10 free things to do in Amsterdam

Want to visit Amsterdam for as little money as possible?

Then follow this top 10 list of free tours, museums and activities to do in the Dutch capital that I created so you can enjoy without breaking the bank.

Between accommodation, meals and transportation, your vacation can quickly become very expensive. And this budget does not take into account all the visits you can make during your stay in Amsterdam.

So I created a list of the best free attractions and activities to see and do in Amsterdam. Follow the guide!

Free activity in the Red Light District

OLD TOWN/RED LIGHT DISTRICT

The Red Light District, also known as the Red Light District, De Wallen or even Rosse Buurt, dates back to the 14th century.

It was the place where sailors went when they landed and wanted female company.

Today, the Red Light District is home to coffeeshops where you can buy cannabis, window displays where prostitutes tease passersby, sex shops, peep shows, bars and various museums.

You’ll know you’re entering the neighborhood when you see red lights on top of small pillars.

If you miss them, you’ll quickly be fixed when you see scantily clad women standing and calling out to passersby in red neon-lit storefronts.

Visiting the red light district in Amsterdam is definitely a must if you want to experience a rather surprising atmosphere!

The Magere Brug

THE BELT OF CANALS

The Magere Brug, which means skinny bridge in Dutch, is one of the most famous bridges in Amsterdam.

Legend has it that this narrow wooden bridge was originally built for two skinny rich sisters who lived on opposite sides of the Amstel River.

In 1871, everything changed when it was replaced by a wider bridge. Today, this bridge is illuminated every night and lights up the Amstel River. A great atmosphere to share a romantic moment with your partner.

Top free activities in Amsterdam: Bloemenmarkt

CENTER OF THE CANAL BELT

The Bloemenmarkt, located in the heart of Amsterdam on the Singel Canal between Muntplein and Koningsplein, is the only floating flower market in the world. The vendors sell their wares on numerous barges.

The Bloemenmarkt offers you an extraordinary opportunity to admire the flowers, smell the fragrances and maybe even take home a little piece of the Netherlands with a bouquet of tulips.

Browse through the various stands of the flower sellers. Whether it’s spring, fall, summer or winter, you can stroll through the Bloemenmarkt and admire the vendors’ stalls for free.

Don’t forget to hold the tulip bulbs in the palm of your hand so you can compare their size more easily. And of course, don’t forget to take some nice pictures to share with your friends and family your trip on the canals among the flowers.

PLACE DAM

OLD TOWN/RED LIGHT DISTRICT

Heading to Dam Square, you’ll never be disappointed, there’s always life there.

The square is home to many iconic attractions and buildings, some of which are free to visit, but some of which you have to pay for, such as the Royal Palace, the National Monument, Madame Tussauds Museum and others.

You can admire the beautiful façade of the Royal Palace and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). The National Monument, located on the other side of the square, is a memorial to the victims of the Second World War, but it is also a symbol of liberation and peace.

Dam Square also hosts many events, such as celebrations, fairs and memorial events. You can also take pictures of (or with) the many artists who play the living statues.

Who knows who you might run into… You might even run into Batman. With the square located less than a kilometer from Centraal Station, Dam Square is a must-see.

Sail for free with the GVB Ferry

CANAL BANKS

If you’re looking for an economical way to cross the canals (i.e. free of charge), opt for the public ferry that will take you to the other side of the IJ River.

The public ferry service, which is part of the GVB public transport company, is completely free. You can board on foot or even take your bike or scooter with you.

Go for a morning bike ride and you’ll have plenty of time to explore the northern part of Amsterdam. Schedule your ferry ride back at night so you can watch the sun set over the water, it’s an unforgettable sight.

There are several routes from Centraal Station: Buiksloterweg, the NDSM platform and IJplein. The NDSM platform is the furthest from Centraal Station, which offers the longest ferry ride.

Free tour in Amsterdam: GASSAN DIAMONDS

PLANTAGE

Gassan Diamonds, a family-owned diamond cutting and sales company, offers free tours seven days a week in 27 languages.

