Things you can do in Amsterdam for free
If you’ve spent all your money on attractions in Amsterdam, poffertjes and craft beer, you might want to enjoy some fun that won’t cost you a dime. In this article we’ll tell you about 5 fun, free things to do in the wonderful Dutch capital. If you’re looking for things to do in Amsterdam where you don’t have to spend your hard-earned money, we’ve got your back!
Walk along some must-see views
The city center of Amsterdam is pretty small, so there are a lot of must-sees that you can see on a walk! Stroll along the Nine Streets and the UNESCO World Heritage canal ring to the impressive Royal Palace on the Dam and get lost in the little streets of the old city center, where you’ll spot gorgeous canal houses. You can even go on a hunt to find the narrowest house or walk to Entrepotdok, next to Artis Zoo, where you can see the elephants roaming around ánd where locals swim in the water when the sun’s out. There’s so much to see in Amsterdam!
We also recommend a walk at nightfall – believe us: when the lights of the bridges turn on, Amsterdam looks magical! At night, it’s lovely to walk from the canal belt to Dam Square and then to the red light district (“de Wallen”) – let’s be real, you need to see it at least once – towards the Amstel river. If you walk along the Amstel river, you’ll see the Magere brug (Skinny Bridge) – one of the best views of the city!
Check out the markets
Amsterdam has many fun street markets that sell all kinds of things, from fresh produce to second-hand clothes and yummy snacks. Check out the Waterlooplein Flea Market, the Albert Cuypmarkt in De Pijp, the farmer’s market on Monday at Noordermarkt or the Sunday market at Westergas. Technically, going to a market is free. But we know it’s tempting to spend money … Anyway, which market in Amsterdam are you going to visit?
Rest in one of Amsterdam’s many parks
We know, we know. The weather in Amsterdam can change in a second. That’s why apps like ‘Buienradar’ are so popular in the Netherlands! But when it’s sunny outside, Amsterdammers get out their picnic blankets, call up their friends and go chill in one of the many parks. And as a tourist, it’s fun to see and lovely to relax in one of the parks in Amsterdam. Obviously Vondelpark is the most famous one, but the “non-touristy” parks are lovely as well. Check out Amsterdamse bos or Westerpark! We also recommend having a snooze on the grass of Museumplein. Not exactly a park, but this grassfield in the Museum Quarter, nestled between famous museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, is one of the favorite places of locals to hang around, throw a frisbee or play some football.
Score a ticket to a free concert
Did you know that both the Concertgebouw and the Muziektheater have free lunch concerts? From September to June at 12.30 pm, you can brace yourself for a small fight at the concertgebouw to get into their free Wednesday lunch show. Performers of the opera and the Dutch Philharmonic also have free lunch shows, on Tuesdays from 12.30 pm to 1pm; from September through June. Music maestro!
Visit the Cannabis College
Everyone knows that some areas of Amsterdam have a … particular smell. But if you want to learn more about cannabis, the non-profit Cannabis College is there to educate you – way more than a coffee shop could! Learn all about the herb that has made this city so famous.
Enjoy your stay in Amsterdam!