. But, for the last one hundred years or so, they have earned their place as one of the de facto souvenirs. You'll find entire shops dedicated to them, where you'll find unique designs and fun takes on the shoe. And sure, you could go to any old souvenir shop in the city to pick some up, but why not go the extra mile? Hop on a bus to Zaanse Schans, the 'windmill' village, and go buy some from one of the area's authentic shoemakers?   Tulip's kiss And finally, let's end our souvenir excursion on another Dutch staple - the tulip. The famed flower originates in the Netherlands, so it'll make the perfect gift for the loved ones you left behind. However, we all know that transporting a bouquet of flowers is difficult on a flight. So, why not instead give your loved ones the chance to grow their own? Keukenhof Gardens is about 20 miles outside the city, so if you're feeling active, why not rent a bike, ride down there, and pick up a seed packet or two? They'll transport a lot easier than the flowers themselves, are easier to wrap, and mean you avoid the responsibility of taking care of them! Perfect! And that's our list of the best Amsterdam souvenirs!
Dom Bewley

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