The tour guides explain the entire diamond cutting process and teach you all the secrets of the coveted gemstone.

The four Cs will no longer hold any secrets for you: Cut – Carat – Clarity – Color. You will even have the chance to admire the diamond craftsmen at work.

After the visit, take a look at the sparkling jewelry on display in the boutique. You’ll find brands such as Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC, Omega, Rado, Longines and Tissot.

Perhaps you’ll be tempted by an item that you can give to someone you care about.

Visiting the boutique is free, but if you wish to purchase a piece of jewelry you will of course have to pay (sorry to break your dreams!).

Visit the OBA library

CANAL BANKS

Don’t forget to visit the Centrale Bibliotheek (Central Library) on the Oosterdokseiland, it’s just a few steps away from the Centraal station.

You’ll find some good reading material and can admire the work of German architect Jo Coenen.

To get started, head up to the 7th floor to the restaurant Le Place. Sit down for a bite to eat or just a cold drink. Sit by the window or directly outside on the terrace and enjoy the incredible view of the building.

The Place even offers Wi-Fi access, so you can post a picture on Facebook and make all your friends who didn’t have the chance to visit the Dutch capital jealous.

After your food break, if you feel like reading a book or watching a movie, you’ll be spoilt for choice among the half a million books, magazines, CDs, DVDs and games at your disposal; this library is the biggest in the Netherlands.

If you wish to borrow a book or other material, you will need a library card.

BEGIJNHOF

SPUI

In the heart of the lively Kalverstraat and Spui district, you will find a hidden oasis: the Begijnhof, the Amsterdam Beguinage.

Hidden by the many houses and other buildings that surround it, this space away from the hustle and bustle of the city is home to a quiet courtyard and a charming chapel.

Escape the noise of the city and take a moment to enjoy the serenity of this unique place.

The Begijnhof, which dates back to the 14th century, was originally home to a group of religious women married to God called beguines.

These women were associated with the English Reformed Church (Anglican Church). The last beguine died in 1971. The church proudly displays panels that illustrate the Eucharistic miracle of Amsterdam.

You can also receive the Eucharist at the chapel services which are held Monday through Saturday at 9:00 am and Monday through Friday at 5:00 pm.

The Sunday service in Dutch is at 10:00 am and the 11:15 am service is in French. Whether you are a believer or not, you should definitely visit the Begijnhof.

VONDELPARK

MUSEUM DISTRICT/VONDELPARK

Amsterdam offers many places to escape the hectic life of the capital. Whether you need a quiet afternoon or want to play with your kids, Amsterdam has dozens of green spaces to escape to and relax.

Vondelpark is one of the many parks in the city where you can do just that and enjoy life in a little piece of nature. It’s the perfect place for a long walk or a bike ride.

Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, lie down in the grass or read a book, just enjoy the moment. Stop by the Blauwe Theehuis, a tea house nestled in the heart of the park, and have a drink on one of Amsterdam’s largest terraces.

During the summer months, you can enjoy free outdoor concerts. Before leaving the park, take a stroll through one of the small exits and admire the beautiful houses that line the gardens; this is one of the richest neighborhoods in Amsterdam.

Take a break from sightseeing and escape the busy streets and enjoy a peaceful moment in the Vondelpark.

Listen to a free concert in Amsterdam at CONCERTGEBOUW

MUSEUM DISTRICT/VONDELPARK

The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, internationally recognized as one of the three halls with the best acoustics in the world, offers a series of concerts every Wednesday at 12:30 pm.

These concerts are completely free and open to the public. Enjoy classical music as well as modern compositions.

Be sure to come early to line up at the door. In addition to these concerts, the Concertgebouw program also offers a wide range of musical performances, from piano concertos to chamber music to jazz to children’s events.

You can even turn this experience into a special day; lunch at the Concertgebouw Café or dinner at the Mirror Hall before going to a concert. You can also opt for one of the many restaurants nearby with menus that will leave you wanting more.

The Concertgebouw is one of the places in the Dutch capital that I loved and that you can’t miss during your stay.