9 Free Things to do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam isn’t the most expensive city in Europe, but don’t the best things in life come for free? With all the tourist attractions, restaurants, museums and activities you would almost forget that Amsterdam is also full of fun things to do that are free! Today we will list our 9 favorite things to do for free in Amsterdam.

Walking routes throughout the city

Rain or shine, the city center of Amsterdam is beautiful. So take out your umbrella just to be sure and take a stroll through the city. Not the type to follow a planned out route? Amsterdam is the perfect city to “just get lost” and wander around. The city center is compact, so you will always find your way to wherever you need to be!

Visit the free museums

Some of the museums in Amsterdam are for free! You can visit The Eye Filmmuseum to admire their vast movie collection. More interested in the History of the city and the city’s treasures? The Stadsarchief Amsterdam has all of this on display free of charge! Besides that you can visit the Schuttersgalerij, this part of the Amsterdam Museum is also free and open to the public. here you can find impressive portraits of Dutch nobility.

Street art

Amsterdam is full of amazing street art to check out! Real street art hot spots are the warehouses on the NDSM wharf, the Jordaan, Spuistraat and of course also the city center. The city cleans most of the street art places regularly so there are always new items popping up throughout the city.

Taking a free trip on the water and visit the creative Amsterdam North

If you want to visit Amsterdam North you will have to cross over ‘t IJ, but luckily ferries are for free! Take a ferry ride and admire the city from the water. Besides that Amsterdam North is full of creative, free things to do. Visit one of the many ateliers and creative spaces in Amsterdam North or check out a free festival or market.

The Public Library (OBA)

The public library in Amsterdam has more than just books! It is the home of many free events, expositions and performances. Check the event calendar to see what is up during your stay in Amsterdam.

Visit one of the many parks

Amsterdam is full of green! With the Vondelpark, Oosterpark, Westerpark, Sarphatipark and the Amsterdam Forrest (het Amsterdamse bos) there are many green spots to visit in the city. With even the slightest sun you will find locals and tourists enjoying these little pieces of nature right in the city center. In the Amsterdam Forrest you can also find a small petting zoo, also free of charge,  that is perfect for children.

Begeijnhof

Hidden behind a door at ‘t Spui you will find the 14th-century Begijnhof. It is a tranquil oasis in the bustling centre of Amsterdam. The English Reformed Church (Engelsekerk) is at the center of the courtyard, which is bordered by the busy Kalverstraat and Spui. The last Beguine died in 1971, and one sister was buried in a “grave in the gutter”. The wooden house (Houten Huys) at Begijnhof 34 is the oldest house in Amsterdam.

Expositions of smaller artists

Visit the small galleries at the museum quarter or the NDSM-warf to discover new and upcoming artist. Looking at their art is, obviously, totally free! Who knows, you might discover some new talent while exploring the various galleries and expositions.

Visiting one of the various markets

Amsterdam is full of markets that have all kinds of things to offer. From vintage markets to farmers markets, there is something for everyone. Please browse through our markets in Amsterdam overview to find a market that fits with your own unique taste.