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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 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.
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 14/15th April 2012 - expect it to be pretty busy.
Museumkaart - An investment of €39.95 (or €19.95 if you are 18 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 Huis Marseille 0-17 Hermitage 0-16 Nieuwe Kerk 0-15 Bags & Purses 0-12 Biblical Museum 0-12 Diamond Museum 0-12 Jewish Historical 0-12 FOAM Photography 0-11 Anne Frank House 0-9 Dutch Resistance Museum 0-6 | Tropenmuseum
0-5 Amsterdam 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 Maritime Museum-4 Ons' Lieve Heer Op Solder 0-4 Royal Palace DAM 0-4 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. The ferry ride to NDSM wharf takes 15 minutes and will give you another perspective on the city.
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: 10th
January 2012 |
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Westerkerk - Church at Prinsengracht 281 (near the Anne Frank House) which holds free organ concerts every Friday at 1300 between April and October.
Muziektheater – Free lunchtime concert in the foyer every Tuesday at 1230. Usually a high quality concert performed by members of either Opera Studio, the Netherlands Opera or the Dutch Philharmonic orchestra.
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.
Also check out Cheap Things To Do in Amsterdam (for under 5 euros)