Free things to do in Amsterdam

On a budget? You can still enjoy Amsterdam! While the Dutch capital is home to some very expensive attractions, there are also a number of free activities in Amsterdam that you’re sure to love. Check out our list of what to do in Amsterdam for free!

Visit the Rijksmuseum Gardens

The gardens at the Rijksmuseum are always free and are definitely worth a look. These sprawling, manicured lawns have plenty of shady spots where you can relax and enjoy a picnic. In the summer months, a temporary sculpture exhibition is set up, allowing even budget-conscious travellers to enjoy a taste of the city’s famous art.

Chill out at Artisplein

You’ll pay to go into the Artis Zoo, but it’s free to sit and relax in the open-air Artisplein. This is one of the most gorgeous spots in town to chill out. Sit beside the gentle water fountain and enjoy the pleasant views of the flamingo pond and the dinosaur sculptures on the other side of the fence.

Check out underground Amsterdam at the NDSM Wharf

When Amsterdam’s shipyards closed in the 1980s, the abandoned warehouses of the NDSM Wharf became a playground for alternative types. Graffiti artists, punks, hippies and skaters flocked here in their droves, with many setting up squats. In the 21st century, the area has been heavily renovated, but it retains that alternative charm. The STRAAT Museum, dedicated to street art and graffiti, charges an entrance fee, but everyone can admire the enormous Anne Frank mural on its exterior walls. Other attractions in this area include a regular monthly flea market, some open-air exhibitions and festivals in the summer months.

Hop on the ferry

Canal cruises can be expensive, and private boat rental will bring a tear to your eyes – but you can still experience Amsterdam by water without spending a cent. The city’s ferries, used by both commuters and visitors, are totally free. The short hop from Centraal Station to Buiksloterweg is a fun, unusual way to travel, while the 15-minute trip to the NDSM wharf gives you enough time to do a spot of onboard sightseeing, too.

Enjoy nighttime views of the canals

Taking a great photo costs nothing, and it’ll give you a souvenir to remember your holiday for years to come. For some of the best evening views in Amsterdam, heat to the Groenburgwal Canal. Looking north from the Staalmeestersbrug bridge, you have a beautiful, evocative view of the Zuiderkerk church tower in the distance. Alternatively, go to the charming wooden Magere Brug drawbridge, which spans the Amstel River. At night, it’s lit up by 1,000 lightbulbs and makes a perfect backdrop for some great Amsterdam photos.

Get great views at the Science Museum

The NEMO Science Museum keeps its roof terrace free, making it a great spot for budget-conscious travellers who want to admire the views. This panoramic terrace is fitted with a number of benches and offers some wonderful views across the city’s docklands. There’s also an interactive exhibition about renewable energy, which is worth a visit if you’re interested.

Pose at the I Amsterdam sign

You’re sure to have seen people on social media taking pictures with the iconic red and white I Amsterdam sign! This is free, but it can be hard to track down nowadays. It stood in Museumplein until 2018 when it was removed as locals were getting upset by the sheer volume of selfie stick-wielding tourists. Today, it is a mobile exhibition popping up around the city to encourage visitors to check out lesser-known corners of Amsterdam.

Learn about the world of cannabis

Amsterdam is famous for its coffee shop cannabis culture – but the city’s relationship to the herb goes far deeper than that. The Cannabis College is a non-profit organisation dedicated to dispelling myths about cannabis and educating the public. Inside, you’ll find information about how cannabis and hemp are used in settings that range from recreational to industrial or medicinal. Pop into the basement while you’re there, and you can admire an enormous organic cannabis garden. Don’t try to pick any leaves, though!

Browse the stalls at the Albert Cuyp market

Even if you’re not buying anything, the country’s largest street market is worth visiting. The Albert Cuyp market opens six days a week, from Monday to Saturday, selling food and local produce, as well as a wealth of other items. Souvenir hunters can pick up a wheel of artisan cheese or a pair of wooden clogs, and those who just want to have a look around and see what’s on offer are more than welcome.

Play with cats onboard a boat

The Poezenboot, or cat boat, is ideal for anyone who loves cats. This floating cat sanctuary is set in a traditional houseboat. Today, it houses stray and abandoned cats and is open to visitors who want to show them some love. The Pozenboot is only open from 1 PM to 3 PM Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It is free to enter, but donations to keep this floating sanctuary alive are encouraged.

Learn more about the Red Light District

A stroll through Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District is free – although, of course, many visitors end up spending a lot of money here! One of the most interesting corners of the Red Light District is the free-to-enter Prostitute Information Centre. Open 12:00 – 5:00 PM Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, this mini-museum takes a look at the industry from the point of view of the sex workers and is well worth a visit to learn more.

Visit the Vondelpark

Amsterdam’s green lung, the Vondelpark, is an excellent way to spend a few hours. It’s particularly popular in the summer months when there are often open-air performances of music, dance and theatre, many of which are free to watch. Spend some time exploring it, checking out the tearoom, playgrounds and even the remarkable sculpture by Pablo Picasso.