Free Things to do in Amsterdam

By Dom Bewley
free things amsterdam

The concept of paying nothing for something intrigues many of us, like moths to a flame. So if you're visiting Amsterdam and are a little strapped for cash, you might be wondering what free things there are to do in the city. Well, wonder no more! Here are our picks for the best free things to do in Amsterdam!

Including:

  • Exploratory boat trips
  • Park hangs
  • Market browsing
  • Walking tours
  • Film fun
  • and more!
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Ferried Away

One of the Amsterdam's best-kept secrets is a river away. Even if you arrive in the city via Centraal Station, either by Eurostar or an airport-connecting train, you may pass right by and never even realize they exist. But they do. We're, of course, referring to the free ferries that run all day, every day, over to Amsterdam Noord.

Not only is boarding a ferry fun, because ferries are fun, but it also takes you to a completely different part of the city. Pay nothing, hop off, and go explore the northern neighborhood for yourself. There are bars, restaurants, clubs, street art, breweries, parks, and much more just a free ride away. And best of all, they run until around midnight, and if you miss the last one, you can simply book a taxi to take you the long way round back to town.

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Explore Amsterdam's beautiful parks!

Amsterdam prides itself on its fantastic green spaces. Whether you are, you're probably a 10-15 minute walk from one, so pull up your map and see what's close!

Our picks are Amstelpark which has fantastic facilities for kids, including a massive playground; Westerpark, a sprawling space full of picnic spots, bars, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment; or Vondelpark, with its looping paths and live entertainment.

But those are just three of the best. Really, there are too many to talk about here. So go out and explore them for yourself.

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Check out the city's market scene

Like many modern cities, Amsterdam has a bunch of markets to choose from, no matter what you're in the mood to peruse. And yes, while none of them will give you anything for free, window shopping won't cost you a dime.

If you're in the market for fresh produce to cook up a storm, try Nieuwmarkt in Central, or Noordermarkt-Boerenmarkt in Jordaan. In the market for some rare books or other paper-related artifacts? Check out Boekenmarkt. Feeling peckish and want a world of foodie goodness in one place? Foodhallen's got you covered.

Or, if you're looking for something else, check out our guide to the city's best markets.

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Free walking tours

If you're looking for informative walking tours to learn more about Amsterdam, you can even get them for free!

Sanderman's offers free tours around some of the city's biggest landmarks, from the Red Light District to the Anne Frank House. Their young yet experienced guides rely on tips to pay the bills, so while these are technically free, you really should tip them. You're not a monster, after all. Unless you are, in which case no, you should still tip these fine young men and women for teaching you facts and feeding your curiosity.

See, we weren't lying when we said there were free things to do in Amsterdam!

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Image courtesy of VanderWolf Images/Shutterstock

Visit the EYE Film Institute

You'll need to board one of those sweet free ferries to sample this next bite of free Amsterdam fun. You'll even see the EYE Film Institute from across the water. This strange, towering monument emerges from the ground like a robotic bird's head.

Step inside, and you'll find free film goodness in the form of interactive displays about Dutch movies. And, if you like them enough or want to show your support, you can pay a small fee to see whatever arthouse wonders they've got on rotation. Or, if you need more information about the institute, you can pay to explore the main exhibitions. Despite all that, getting in is still free, so it counts.

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Get on your bike

It's no secret that Amsterdam is a city designed around cycling. Everywhere you'll look, you'll find packed cycle lanes which help keep the air clean and the roads free from anything but the most intense traffic jams.

Cycling is simply the best way to get around a city, so if you have yours handy, go out and explore on your two-wheeled wonder. You'll make quick work of Amsterdam's more compact size, whizzing and darting to every landmark imaginable in a matter of hours. Just make sure to snap some pics of your discoveries to leave all your social media 'friends' green with jealousy.

Given the city's affinity for the humble bike, riding around is easily one of the best free things to do in Amsterdam.

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Image courtesy of Maykova Galina/Shutterstock

Free museums

Yes, even some of Amsterdam's museums have free areas you can explore with light pockets. While you'll be turned away from Amsterdam Museum, you will very much be welcomed into the Civic Guards Gallery, where you can gaze upon the opulent portraits of the city's elite through the centuries, as well as the wonderful sculpture depicting the biblical tale of David fighting Goliath.

