10 Best Free Things to Do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam for Budget Travelers
There are plenty of free things to do in Amsterdam if you’re traveling on a budget. This city is known for its museums, which can be costly if you haven’t done your research. You can save a lot by purchasing an “I Amsterdam City Card” which saves you money on transportation and entrance fees for selected places.
Bike rental is easy and fairly affordable in this cycle-friendly city, though exploring on foot is best for those on a budget. Wander along the concentric 17th-century canals, which are lined with quirky homes and shops. The city also has beautiful parks, where you can relax among lush scenery. Read on to discover more free things to do in Amsterdam.
1. Begijnhof
Views of 14th-century houses and beautiful gardens
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
The Begijnhof is a picturesque cluster of medieval almshouses that surround a flower-filled courtyard in central Amsterdam. This hidden square is the home of local beguines, who are Catholic women who live as nuns but aren’t bound by vows. The area has a serene atmosphere and is perfect for admiring historic architecture away from the crowds of tourists.
The lovely Begijnhof Chapel features beautiful oil paintings depicting the story of the Miracle of Amsterdam in 9 panels. Houten Huis, at Begijnhof 34, was built in 1475, making it the oldest surviving house in Amsterdam. Read more
Location: Begijnhof 1, 1012 WS Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +31 (0)20 622 1918
Begijnhof
2. Dam Square
Street performances in a photogenic public square
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Dam Square is an open-air space in front of Amsterdam’s Royal Palace (Koninklijk Palace). The public square dates back to the 13th century, and has cobblestoned pathways lined with restaurants, bars, and pubs. It’s close to notable landmarks such as the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Beurs van Berlage Hall, and New Church (Nieuwe Kerk).
Free entertainment can often be found in the middle of Dam Square as street performances and open-air concerts take place almost every day, especially in the summer. Read more
Location: Dam, 1012 RJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dam Square
3. Bloemenmarkt
Colorful tulips and daffodils at a floating market
Good for: Shoppers, Photo, Budget
Bloemenmarkt is a floating flower market located on Amsterdam’s southern Canal Belt. Since 1862, this very photogenic market has been supplying flowers to central Amsterdam. It has around 15 stalls inside a row of floating barges, where you can see a variety of flowers, including tulips, roses, daffodils, and lilies.
There are also several vendors selling gardening tools, decorations, crafts, and seeds, too. Entrance to the Bloemenmarkt is free, but you may be tempted to buy a bouquet during your visit. Read more
Location: Singel 630, 600 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 5.30 pm, Sundays from 11 am to 5.30 pm
Bloemenmarkt
4. Fo Guang Shan He Hua Temple
Free calligraphy workshops on Tuesday afternoons
Good for: Budget, Photo, Unusual
Fo Guang Shan He Hua Temple, located in Amsterdam’s Chinatown, is one of Europe’s largest Buddhist shrines. The rooftop is decorated with animals representing the Chinese Zodiac, and the main hall has an altar dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.
Also known as Zeedijk Tempel, it serves the local Buddhist community. There are several free things to do at this temple. For instance the atmosphere gets especially lively with firecrackers and traditional lion dances during Chinese New Year. On Tuesdays from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm, the temple even offers Chinese calligraphy lessons for free.
Location: Zeedijk 106 -118, 1012 BB Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 1 pm to 4.30 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Phone: +31 (0)20 420 2357
Fo Guang Shan He Hua Temple
5. Bimhuis
Free impromptu jazz sessions
Good for: Budget, Couples, Nightlife
Within an architecturally striking black box, Bimhuis hosts over 300 live jazz and improvised music concerts every year, making it one of Amsterdam’s most influential music venues. It occupies a riverfront building at Piet Heinkade 3, next to the Muziekgebouw Complex.
