With a huge range of museums, festivals and sights, there is more than enough to do in our capital city on every day of the year. But what if you want to spend a little less? We prove you can leave your wallet at home for a change with these tips for all the free things to do in Amsterdam!
Free museums
No other place in the Netherlands is blessed with as many museums as Amsterdam. Most of them require you to pay a hefty entrance fee, but there are exceptions! At the beautiful film institute EYE on the IJ, the film collection can be visited daily for free. A nice trip along the origins of film as well as a recognisable glimpse into the history of cinema in the Netherlands. Also completely free to visit in Amsterdam: the Treasury and Film Room in the Stadsarchief. The impressive Treasury has two floors where all original documents are kept. In the film room, you can watch free historical films about Amsterdam.
Accommodation in Amsterdam
For those who also want to explore Amsterdam comfortably overnight, there are numerous options for accommodations to suit every budget. Check out this link to search for some great Amsterdam Hotels at https://www.hotels-in-netherlands.com/en/amsterdam-hotels-18051/. You can also look for the finest deals on hotels in Amsterdam at Amsterdam Hotels at tophotels.com. After a restful night, you'll be all geared up to continue your complimentary museum tour and park exploration the next day.
2. Parks and gardens
In Amsterdam on a beautiful day? Then settle down with a picnic in one of the many parks. Find a spot in the Vondelpark, the Ooster- or Westerpark or the Rembrandtpark. In summer, the parks often host free open-air theatre and festivals! What many people don't know is that the gardens of the Rijksmuseum can also be visited for free in Amsterdam. It is lovely to stroll among the stylish flowerbeds, lawns, the glass greenhouse as well as the sculpture garden.
More Amsterdam: Hotspots in our capital
3. Historic Beguinage
Haarlem is famous for its almshouses, but Amsterdam has one too! You'll find it well hidden behind a door on the Spui. Once you find the door, walk straight into the 14th century Beguinage. Note: it is a place of silence, so walk through it at your leisure to experience this special piece of tranquillity in the middle of the capital.
A cheap city break?
With all the free activities, you can save a lot of money. But a day or weekend trip in our capital still requires more. What about food and accommodation? A cheap hotel in Amsterdam can really be found, for example, you can book a good hotel room in the city centre from as little as 69 euros. Hostels really do come in all types and price ranges. An overview of all options can be found on the I amsterdam website. Moreover, the city centre is teeming with nice eateries where you can get a good plate of food for next to nothing. You just have to know where to find them! ELLE has already done that for you with this list of 10 food hotspots under 10 euros.
4. Take the ferry
Not only a really easy way to get around, but also a really fun trip: the ferries to the north sail absolutely free in Amsterdam. They take you from the back of the station to various fun places. Want to visit the free exhibition at EYE? Then take the ferry to Buiksloterveerweg. The other ferry takes you to the NDSM-Werf: this former shipyard is now home to countless creative businesses and awesome cafés and restaurants.
5. A peek inside a church
Amsterdam has a huge number of churches, many of which have their doors open for visits. During your Amsterdam day trip, for example, take a look in the Oude Kerk, Westerkerk, Noorderkerk, Sint Nicolaaskerk and Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk. Extra fun: throughout the year, various churches host exhibitions that you can also visit for free.
Besides churches, there are of course religious buildings of all kinds of other religions to admire. Perhaps the most striking is on the Zeedijk: in the heart of Amsterdam, you can take a look inside a Buddhist temple here. Every Tuesday, a free calligraphy workshop can be attended here between 13:30 - 15:30.
6. The largest roof terrace
Science Museum NEMO is a Mecca for children. But even if you are in Amsterdam without kids, this museum is a must visit. At the top of the building you will find the largest roof terrace in Amsterdam - and yes, it is completely free. Brave the 120 steps (or take the lift...) and enjoy the unbeatable view over the city!
➸ Also read our Cityguide Amsterdam