Or, learn more about the city's history at the Amsterdam City Archives. The Treasure Room is a splendid time capsule of city artifacts that date from the mid-1920s through to today. And yes, it's free. Free as a bird.

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Great views of the city

Amsterdam is a city with undeniable beauty, from its many rivers and canals to its architecture. So, if you're looking for great views of the city without touching the piggy bank, then we've got you covered there too.

Head to the Amsterdam Central Library (for free), make your way up to the 7th floor (free), and then enjoy amazing views of the city from the panoramic terrace (for free!).

Or, scale the NEMO Science Centre, emerge onto the room, and look out upon the city, and marvel at its brilliance. There are also some free science exhibits up there, though you're missing a trick by not paying and seeing the entire museum.

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Cat boat!

Known as Poezenboot, this floating cat sanctuary has taken care of strays since the Sixties. It's pretty self-explanatory, what with it being a boat full of cats up for adoption, but it's nonetheless a great trip for those of you with feline sensibilities.

While it's free to board and browse, the sanctuary does rely on donations to keep afloat (pun intended, we'll take credit for fantastic wordplay whenever we can). So do toss them a few coins if you want to hop on.

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Free gigs!

Yep, you can even find free gigs on most days of the week if you know where to look. If you know your tenor from your senor, you might appreciate the free Tuesday concerts courtesy of the National Opera & Ballet. Or, if you like to get a little more hands-on, Bimhuis offers at least one free evening concert, workshop, or jam session every week.

And those are our picks for the best free things to do in Amsterdam!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Parking in Amsterdam - Advice on Best Car Parks

Car parks are a simple fact of life in today's vehicular society. So, if you're renting a vehicle or simply a car-owning resident, you may want some advice about the best car parks in Amsterdam? Well, never fear, we're here with our guide to parking in Amsterdam. Our aim? To answer one simple question - which are the city's best car parks? And that's our advice on the best car parks in Amsterdam. Parking might not be fun, but it is necessary! But what is fun is Amsterdam and all the things to do there! See them all with an Amsterdam pass, and find things to do between every park space!
Dom Bewley
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Best Markets in Amsterdam

