Our Amsterdam Holidays

With the economy down and the exchange rate is making things hard for travellers abroad.  We thought it might benefit people if we could provide a list of free things to do in Amsterdam.  The only one’s that won’t be free are the ones where a small fee must be paid (Either for entry or for transport to that part of town.) Of course, deciding to spend some money on shopping in many of the great locations won’t be free,but you could always spend an hour or two just browsing.

If you know of ways to spend nothing but still enjoy Amsterdam (thus keeping it cheap) Please let us know via the contact form with as many details as possible.

Lets get started on cheap things to do in Amsterdam!

Walk the canals in Jordaan.

Walking along the canals in Jordaan gives you the feel and sights of what the famous painter Rembrandt saw when he wasn’t as popular as his fame led him to nowadays.  If you get the chance while walking the Jordaan canals, try and find the Rozengracht (Rose canal) which is where Rembrandt had his home.

Dam Square

There’s lots to see for free here, whether your on a photo tour and fancy snapping the Royal Palace or just a few of the buildings in this part of town.  There’s often street performers of all kinds depending on what time of year it is, As well as free ice skating in the winter months and things to do all year round.  If there really is nothing going on, Then why not just spend an hour people watching as everyone seems to be in a rush at this part of town.

Visit the Bloemenmarkt

The Bloemenmarkt or “Floating flower market” is unique in the world. No where else will you find hundreds of market stalls on houseboats.

Plenty of flowers to see and many things to do. Pick up a snack at one of the food vendors in the area.

Rent a bike

This one costs a bit of money but not too much. Bikes can be rented for as little as €10 per 24 hours, and if you take advantage of one of  the many coupons you’ll be handed can turn out alot cheaper.  Renting a bike is the perfect way to see Amsterdam at your own pace. It also makes great fun riding the bike and getting lost, how else do you want to see Amsterdam?

De Negen Straatjes

The Nine Little Streets is a popular shopping area and browsing area alike.  Whether you intend on spending money in any of the many shops in this part of town is upto you.  There’s plenty to look around and even if you plan on spending anything, you’ll be better off looking around first.

The Museumboot

If you didn’t already pick up an Iamsterdam card or a Museumkaart, then this could be for you. Especially if you love visiting the museums in Amsterdam.  The Museum boat gives you 50% discounts to many of the more popular museums in Amsterdam.  Not only do yo get the discounts, you’ll also benefit form the relaxing time aboard the boat as it cruises around the canals of Amsterdam.

Free Ferry Ride To The North of Amsterdam

Many people overlook this simple yet extemely beneficial way to spend some time in Amsterdam without spending a single penny. The boats leave   from behind central station and head towards towards north Amsterdam regularly.  The crossings are free and building designers have been given free reign in this part of the city so you’ll be able to see many different designs of the future Amsterdam.

The Red Light District

The RLD is another of the cheap things to do in Amsterdam, that is of course if you don’t intend on spending any money on the window girls or other shops in this part of town.  None the less, it’s a part of Amsterdam’s history and a part of what millions of visitors go there for every year.

See the tidal markings

If you’ve got a few moments to spare and happen to the Waterlooplein part of town, then why not check out the current tidal markings.  If you head towards the Muziktheater and the Stadhuis, you’ll notice a bronze plaque on the wall.  Next to the plaque you should be able to see 3 glass tubes filled with water.  The first two represent the current water level at both the Vlissingen and IJmuiden.  The highest tube which contains water upto 15ft high is to represent the major floods that Zeeland suffered in 1953.  A great place to chill for an hour and do some people watching.

Free Concert At Vondelpark

If your in and around Amsterdam during the onths of June – August then you should be able to catch a free open air concert of some kind at the Vondelpark.  The concerts are free and you’ll be able to enjoy anything from classical,jazz to world music and cabaret acts.  It’s always nice if you intend on sitting around for an hour or so to make a small donation of just €1.