Top 10 Free Things to Do in Amsterdam for a Fun Time!

Famous for coffee shops, the red light district, canals and art museums, Amsterdam can be tempting in so many ways. But, what if you could experience every bit of Amsterdam without spending a penny? Here is a list of top 10 free things to do in Amsterdam.

1. Vondelpark

Portuguese/ English Primavera começando na Europa e eu no #tbt deste dia lindo no Vondelpark em Amsterdam. . Post novinho no blog sobre as 4 estações na Europa. Quer ir e não sabe qual a melhor época?! Veja lá, vou botar o link nos stories! // Spring starting in Europe and I’m missing this beautiful day at the Vondelpark in Amsterdam. . New post on the blog about the 4 stations in Europe. Want to go there and don’t know the best time?! I’ll put the link here on the stories! . #viagensimperdiveis #viagensimperdiveisnaholanda #vondelpark #amsterdamworld #amsterdam #amsterdamview #amsterdamvibe #springfield #holanda #netherlands #primavera #dialindo #sol #parque #park #natureza #vidasaudavel #paisagem #sourbbv #travelbloggerlife #jornaloglobo #visitnetherlands #boaviagem #viagemeturismo #revistaqualviagem #missaovt #vocenooff

A post shared by Viagens imperdiveis (@viagensimperdiveis) on Mar 29, 2018 at 6:06pm PDT

Escape from the neon and noise of the city by heading to the leafy expanse of Vondelpark. Immensely popular, the park receives over 10 million visitors every year. Home to a rose garden, an open-air theatre and a network of ponds, time runs fast in the park. Visit Vondelpark during summer and you will be lucky to witness the free concerts & theatre performances.

2. I Amsterdam sign

I amsterdam #iamsterdam #amsterdam #holland #travel #hollidays #friends

A post shared by Hoang Tam (@hoangttam) on Nov 11, 2017 at 5:00am PST

Visiting Amsterdam for the first time? Then you would be surely excited to click photographs in front of the iconic I Amsterdam sign. The much sought-after photo spot is set in the buzzing Museumplein square and you will be in a lot of competition with the other tourists who will also be frantically clicking pictures. A great souvenir to take back home.

3. Markets

Saturdays on the market are so cosy!

A post shared by Albert Cuyp market (@albertcuypmarkt) on Feb 3, 2018 at 5:43am PST

Stretching from the Ferdinand Bolstraat to Van Woustraat, the Albert Cuyp street market is a collection of 300+ stalls that sells things from food to spices to cosmetics to clothes to bedding. Not interested in shelling out a penny? Window shop. A trendy alternative is the Noodermarkt, which operates every Monday. Time in the markets will give you a chance to experience the real aura of Amsterdam.

4. Canals

Classic views ??

A post shared by Amsterdam Canals (@amsterdamcanals) on Mar 30, 2018 at 12:35am PDT

Canals are an irreplaceable part of Amsterdam and they run for over 100 kilometers inside the city. Mind you, Amsterdam has more canals than Vienna and you can’t get enough of them. Over 400 years old, the canal belt is a part of UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk, bike or roam along the canals stopping by once in a while to click photos.

5. Begijnhof

Amsterdam is full of supring cute corners! Did you know that in the middle of the city centre there is this green oasis with wonderful Dutch houses called Begijnhof? ? #begijnhof #amsterdam

A post shared by Vanja Vodenik (@marshmallowtravels) on Mar 28, 2018 at 11:08am PDT

Founded during the middle age, Begijnhof is a secluded courtyard in Amsterdam. A collection of historic houses along with two churches make up this courtyard. Cut off from the rest of the city, the tranquil oasis of Begijnhof is a much-needed respite from the everyday mundanity. Spend time in the tranquil atmosphere of Begijnhof and you will find peace.

6. Bloemenmarkt

Flower (market) power ???

A post shared by Emalee Larson (@emaleelarson) on Mar 30, 2018 at 7:57am PDT

Adorning the city’s southern canal belt is the world’s only floating market of Bloemenmarkt. Take a stroll across Bloemenmarkt inhaling the fresh fragrance of the flowers and you will be literally flying in the air. Painted in bright colours of all kind, a visit to Bloemenmarkt will put you in the right mood. Spending on the flowers in secondary.

7. EYE Film Institute

You can still see the amazing video mappings on our building every evening from 6pm to 11pm. This last work of video art was made by Florian and Michael Quistrebert and was called Stripes 5. This duo creates ‘optical canvasses’ and videos showing angular patterns in which symmetry and reflections are recurring themes. The video mappings are part of The World Masters of Projection Mappings and is organized by @amsterdamlightfestival @raiamsterdam and Integrated Systems Events (ISE). Pics by Bas Uterwijk

A post shared by EYE Filmmuseum (@eye_film) on Jan 31, 2018 at 2:09am PST

Don’t mistake EYE Film Institute to be an alien ship from the outer space. It isn’t. Housing over 60,000 posters, 37,000 film titles, 20,000 books and 700,000 photographs, EYE Film Institute is a museum you shouldn’t miss out during your visit. The permanent Dutch film displays in the basement are free to see. The museum’s terrace also offers splendid views of Amsterdam.

8. Cannabis College

Учиться нужно постоянно! Поэтому я зашла в Колледж Каннабиса и все разузнала. Там они обучают “барист” для кофешопов, рассказывают всем желающим про виды травы, методы употребления и показывают сами растения на разных стадиях цветения. Туда можно прийти со своим каннабисом и они научат тебя его вейпить, потому что это безопаснее курения.

A post shared by Alexandra Naidonova (@alexnayko) on Jan 28, 2018 at 12:53pm PST

Yes, this does exist in reality. Cannabis College is a non-profit information centre in the Red Light District. Go on a tour of the Cannabis Garden learning about Amsterdam’s favourite herb. The organization provides free advice on how to use the recreational herb and teaches you with coffee shop etiquette. This for sure must be the most beloved college.

9. Music

This puts a smile on your face, doesn’t it? Idris Ackamoor and The Pyramids stole the show once again. #Dekmantel17

A post shared by Dekmantel (@dkmntl) on Aug 3, 2017 at 1:47pm PDT

Amsterdam has a strong connection with music and it is easily evident from the huge number of music concerts in the city. Wondering if you can experience it without paying? Of course, you can. Check out the live music venue of Bimhuis on Tuesdays for a free jamming session or enjoy the lunchtime concert in the acoustically sound venue of Dutch National Opera & Ballet on Tuesdays or try out Concertgebouw on Wednesdays.

10. Ride a ferry

Sail Amsterdam 2015

A post shared by Ido de Vries (@idodev) on Jan 12, 2016 at 11:48pm PST

While there are plenty of daytime boat tours available, the ideal way to explore Amsterdam is by going on a free ferry ride. Hop on to the public transport ferry which is immediately behind the Central Station and drift away to the North of Amsterdam along River IJ. To make the most of your ride, get down at the cultural hotspot of NDSM Wharf which is lively 24*7 with plenty restaurants and bars.

Really excited to see that there are so many amazing free things to do in Amsterdam? Check out our list of Amsterdam packages and choose the one that suits you best or customise your own Amsterdam itinerary and we will perfect it to ensure you have a great vacation!