Top 10 Free Things to do in Amsterdam

Top 10 Free Things to do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is not necessarily what one would call an “affordable” travel destination. From transport to to food to museum tickets, costs tend to sneak up on you. Good thing there are a number of free things one can get up to in the Dutch capital, too. 

Here, in no particular order, are 10 of them: 

1. Ride a Ferry in Amsterdam 

Canal cruises will also cost you a pretty penny, but there is a way to see the city from the water and at no cost at all. The Amsterdam ferries take people from one side of the city to the other, crossing right over the river IJ and offering some scenic views in the process. 

Amsterdam Ferry – by Txllxt TxllxT – Wikimedia Commons

No need to book tickets either, simply walk right up to the ferry when it arrives and hop on. 

2. Visit the Civic Guards Gallery in Amsterdam

The Civic Guards Gallery is located a few steps from the Amsterdam Museum. The latter requires payment to enter, while the former is simply a small walkway that is filled with historic attractions, all free to the public to enjoy! 

It’s not very large, but it’s pretty insightful. Most people come to view the wooden sculpture of David and Goliath. 

3. Walk the Street Markets in Amsterdam

This one is only free if you don’t buy anything, of course, but Amsterdam is filled with local markets offering everything from food to clothing and even vintage artifacts. The the position of a window shopper if you want to save your pennies, but entrance is always free and it’s often fun to just be in that classic market energy. 

Amsterdam flower market – by Dguendel – Wikimedia Commons

Not to be missed? The Amsterdam Floating Flower Market situated on the the Singel Canal between the Muntplein and the Koningsplein. 

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4. Catch a Lunchtime Concert at Concertgebouw

Once a week, a free lunchtime concert takes place in the Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Normally, the concerts take place on Wednesday (but this has been subject to change on occasion). You’ll find the show in either the Main Hall and the Recital Hall. 

Tickets to enter are free, but they do need to be booked online in advance. Click here for more information. 

5. Walk Through Amsterdam’s Red Light District 

It doesn’t get much more historic, or vibrant, than this small neighborhood in the center of Amsterdam. Because just about everything takes place outside, you’re free to be part of the action!

The Red Light District – by Ввласенко – Wikimedia Commons

The only things that are paid for in this neck of the woods are things we won’t discuss on here, but for the most part the Red Light District is worth seeing any night of the week! Nearby you’ll also find the Chinatown of Amsterdam, as well as the 17th century Canal Belt — all free to explore, too. 

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6. Visit Amsterdam’s Best Churches

Thankfully, Holland doesn’t charge for visits with God, so entering any of the many old, historic churches around the city is another worthwhile, free activity if you’re a lover of either the clergy or great architecture. 

The bells of the Westerkerk are what Anne Frank referenced in her journal, and it’s considered to be Amsterdam’s finest church establishment to this day. 

7. Spend a lot of Time in Vondelpark in Amsterdam

Nature is free in Holland (mostly) and Vondelpark is quite something in the spring and summer months. This lush, expansive green space is close to the Rijksmuseum, and offers everything from foot paths, to bike lanes, to lakes and shaded nooks where you can picnic or read to your heart’s content. 

Vondelpark – by Dguendel – Wikimedia Commons

8. Visit the Amsterdam Forest

Speaking of green spaces, the Amsterdam forest is another fantastic activity that is fun for the whole family (this one’s for the kids, too!). A typical forest that brings you to a Ridammerhoeve; a goat farm where you can frolic with the animals and buy products like goat’s milk ice cream. 

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The gnome trail is heaps of fun for little ones (suitable for kids from 3 and up). The trail itself is free to walk, but there is an optional, interactive “gnome activity kit” that comes at a small fee. The forest also boasts swimming pools and a visitor’s center. 

9. Stroll the Canals in Amsterdam 

It sounds cliche, but there is something about walking Amsterdam’s canals at night that just feels right. Watch how the light bounces off the black water — so black that it famously looks like oil. 

Amsterdam – by Massimo Catarinella – Wikimedia Commons

Observe locals who live on the houseboats, as they come up for an evening stretch or a cup of coffee on the roof. It’s truly another world when you observe Amsterdam from this perspective. 

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10. Enjoy the Friday Night Skate in Amsterdam 

Every Friday night since 1997, skaters in Amsterdam have taken to the streets to celebrate and enjoy their favorite past time. The meeting point is in Vondelpark next to the entrance of Roemer Visscherstraat; it starts at 8:30pm sharp.