10 Things to Do in Amsterdam for Free

Amsterdam has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for culture, nightlife, or just a place to relax. But the best part is that many of the city’s attractions can be enjoyed for free, so you can really make the most of your visit. Here are 10 great things to do in Amsterdam for free.

1. Take a Free Walking Tour

A great way to get to know Amsterdam is to take a free walking tour, which will give you a unique insight into the history of the city. There are several free tours, such as the Red Light District tour, the Jewish Quarter tour, or the Canal tour. You’ll get to learn about the city’s history, its culture, and its architecture, all while exploring its beautiful streets and canals.

The tours are usually run by local guides, and they’ll be able to give you a unique insight into the city and its people. And at the end of the tour, you’ll be able to make a donation if you wish.

You can find out more about the tours online, and there are usually several tours to choose from. So if you’re looking for a great way to explore Amsterdam, a free walking tour is a great idea.

2. Visit the Museums

Amsterdam is home to some of the world’s most famous museums, and many of them are free to visit. The Rijksmuseum, which houses some of the world’s greatest works of art, is free on the first Sunday of every month. The Van Gogh Museum is free for children under 18, and you can get a discount if you book your tickets online.

The Stedelijk Museum is free on Thursday evenings, and the Anne Frank House is free for children under 10. There are also several smaller museums that you can visit for free, such as the Museum of Bags and Purses, the Museum of Cannabis, and the Jewish Historical Museum.

So if you’re looking for a free way to explore Amsterdam’s culture and history, you can’t go wrong with a visit to one of its many museums.

3. Visit the Markets

Amsterdam is home to some of the best markets in Europe, and many of them are free to visit. The Albert Cuyp Market is one of the most popular, offering a wide variety of food, clothes, and souvenirs. The Waterlooplein Flea Market is also a great place to explore, offering a huge selection of antiques and vintage items.

The Flower Market is a must-see, and you can find a great selection of flowers, plants, and bulbs. There are also several smaller markets, such as the Noordermarkt, which is a great place to find vintage and second-hand items.

So if you’re looking for an authentic Amsterdam experience, the markets are the perfect place to explore.

4. Explore the Canals

The canals of Amsterdam are one of the city’s most iconic features, and you can explore them for free. You can take a leisurely stroll along the canals, admiring the beautiful houses and bridges, or you can rent a bike and explore the city at your own pace.

You can also take a free boat tour, which will give you a unique perspective of the city. The tour will take you along the main canals, and you’ll be able to admire the city’s beautiful architecture and culture.

So if you’re looking for a great way to explore Amsterdam, the canals are the perfect place to start.

5. Visit the Parks

Amsterdam is home to some of the most beautiful parks in Europe, and many of them are free to visit. The Vondelpark is one of the most popular, offering a great place to relax and admire the city’s beautiful scenery. The Oosterpark is also a great place to explore, and it’s home to some of the city’s best street art.

The Sarphatipark is a great place to take a stroll, and the Westerpark is a great place for a picnic. You can also explore the city’s famous botanical gardens, which are a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

So if you’re looking for a great way to relax and enjoy the fresh air, Amsterdam’s parks are the perfect place to explore.

6. Visit the Churches

Amsterdam is home to some of the most beautiful churches in Europe, and many of them are free to visit. The Oude Kerk is the oldest church in the city, and it’s a great place to admire the city’s architecture and history. The Westerkerk is also worth a visit, offering a great view of the city from its tower.

The Nieuwe Kerk is a stunning example of Dutch Gothic architecture, and the Begijnhof is a hidden gem in the heart of the city. The St. Nicholas Church is also a great place to explore, offering a unique insight into Amsterdam’s history and culture.

So if you’re looking for a unique way to explore Amsterdam’s culture and history, its churches are the perfect place to start.

7. Explore the City at Night

Amsterdam is a beautiful city at night, and it’s a great place to explore for free. You can take a stroll along the canals and admire the city’s beautiful lights, or you can head to the Red Light District and explore its unique atmosphere.

You can also explore the city’s nightlife, with its many bars and clubs offering a great way to party into the night. And if you’re looking for something a bit different, you can take a free canal boat tour, which will take you to some of the city’s best spots.

So if you’re looking for a unique way to explore Amsterdam at night, its nightlife is the perfect place to start.

8. Enjoy the Music

Amsterdam is a great place to enjoy some live music, and there are plenty of free gigs to enjoy. The city’s music venues offer a great selection of music, from jazz to rock, and you can often find free gigs in the city’s parks and squares.

The city’s many music festivals are also a great way to enjoy some free music, with the Amsterdam Dance Event offering a great selection of electronic music. There are also several free festivals throughout the year, such as the Amsterdam Roots Festival and the Amsterdam Fringe Festival.

So if you’re looking for a great way to enjoy some free music, Amsterdam is the perfect place to start.

9. Take a Free Bike Tour

Amsterdam is a great city to explore by bike, and you can take a free bike tour to get to know the city better. The tour will take you past some of the city’s most iconic sights, and you’ll get to explore its beautiful canals and streets.

The tour usually lasts around two hours, and you’ll be able to learn about the city’s history and culture as you explore. You can also rent a bike and explore the city at your own pace, and there are plenty of great cycling routes to choose from.

So if you’re looking for a great way to explore Amsterdam, a free bike tour is the perfect place to start.

10. Go to the Beach

Amsterdam is home to some of the best beaches in Europe, and many of them are free to visit. The Zandvoort beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, and the Scheveningen beach is a great place for a swim.

The Bloemendaal beach is a great place for families, with its wide range of activities and attractions. You can also explore the city’s many other beaches, such as the Vlugtenburg, the Zuidwester, and the Strand Zuid.

So if you’re looking for a great way to relax and enjoy the sun, Amsterdam’s beaches are the perfect place to start.

Conclusion

Amsterdam is a beautiful city with plenty of free things to do. From taking a free walking tour to exploring its beautiful canals, there’s something for everyone. You can also visit the city’s many museums and markets, explore its parks and churches, or take a free bike tour. And if you’re looking for something a bit different, you can explore the city’s nightlife or enjoy some free music.

So if you’re looking for a great way to explore Amsterdam for free, these 10 things to do are the perfect place to start.