Even if you're vacationing abroad, markets can be the perfect place to pick up some fresh groceries, presents for your loved ones, or even something for yourself! Amsterdam is full of markets that run throughout the week, but which is the best? Well, we've collated this handy list of our favorites just for you, so no matter what you're in the market for, you'll find what you want! These are our picks for the best markets in Amsterdam! Including: Markets in Amsterdam North Markets in Amsterdam East Markets in Amsterdam Central Markets in Amsterdam West Markets! Albert Cuyp Market (De Pijp) De Pijp is one of Amsterdam's coolest neighborhoods, where much of the expat community congregates. So it's no wonder that you'll find one of the city's most diverse and exciting markets there. The 'Cuyp', named after the famed Dutch painter of the same name, actually predates the modern expat avalanche, with the market going strong for over 100 years. Not only is Albert Cuyp surrounded by De Pijp's cool bars, boutiques, and restaurants, but it also offers a ton of amazing produce, prepared nibbles, and charming handcrafted jewelry and clothing. So, do yourself the greatest favor anyone can do themselves ever, and head down there to see what we're talking about. Waterlooplein (Centre) Predating Albert Cuyp by around 20 years, Waterlooplein definitely has a more local market vibe to it. Setup in the formerly Jewish part of town, you'll find hundreds of traders setting up stalls there. Bargain-hunting is the name of the game here, with plenty of peddlers willing to negotiate their prices. If you're in the market for a cheap bike to get you around the city, or looking for some unique accessories to adorn your withered body, Waterlooplein is the perfect destination for those of you with the savvy to barter. Nieuwmarkt (Centre) Predating the other markets on this list by hundreds of years, Nieumarkt's name might be deceptive. But its offerings are anything but! This is a farmer's market through and through, where growers have sold their wares for centuries, back when the site used to be the city gate. So, expect plenty of amazing organic produce straight from the field, alongside flowers, wine, and a variety of cooked snacks for you to munch on while you browse. De Hallen (West) Let's swap the outdoors for the indoors now. Amsterdam's weather can be a touch unpredictable, what with the windswept clouds turning sun to rain in a matter of minutes. So, why not check out this undercover food extravaganza should the worst happen? De Hallen is a mega-complex of sorts, built in the husk of an old train depot. Inside its walls, you'll find a cinema, events space, and the holy grail of street food - Foodhallen. Nestled inside this football-field-sized space, you'll discover delicious food from all over the world. Mexican, Italian, American diner, authentic Dutch, and many more cuisines call it home. And, with an island bar through the middle, and plenty of tables to eat on, you could spend all afternoon there sampling bits and pieces from each truck. While not a conventional market, Foodhallen is easily one of the best in Amsterdam. Bloemenmarkt (Centre) If you like flowers and you like boats, then boy is this next one going to blow your measly mind. Bloemenmarkt is a floating flower paradise, where you'll find a whole host of flower stalls that sit on one of Amsterdam's many canals. So, if you're in the market for an apology bouquet, want to surprise your partner, or simply love flowers and want them displayed proudly in your house, head down there and pick from a myriad of different species. Of course, they have tulips; they're about as Dutch as it gets. But you'll also find roses, orchids, and many more on the water! IJ Hallen Flea Market (Noord) If you're in the market for some vintage items or second-hand knickknacks, TJ Hallen Flea Market might be the perfect place for you to peruse. Over 500 stands dot the converted warehouse, which was used to build ships. And speaking of ships, you'll need to board one to cross the river. Don't worry; they're free, and run every 5-10 minutes until pretty late! Back to the market, anyone can go along, set up a stall, and flog anything they want to sell. And one person's loss could be your gain, so why not go check it out and see what deals lie in wait for your keen buying brain? And, when you're done, feel free to explore the cool urban landscape that's Noord. You'll find bars, restaurants, and a boat-load of street art! Noordermarkt-Boerenmarkt (Jordaan) If you're looking for high-quality produce at a premium price, then Noordermarkt is the one. The large collection of stalls congregate by the river, and many people spend their day there, sampling bites and sipping fine wines once their grocery shopping is done. The sellers are always on hand to recommend products to match your palate, so don't forego striking up a conversation! They won't bite, for the most part. Boekenmarkt Op Het Spui (Centre) If food is off the menu, and you're looking for a good book to add to your collection, then head to Boekenmarkt in Central. Sellers arrive from across the Netherlands to sell out-of-print editions, old magazines, and other paper-related artifacts from times gone by. Ideal for collectors or those interested in the finer things, feel free to head down there and ask if you're looking for something specific. You never know what they might have behind the stall. Lapjesmarkt (Jordaan) Swap paper and pears for t-shirts and twine at Lapjesmarkt! This delightful material-focused market has a whole host of clothing on sale, from vintage pieces to more up-to-date second-hand items. Alongside the clothing stalls is the craft market, where you can pick up fabrics, textiles, and other building/mending materials to create your own masterpieces, or simply sow that hole in your favorite jeans! For the fashion crazy, it's one of the best markets in Amsterdam! Artplein-Spui (Centre) In the market, wink wink, for some fine art pieces? You'll find nothing but the best at Artplein-Spui, where local and international artists have been selling their pieces for over two decades. Bargain-hunters will find paintings, sculptures, prints, jewelry, and many other pieces at one of its many stalls. They even have installations on show, if you want to kill a few hours exploring. And those are our picks for the best markets in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley
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Romantic Things to do in Amsterdam

