Check out 10 amazing free attractions in Amsterdam. For those traveling on a tight budget, find out where to save and what to visit.
1. Boat trip in Amsterdam
Taking a boat trip in Amsterdam is the dream of many people who travel there. This type of attraction is paid for, but it is possible to take a short boat trip without paying anything. Behind the Central Station, which is the city’s main station, you take the Buiksloterwegveer ferry from platform 7.
From 6.30am to 9pm, every 5 minutes or so there is a ferry leaving in the direction of the north of the city. The route is much shorter and simpler than the paid tours, but it’s nice and worthwhile, as you can experience a very traditional attraction without spending anything.
2. Visit the De Schuttersgalerij art gallery in Amsterdam
Another tip on the 10 amazing free attractions in Amsterdam is to visit De Schuttersgalerij, a sensational art gallery. It is located on a public road, provided by the Amsterdam Museum, and offers very interesting exhibitions. There are many statues, paintings and prints in a small but very important gallery.
- To get to the gallery, just walk along the busy shopping street Kalverstraat and go to number 92.
3. Walk through the Begijnhof Garden in Amsterdam
The Begijnhof Garden is one of the most beautiful and different places in the city. It is located in the center of Amsterdam and is a private property open to the public, which has become one of the most visited spots by tourists. The Begijnhof is also home to the oldest wooden house in Amsterdam, Houten Huis, at number 34.
To enter the Begijnhof Garden, you have to open a door, which looks like an ordinary building, but results in a calm and peaceful place. Visitors are even asked to respect the silence and cleanliness of the place. Take the opportunity to take lots of photos in the middle of a lovely green area.
- The entrance to this garden is from Piazza Spui and you can get there by streetcar 1, 2 or 5.
4. The Red Light District in Amsterdam
The Red Light District in Amsterdam is one of the main tourist attractions not only in Holland, but in the whole of Europe. It’s also named after the red lights that illuminate the district’s shop windows and streets. For those who think that this is a dangerous and dirty area because it has prostitutes’ houses, you should know that it is a very quiet area.
In Holland, prostitution is normal and well accepted by all the locals, so many people even go there with their families. There are large houses with shop windows where prostitutes are exposed to people passing by on the street. It’s very interesting to get to know this part of Dutch culture.
- If you’re with children or even if you’re afraid, our tip is to visit the district during the day. At that time, many of the houses have not yet opened.
5. Strolling through Amsterdam’s parks
Despite being a relatively small city, Amsterdam has some excellent parks. The Vondelpark is the main and most famous of them, and one you can’t miss. It has an extensive green area and is where the city’s residents usually go to rest, walk and lie on the grass to soak up the sun.
The Vondelpark is also great for those who like to exercise, walk, run and cycle. In addition, it offers a very charming and romantic setting, with bridges and lakes that bring a typically European atmosphere. The park also has the Filmmuseum, a very interesting museum focusing on Dutch films.
6. Going to the Noordermarkt market in Amsterdam
One of the best free things to do in Amsterdam is to visit the city’s famous markets. There are several options to visit, such as the Noordermarkt, a flea market located on Waterlooplein Square in the Jordaan district. It is open on weekends selling organic products and on Mondays selling second-hand clothes.
7. Visit the floating flower market in Amsterdam
Another unmissable market is the Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam’s floating flower market, which has existed since 1862 and is very symbolic of the city. It is located on the Singel Canal and has flowers of every kind you can imagine, making it a great place to learn about the Dutch culture of growing them. This market also has many souvenir stores.
8. Walking through the gardens of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum is considered one of the main tourist attractions in Amsterdam. This museum has paid admission, but you can visit the grounds for free. It is a true work of art in the open air and enchants everyone who passes by. On the sides of the museum, there are 4 beautiful gardens with fountains, tulips, rest areas and even 17th century city gates.
9. Visit the Amsterdam Public Library
The Amsterdam Public Library (OBA) is housed in a large, imposing building with a variety of spaces inside. There are books and magazines from all over the world, which you can read if you know the language, and computers available to visitors. There is also a café, a restaurant and a fun children’s section.
- The Amsterdam Public Library is located in Oosterdok, near Central Station.
10. Try different types of cheese at the Cheese Museum in Amsterdam
The Cheese Museum is a must-see for cheese lovers. It has different types of this delicacy, including the famous Gouda cheese. There, you can learn more about the history of Dutch cheese, its manufacturing process and even see curious elements such as the world’s most expensive cheese slicer. And the best thing is that the place offers a free tasting.
How can I find good free tours of Amsterdam?
A great tip for a free tour in Amsterdam is the so-called Free Tours. Some companies offer these tours, which are completely free of charge, and a guide takes you on a tour of the city, explaining everything in detail.
The tour is free, but at the end, almost everyone tips the guide, so the amount of the tip is up to you. It’s a really nice and inexpensive way to learn more about the history of the place.
On the website we use to buy Amsterdam tours and tickets, there are two very nice tours: Free tour of Amsterdam (a 2-hour tour of the city’s main sights) and Free tour of Jordaan and Leidseplein (a 3-hour tour of these two prominent Amsterdam neighborhoods).
To take these tours, just go to this website. It’s the biggest tour website in the world. It’s where we always shop and find the best prices. There are plenty of free tours in Amsterdam, but there are also unmissable tours that can’t be left out of your itinerary and are paid for. The tip is to always buy in advance, as it’s cheaper.
Discover the paid tours that are worthwhile in Amsterdam
There are some paid tours that are also unmissable and well worth buying tickets for. The ones we think you can’t miss are the boat trip along Amsterdam’s canals, the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum and other museums in the city. And, if you’re over 18, the Heineken Experience.
All these sights in Amsterdam are very entertaining and interesting. And the cheapest place to buy them is on this Amsterdam Ticket Site, which we mentioned above. That’s because it sells all the tickets for the main sights and tours in the city, the Netherlands and the world. So make the most of it.
Save money on your trip to Amsterdam:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to Amsterdam cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in Amsterdam. You will find out the best area, the hotels that we have stayed there and how to save a lot on the hotel.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