Every Tuesday, the Bimhuis Cafe hosts an improvisation workshop at 8 pm, followed by a jamming session at 10 pm. Both sessions are free for all to enjoy, whether you’re a budding musician or simply a fan of jazz. Read more
Location: Piet Heinkade 3, 1019 GM Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Wednesday–Monday from 6.30 pm to 1 am, Tuesday from 9 pm to 1 am
Phone: +31 (0)20 788 2150
Bimhuis
6. Westerkerk
Free bell ringing concerts to enjoy
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
The beautiful Westerkerk (Western Church) towers over Amsterdam’s city center with its 85-meter-tall bell tower. Step inside this 17th-century church, and you’ll see a grand organ above the entrance, with panels painted by Flemish painter Gerard de Lairesse.
The church serves the local Protestant community, with religious services taking place on Sundays from 10.30 am till noon. Westerkerk is typically busy on Tuesdays from midday to 1 pm, when you can enjoy free carillon concerts (a carillon is an instrument consisting of bells hung in a tower that are played via a keyboard). Read more
Location: Prinsengracht 279, 1016 DL Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Monday–Friday from 11 am to 3 pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Phone: +31 (0)20 624 7766
Westerkerk
7. Vondelpark
Open-air dance and music concerts
Good for: Couples, Families, Budget
Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s equivalent to Central Park in New York, and offers plenty of free things to do within a vast and scenic space. The park spans about 50 hectares of glorious nature, filled with flowery lawns, ponds, playgrounds, and pathways.
Families can frolic about in the park’s 6 extensive play areas, rent skateboards or bicycles, and enjoy picnics with views of the large pond. Vondelpark is particularly special in summer, when a never-ending festival vibe takes place at the Openluchttheater, an open-air theater in the middle of the park. Catch a music concert or dance show for the best free entertainment in a beautiful setting. Read more
Location: 1071 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Vondelpark
8. OBA Oosterdok - Public Library
Great views of Amsterdam from the top floor
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
The OBA Oosterdok - Public Library offers book lovers over 1 million items of reading material, most of which are in Dutch and English. Reading a book is one of the best free things to do in Amsterdam, and this particular library is a great destination for relaxing on a rainy day. It accommodates over 1,000 people, with a separate floor for temporary exhibits, reading sessions, and concerts.
The library has an onsite restaurant on the 7th floor, which has a terrace with panoramic views of Amsterdam. Occupying a riverfront building in Oosterdokskade, the Oosterdok Public Library is about 700 meters east of Amsterdam’s Centraal Station.
Location: Oosterdokskade 143, 1011 DL Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Monday–Friday from 8 am to 10 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm
Phone: +31 (0)20 523 0900
OBA Oosterdok - Public Library
9. NDSM Werf
A free ferry to an artsy waterfront
Good for: Budget, Photo, Unusual
NDSM Werf is an artsy waterfront where you can enjoy quirky art installations and workshops by local artists. From impressive wall murals to sculptures made with recycled materials, you’ll find plenty of free things to do and see at Amsterdam’s most trendy art scene.
The NDSM-Werf Museum displays artifacts dating back to between the 1920s and 1980s, when the wharf was one of the largest shipyards in the world. A free public ferry departs for NDSM Werf every day from the port behind Amsterdam Centraal Station. Read more
Location: NDSM-Plein 90C, 1033 WB Amsterdam, Netherlands
NDSM Werf
10. Rembrandtpark
Free family fun at a beautiful park
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
Rembrandtpark is a lovely city park with idyllic ponds, paved pathways, extensive playgrounds, and even a dedicated children’s discovery center. It’s located in Amsterdam West, about 1 mile northwest of Amsterdam’s largest park, Vondelpark.
Without spending much at all, a very pleasant day can be spent at Rembrandtpark, exploring the winding walking paths, meandering streams, and photogenic lakes. The park also has a children’s amusement center, where kids can learn how to build cabins, make jewelry, and even sail rafts. Read more
Location: Postjesweg, 1057 NT Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rembrandtpark
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.