Free things to do in Amsterdam in 2025
How to explore Amsterdam on a budget?
Free things to do in Amsterdam
Explore Amsterdam without spending a cent!
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most unique and vibrant cities, offering a mix of history, art, nature, and modern culture. It isn’t the priciest city in Europe, but it’s not the cheapest either. Luckily, the Dutch are known for being smart with money, so it’s easy to find fun things to do for free. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of free activities in Amsterdam. Explore cool spots, have a good time, and save some Euros along the way!
1. Museums with free entry in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has over 70 museums covering art, science, history, and culture. Most museums in Amsterdam charge for entry, but some of them offer free access.
VAN GOGH MUSEUM: It is a top spot for tourists. Usually, you need a ticket, but if you’re under 18, you can get in free. However, you still need to book a ticket with a start time.
RIJKSMUSEUM: See Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. This renowned museum offers free entry to visitors aged 18 and under.
RIJKSMUSEUM GARDENS: The gardens, featuring sculptures and installations, are free to visit daily from 9:00 to 18:00.The gardens are only accessible during summer.
AMSTERDAM CITY ARCHIVES: The archives host free exhibitions showcasing the city’s history.
If you’re into modern and street art, check out these two:
STEDELIJK MUSEUM: This modern and contemporary art museum is located at Museumplein. It displays works by renowned artists such as Kandinsky, Chagall, and Warhol. You can visit for free if you are under 19 years old.
NIEUW DAKOTA: This contemporary art space offers free entry on the last Thursday of each month.
*Please note that museums’ policies can change. Also, free days often bring large crowds, making sightseeing difficult. For a smoother experience, consider our bundle deals with an Amsterdam cruise and museum visits!
2. Free ferry rides
You can get a free ferry ride in Amsterdam. The GVB ferries that cross the IJ River are free and run all day, every day. The ferries depart from behind Amsterdam Central Station and connect the city center with Amsterdam Noord. Popular routes include ferries to Buiksloterweg and NDSM Wharf, known for street art and creative vibe. A ferry ride offers great views of the water and city skyline. It’s a fun and easy way to explore a different side of Amsterdam without any cost involved.
Amsterdam for free? Perfect! Canal cruise without crowds for a little extra? Definitely worth it!
We have the best Amsterdam canal tour deals!
Drinks & appetizers
Classic Cruise
Enjoy panoramic views on a cruise along the Amsterdam canals. Sail past the Anne Frank House, the Old Harbor, and the Golden Bend, part of the city where the wealthy citizens, such as mayors, lived. See the replica of the East Indiaman ship docked by the Maritime Museum. Your host and your skipper will tell you about the city and you can add snacks and drinks for the full experience.
VIP experience
Private Cruise
Relax and join your skipper on a private cruise while taking in beauty and culture from Amsterdam’s canals. Beverages such as local beer, local wine, and soft drinks are available in unlimited capacity. Enjoy the exclusivity of having a personal skipper who will accommodate your requests and curiosities. Secure your luxury canal cruise Amsterdam tickets now and experience the Netherlands’ capital like a local!
3. Relax in gardens and parks
VONDELPARK
It is the city’s most famous park, where you can relax, people-watch, or catch a free performance at the Open Air Theatre during the summer. It also features public art, including a sculpture by Picasso.
AMSTERDAMSE BOS
A large forest park on the city’s edge, you can walk or bike through scenic trails, visit a goat farm for free, or swim and picnic by the water.
WESTERPARK
It combines green space with culture. It is a great place for relaxing, attending local events, or just enjoying the surroundings.
SARPHATIPARK
If you’re in the De Pijp neighborhood, Sarphatipark is a peaceful place for a stroll.
ARTISPLEIN
Animal lovers visiting Amsterdam have a charming surprise waiting for them that won’t cost a thing. Just outside the Groote Museum, the Artisplein offers free access to a peaceful public square that’s part of the ARTIS Zoo complex. From here, you can catch a clear view of the zoo’s pink flamingos, along with a few other animals in nearby enclosures. It’s a relaxing spot to sit, enjoy the atmosphere, and watch the animals without needing a zoo ticket.
4. Explore Amsterdam’s colorful street markets
Amsterdam is home to several lively street markets where you can experience the local vibe without spending, unless you want to. Even if you don’t buy anything, these markets are fun for watching people and seeing local life. They’re also a good place to learn about Dutch culture and enjoy the atmosphere.
ALBERT CUYP MARKET IN DE PIJP
It is Amsterdam’s largest and busiest street market, open six days a week (closed Sundays) all year round. You can choose from fresh produce, fish, fruits, clothes, and electronics. It’s also a top spot for street food from around the world.
WATERLOOPLEIN FLEA MARKET
Amsterdam’s oldest and most iconic flea market, located near the Jewish Quarter. It’s open Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays. You’ll find vintage clothes, antiques, second-hand books, and all kinds of unique items.
