The best free things to do in Amsterdam

The best free attractions in Amsterdam

For many travellers, Amsterdam is synonymous with three main things: canals, ‘coffeeshops’ and the Red Light District – and you can experience two of them for free.

Start by tracing the concentric circles of Amsterdam’s four main canals – the UNESCO Heritage-listed Grachtengordel – before heading to the Red Light District (or De Wallen as the locals call it). There's more to discover here its than famous windows, and you can get a free jazz concert at Café De Engelbewaarder every Sunday afternoon.

But back to those canals – here, you should be on the lookout for the city’s aptly-named ‘Skinny Bridge’ that crosses the Amstel and the eye-catching ‘Bridge of 15 Bridges’ at the intersection of the Reguliersgracht and Herengracht canals. Strings of lights run under the arches of the bridges making for the perfect photo-op in the evening.

Speaking of Amsterdam icons, you’ll also want to snap a pic of the narrowest (Singel 7, 1012 NA) and smallest (Oude Hoogstraat 22, 1012 CE) houses in Europe. A visit to the Houses of Seven Countries, a colourful set of dwellings inspired by the architecture of Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, The Netherlands and England, is also free.

Amsterdam's top free museums and galleries

Amsterdam’s most famous museums will cost you a pretty penny, but the city’s culture doesn’t start and end at the Rijksmuseum.

Amsterdam’s City Archives, for example, offers a fascinating deep-dive into the history of the capital, there are occasionally surprising artefacts on display. In the past, visitors have discovered a 1942 police report documenting the theft of Anne Frank’s bicycle, photos of John Lennon and even the 1669 burial register of Dutch artist, Rembrandt.

Exploring the city’s history from a different angle is the Cannabis College. It offers free advice, details the uses of the plant and takes visitors on tours of their verdant cannabis garden.

Independent art galleries, Galerie Fons Welters and Kochxbos are also worth a look in, and if you like street art and sculptures, head to NDSM-Werf in Amsterdam-Noord.

Lovely outdoor spaces in Amsterdam

Join the locals on a morning run, summer stroll or evening cycle at Vondelpark. It’s the city’s most popular green space, and its winding waterways mean you can always have a waterfront view for your picnics. Keep an eye out for Picasso ‘The Fish’ sculpture – it's free to view!

For something more urban, seek out the Begijnhof courtyard in the inner ring of the city. This quite space dates back to the 14th century and was originally a haven for an order of Beguine women. You are free to visit the space and check out one of Amsterdam’s oldest wooden houses, but remember that the houses still act as private residences for women.

If you want to go further afield, Amsterdam Bos will keep you occupied for the day. The name translates to ‘Amsterdam forest’ but the sprawling space is far from it. It features a river, walking trails and other outdoor activities, cafés and a petting zoo for the kids.

You can find another petting zoo – this one even has kangaroos – over at Amstelpark. It’s closer to the city if you’re looking for a shorter day out, and it has ten unique gardens to explore in addition to the range of activities for kids.

In the warmer months, Amsterdam’s free urban beaches come to life. There’s many scattered across the city but Blijburg and StrandZuid are two of the more popular options.

More free things to do in Amsterdam

For stunning views of the city, visit the NEMO Science Museum’s free-to-enter roof terrace and café or take the ferry across the River IJ (there are three piers are located behind Amsterdam Centraal Station) to see the city from sea level.

You can also visit – or at least see the façade of – Anne Frank’s other house (Merwedeplein 37-II, 1078 DB). She lived here for nine years before going into hiding.

To see a different side of the city, take Gassan’s free diamond factory tour. It’s something you probably don’t associate with the Dutch capital but they claim Amsterdam has been known as the ‘City of Diamonds’ for over 425 years, and the tour explains how a rough diamond is turned into a dazzling gem.

Animal lovers, meanwhile, will be delighted by Amsterdam’s famed Catboat, and it is exactly what you’d imagine – a houseboat full of cats! It’s been offering refuge to stray and unwanted cats since the 60s and they’re open to visitors for two hours three days a week.

If window-shopping is more your thing, why not hit up one of Amsterdam’s many markets? Dig through a plethora of antique and vintage items, books and clothing at Waterlooplein, the city’s largest flea market or celebrate tulip season at the floating flower market, Bloemenmarkt.

You’ll find everything from fresh produce and trinkets to clothing and flowers at the Albert Cuyp market, which runs Monday through Saturday, while the Sunday market is perfect for fashion fiends and art aficionados. They’re all free to visit… if you can resist the bargains.

Finally, tick off some of Amsterdam’s most-loved icons with a self-guided tour of the seven of the city’s windmills. De Bloem, De Otter and De Gooyer can be easily reached from the city centre by foot, or hop on the free ferry to Amsterdam Noord to spot D’Admiraal.

Further out of the city (you may want to cycle) are the windmills Van Sloten, De 1200 Roe and De Riekermolen.

Please note: All information was correct as of the time of writing. Always check with the attraction regarding terms of admission.