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Free Things To Do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is not generally renowned for having many free things to do for visitors - normally you have to pay your way, even when 'spending a penny'! The Dutch tend to be quite a thrifty and commercially-minded lot. So if you are a little strapped for euros then here are a few suggestions on enjoying some of the city’s free offerings… |
Free Museums / Exhibits
Nearly every museum in Amsterdam requires an entrance fee. However, there are a few places with free exhibitions:
Schuttersgalerij - This is the "Civic Guards' Gallery" at the Amsterdam Historic Museum on Kalverstraat / St Luciensteeg. This small gallery is freely open to the public and you can take in some old Dutch masters paintings. Open Mon-Fri 1000-1700, weekends 1100-1700.
Stadsarchief - The city archive at Vijzelstraat 32 is open to the public and often holds free exhibitions in its main hall. The building dates from the 1920s but was recently renovated - have a look at the impressive glass roof. Open Tue-Fri 1000-1700, weekends 1100-1700.
 | Melkweg Foto-Galerie - Melkweg is an arts venue / club near Leidseplein. The Melkweg cafe at Marnixstraat 409 has a photo gallery open to the public (free entry, open Wed-Sun 1300-2000) which hosts an interesting monthly photo exhibition. |
Rijksmuseum Schiphol - If you are flying out of Amsterdam's Schiphol airport you can visit the Rijksmuseum gallery between piers E and F on Holland Boulevard. Entrance is free and the gallery is open daily between 0700-2000. The exhibition is changed every few months. Note, it is on the non-Schengen side - so you can't get access if flying to a Euro Schengen country.
Hollandsche Schouwburg - Striking building on Plantage Middenlaan (number 24) which used to be a theatre between 1892 and 1942. During WW2 it was used as a deportation centre for Jews. It is now a war memorial - the upper floor houses an exhibition on the persecution of the Jews in Netherlands. Entrance is free, open daily 1100-1600.
Museum Haven - Next to the NEMO Science museum is the open museum harbour - containing around 20 restored ships - many around a hundred years old. The public can freely walk around the harbour front. Museumhaven, Oosterdok 12.
Museumweekend - This is an annual event when museums in Netherlands open their doors to the public and many special activities take place. The next Museumweekend will run on 2nd / 3rd April 2011 - expect it to be pretty busy.
Museumkaart - An investment of €39.95 (or €22.45 if you are 24 or under) for a museum card will get you free entry (over 1 year) into 400 museums in Netherlands. This includes many of the major Amsterdam museums. If you plan long or multiple stays in Netherlands the card can save you a significant amount of money.
Amsterdam museums giving free entry to children (+ age range):
| Rijksmuseum
0-18 Van Gogh Museum 0-17 Tropenmuseum 0-17 Huis Marseille 0-17 Hermitage 0-15 Nieuwe Kerk 0-15 Bags & Purses 0-12 Biblical Museum 0-12 Diamond Museum 0-12 FOAM Photography 0-12 Jewish Historical 0-12 | Anne
Frank House 0-9 Dutch Resistance Museum 0-6 Amsterdam Historic Museum 0-5 Rembrandt House 0-5 Gevlinck-Hinlopen House 0-5 Van Loon House 0-5 Willet-Holthuysen House 0-5 Olympic Experience Amsterdam 0-4 Ons' Lieve Heer Op Solder 0-4 (5-17 pay €1) Allard Pierson 0-3 NEMO Science Museum 0-3 |
Other Freebies
City Beach / Panorama - In the summer months the Nemo Science museum has a panorama terrace on its roof with deckchairs. Access is free - you just need to climb up the steps. It's a good spot to lounge around and enjoy the view of the Museum Haven and surrounds.
OBA Amsterdam’s Public Library - A great place to hang out on a rainy day. Europe’s biggest public library has international newspapers and magazines to read, free internet terminals and a cafe / panorama terrace with fine views overlooking Amsterdam. More info here: OBA Library Amsterdam
Walking - Amsterdam is a small enough city to enjoy on foot - without the need for spending on public transport tickets. You can easily spend the whole day exploring the canals and side streets. Check out a couple of our self-guided Amsterdam short walks:
Amsterdam Central to Java Island Walk
Free Ferry - Jump on one of the free GVB ferries at the back of central station. They hop over to Amsterdam North side - there's not too much going on there - but it's good to get out on the open water and see Amsterdam from a different perspective.
Free Concerts
Amsterdam is certainly a city of arts and culture. Whilst concert tickets are not cheap (prices usually start at about €20) it is possible to attend regular free concerts in different venues.
MuziekGebouw aan't Ij - This is a theatre on the Ij waterfront (not far from central station) with striking modern design. It holds a free lunchtime concert once a month (on a Tuesday at 1230) to showcase young classical music talent.
MuziekGebouw Lunch Concert Dates: September 21st 2010 |
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Westerkerk - Church at Prinsengracht 281 (near the Anne Frank House) which holds free organ concerts every Friday at 1300.
Concertgebouw - Holds a free classical concert every Wednesday at 1230 between September and June. This theatre is located near Museumplein.
Vondelpark - Holds free concerts and performances at its open-air theatre podium. The program runs during the summer months (June to August) on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays.
UitMarkt - Amsterdam’s annual cultural festival held in August. You will find many free performances on stages around the city. Next UitMarkt: August 27th – 29th 2010.
Also check out Cheap Things To Do in Amsterdam (for under 5 euros)