BLOEMENMARKT
Located on the Singel Canal, it is Amsterdam’s famous floating flower market. It’s open every day and sits on floating platforms. You can see many flowers and plants, like tulips, roses, and lilies. It’s a great spot for photos.
NOORDERMARKT
It is located in Jordaan, one of Amsterdam’s most charming neighborhoods, and is a popular local spot. It hosts a vintage and antiques market every Monday and an organic farmers’ market every Saturday.
DAPPERMARKT
Located in Amsterdam East, it is a multicultural market loved by locals. It features stalls with clothes, fabrics, and food from around the world. It’s less touristy and more authentic.
5. Visit diamond factories
Amsterdam has a long history in the diamond trade and industry.
You can visit several diamond factories in Amsterdam for free. See the diamond-cutting process and learn about Amsterdam’s diamond history. You can also view real diamonds up close without the obligation to buy.
- Gassan Diamonds offers free daily tours in multiple languages with live demonstrations. Visitors can watch diamond cutting in action, learn about the 400-year-old tradition, and explore the showroom.
- Royal Coster Diamonds, near the Van Gogh Museum, offers free diamond factory tours. Visitors can see working diamond polishers in action. It’s the oldest still-operating diamond-polishing factory in the world. Highlights include the Royal 201, a replica of the Koh-I-Noor, and a large diamond collection.
- Amsterdam Diamond Center (near Dam Square) is a walk-in showroom that is free to enter. View a wide selection of loose diamonds, engagement rings, and fine jewelry. Staff are available to explain diamond quality and cuts if you’re interested.
6. Enjoy free live music in Amsterdam
Amsterdam offers plenty of ways to enjoy live music without spending a cent. One of the most popular is the free lunchtime concerts at Concertgebouw, held most Wednesdays from September to June. These short classical performances take place in the beautiful Recital Hall, but seats fill up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early. If you’re into jazz or improvisation, check out the free Tuesday night sessions at Bimhuis. These jazz sessions feature up-and-coming talent and sometimes surprise guests, all in one of Amsterdam’s top jazz venues.
During the summer months, head to Vondelpark Openluchttheater, an open-air stage in the park’s center. From June to September, you can enjoy free concerts, dance shows, and theater performances on weekends. Another spot worth checking is Tolhuistuin in Amsterdam North. This venue often hosts free music events and smaller live performances. Just check their calendar for a list of upcoming shows. If you wish to hear organ music played on a church organ that is almost 300 years old, then visit De Waalse Kerk. The free concert takes place every second Tuesday of the month. As you explore the city, you’ll often hear live music from street performers. Popular spots include Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, and Museumplein. These free, spontaneous performances, especially in spring and summer, add to Amsterdam’s lively and artistic vibe.
*It is advisable to verify the schedule and entry details before visiting.
Combine city sightseeing and dining on our Amsterdam canal cruises!
T&T Certified & selected for you!
Fine dining
Dinner Cruise
Experience the city's charm on our Dinner Cruise Amsterdam, where you’ll enjoy a 4-course dinner while sailing through the city’s canals. This canal cruise offers views of famous landmarks like the Anne Frank House, all from the comfort of a luxurious boat. Plus, with our skip-the-line access, you can maximize your time sightseeing in the city center. Whether it's a romantic evening or a special occasion, this is the perfect way to combine fine dining with sightseeing in Amsterdam.
Cozy & peaceful
Night Cruise
Book the Amsterdam Night Cruise and experience the vibrant atmosphere of illuminated landmarks and waterways. This evening cruise of Amsterdam's canals takes you through Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Singel. You'll pass recognizable landmarks such as Westerkerk, Haarlemmersluis, and EYE. Make a wish as you pass under the historic bridge of Blauwbrug, or kiss your sweetheart under the Skinny Bridge.
7. Join free festivals and events
Amsterdam hosts an impressive lineup of free festivals and events throughout the year. There’s usually something happening almost every month. The festive season typically begins in mid-April and runs all the way through to January.
King’s Day, celebrated on April 27, is one of the biggest events when the city explodes in orange and bursts with parties and celebrations. Other popular events include Queer & Pride, and Open Monument Day Amsterdam. This year, National Windmill Day takes place on the 10th and 11th of May. Grachtenfestival in August offers classical music and jazz along the canals. Amsterdam Light Festival usually occurs in late November to January. During the festival, the city is illuminated with many light art installations. One of the highlights at the start of the year is National Tulip Day, held every January. To mark the beginning of tulip season, Dutch growers create a massive temporary garden on Dam Square featuring around 200,000 tulips. Visitors are welcome to enter the picking garden and pick their free tulips.
Experience Amsterdam on a canal cruise!
Our Amsterdam cruises offer the best way to see the city’s iconic sights. From Anne Frank House and the Skinny Bridge to the Red Light District and NEMO Science Museum, you can explore it all from the comfortable seats!