AmsterdamTips.com
Insider Tips, Travel Guides for Amsterdam Tourists & Expats
Insider Tips, Travel Guides for Amsterdam Tourists & Expats
Netherlands is not generally renowned for having lots of free things to do - normally you have to pay your way, even when 'spending a penny'! Compared to say London, England which has many public museums and exhibitions open for free entry, Amsterdam is a little bit lacking in this area. |
The Dutch tend to be quite a thrifty and commercially minded lot - but are delighted to grab a freebie or bargain whenever they can.
So if you are a little strapped for euros then here are a few suggestions on enjoying some of the city’s free offerings…
Museums
Most museums in Amsterdam require an entrance fee. However once a year in the springtime you can get into many Dutch museums for free. The next Museumweekend will run on 4th / 5th April 2009 and 10th / 11th April 2010 - expect it to be pretty busy though.
Alternatively invest in a Museumkaart (€35 or €17.50 if you are 23 or under) which will give you free entry to hundreds of museums in Netherlands over 12 months. You can buy the card at major museums.
Free Old Masters Paintings - Schiphol airport has a small Rijksmuseum gallery between piers E and F on Holland Boulevard. Open every day between 0700 and 2000, the exhibition changes every few months.
Amsterdam’s Historisch Museum also has a free gallery (Schuttersgallerij) open to the public. Located at Kalverstraat / St Luciensteeg.
OBA - Amsterdam’s Public Library
A great place to hang out, Europe’s biggest public library has international newspapers and magazines to read, a cafe, restaurant and fine views overlooking Amsterdam on the top floor. More info here: OBA Library Amsterdam
Walking
Amsterdam is a small enough city to enjoy on foot. You can easily spend the whole day exploring the canals and side streets. Check out the flower market on the Singel (ok, a bit touristy) or find your way to the Begijnhof, a quiet courtyard garden near Spui originally inhabited by nuns.
Our favourite Amsterdam areas are the Jordaan, the Museum Quarter, de Pijp and the Amstel. Do watch out for trams and the 'kamikaze' cyclists.
Check out our Amstel to De Pijp Walk
and Amsterdam Central to Java Eiland Walk
Free Concerts
There is a free classical concert at the Concertgebouw small auditorium (kleine zaal) every Wednesday at 12:30pm. This is located near Museumplein.
The striking MuziekGebouw aan't Ij holds free lunch concerts showcasing young musical talent. Held on a Tuesday at 12.30pm in the grote zaal (main hall) around once a month. You also get a 10% discount at the Star ferry cafe-restaurant down the stairs.
Various free open air concerts are held in Vondelpark during the summer months.
During Amsterdam’s annual cultural festival (UitMarkt, held in August) there are many free performances around the city.
Other Freebies
Take the free public ferry from the back of Amsterdam Centraal Station to Amsterdam North. The journey does not take very long but you can at least get out on the open water for another perspective of the city.
In small food shops you can always ask for a free sample of cheese to taste. Some of the bigger supermarkets (eg Albert Heijn) have a free coffee machine and offer other free samples on occasion.
Amsterdam: On The Cheap > Free Things To Do