Romance. Is it dead? Not on our watch. Prove to your loved one just how romantic you are and find the perfect thing to do in Amsterdam. But romance is hard, just like researching romantic plans. But don't worry! We've done all the hard work for you! So sit back, lothario, and focus on the gift-buying, as we explore the best romantic things to do in Amsterdam. Including: Picnic in the park(s) Sensational strolls Couples bike ride Romantic boat trips Loved up meals and more! Park perks What's more romantic than picking up your partner, carrying them to a park, placing them on a blanket, and forcing them to enjoy a lovely picnic? Nothing. Nothing at all. So, do your relationship a favor and do the thing. Amsterdam has some wonderful green spaces all over the city. No matter where you're staying, you're probably only a short walk or cycle from one. Any of them make for an ideal picnic location, but we have some favorites too. Westerpark is the perfect mix of rolling grass and trees, bars, restaurants, and entertainment. You'll find plenty of space to spread out and set up a romantic picnic for two, and if you run out of any nibbles or drinks, you can always move proceedings to one of the nearby restaurants or watering holes. For a similar vibe, check out Vondelpark. Alongside all the picnic-ready grass, there are a handful of restaurants and stalls selling drinks and bites, and even some live music on occasion. Or, combine a picnic with some horticultural exploration at Hortus Botanicus, where you can combine a romantic picnic with an equally romantic stroll around the park's tropical greenhouses. It might sound like a euphemism from a Monty Python sketch, but Hortus Botanicus is so much more. Walk and talk There's denying the beauty of Amsterdam. It's one of the most picturesque cities in Europe, with its abundance of clean air (thanks to all the cyclists), a wealth of waterways, and a blend of old and new architecture. And since the city is relatively small, it's the perfect excuse to take your partner's hand and drag them around the city on foot! So get your walking boots on! Pick a destination and go wander. While some parts of the city are arguably prettier than others, we'd recommend you take a stroll around Jordaan. Positioned just outside of the tourist belt, you'll find tons of beauty, as well as cafes, bistros, and bars with seating by the water. That way, you can end your stroll with a successful sitdown! Ride into the sunset As if you needed reminding, but Amsterdam is a cyclist's metropolis. Literally. You'll find cycle lanes everywhere, from cobbled residential streets to freeways. We've already talked about the difference they make to the city - cleaner air, less traffic, and fewer cars are just some of the many benefits. Now, turn those benefits into brownie points with your beloved. Rent a couple of bikes, take them on a bike ride around the city and show them how great the city looks on two wheels! You'll be able to go anywhere both in the city and into the outskirts. Why not cycle to the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens and see the fields of the beautiful wonders? While they're located around 25 miles from the city, since the freeways have safe, dedicated cycle lanes, you can make a day of it! It's easily one of the most romantic things to do in Amsterdam, if you've got the stamina for it! Pedal to the romance Or, swap two wheels for no wheels and hop on a pedal boat! They're a great way to see the city's sights. Follow the canals, pass under bridges, and stop off wherever you like. And really, is there anything more romantic than pedaling together, knowing that at any time, one of you could steer the boat to certain doom? Of course, not everyone has the foresight to bring a pedal boat with them on vacation. But don't worry! Amsterdam's got you covered. Simply hire a pedal boat, get on the water, and make a day of it. A romantic day of it. Love bites Of course, nothing could be more romantic than having an intimate meal for two. You stare into their eyes; they stare into yours. You're so engrossed in their gaze that your fork misses your mouth, a moist meatball tumbling down that brand new white number you've got on. You laugh, they laugh, and the waiting staff forces a laugh as they clean up the mess. You walk home with your red stain proudly displayed. You don't care; you're in love. Make this dream a reality at one of Amsterdam's romantic restaurants! De Belhamel in Jordaan offers French and Italian-inspired dishes in an intimate art-deco interior, or take the party to the beautiful canal-side decking. Or, dine beneath the stars at Cafe Restaurant De Plantage. But wait, those aren't stars; they're fairy light-bedazzled sycamore trees! Surely one of the most romantic things to do in Amsterdam? Besides the mesmerizing decor, you'll love their nouveau cuisine offerings, with a number of meat, fish, and veggie meals inspired by worldwide cuisine. Get cultural Sometimes, knowledge can be the sexiest thing of all. We didn't just make that up, so why not put it to the test? Amsterdam has some great museums to wander through with your partner. Just make sure they're into it before dragging them along. There's the Rijksmuseum, the Dutch home of classical art. See the likes of Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other national luminaries strut their stuff. Not literally, of course; they are all long dead. Or, for a cooler, more hip experience, check out the Moco Museum and their street art extravaganza featuring works from Banksy and other celebrated modern artists. Alternatively, head to the home of the late, great Van Gogh, who's lucky enough to have an entire museum dedicated to his work. It was rumored he cut his ear off due to unrequited love, though this was later proven false. Perhaps you should ask your love if they would cut their ear off for you? If they refuse, dump them on the spot; they don't deserve you. And those are our picks for the most romantic things to do in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley

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