10 Free Things to Do in Amsterdam For an Amazing Vacation!

Free Activities to Do in Amsterdam

Explore Amsterdam’s Canal Ring, Visit the Flower market (Bloemenmarkt), Visit To Rijksmuseum Garden, Explore Gassan Diamonds Tour, Visit Centrale Bibliotheek, Check Out the Red-Light District, Experience Friday Night Skates, Take a Ride on the Ferry, Explore NEMO Science Centre and Walk in Vondelpark.

Amsterdam is synonymous with canals, cafes, and of course, beautiful tulips. The capital city of the Netherlands is one of the most unique and charming places in all of Europe. Despite its small size, there is an endless amount of things to see and do in Amsterdam. From world-renowned museums to scenic parks, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city and if you are on a budget, luckily, there are a number of great options available. Explore the diverse offerings of Amsterdam and beyond by considering enticing Europe travel packages for a comprehensive and memorable journey.

There are many things to do in Amsterdam for free, especially if you are a fan of the outdoors. From taking a leisurely stroll through one of the city's numerous parks to riding a bike along the canals, there are plenty of best free things to do in Amsterdam to keep you busy without spending a dime. And, of course, don't forget to take advantage of the city's most iconic form of transportation - the ferry. Whether you want to take in the sights or just get from point A to point B, it's a great way to see Amsterdam without spending a cent. Amsterdam is also home to a number of parks and gardens, so if you want to relax and enjoy the outdoors, this is definitely the place to be.

Here are some of the best Free Activities to Do in Amsterdam:

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01

Explore Amsterdam’s Canal Ring

  • Amsterdam is home to more than 100 kilometres of canals, which were built in the 17th century as a way to transport goods and people around the city.
  • Today, the canals are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. If you want to explore the canals on your own, you can rent a boat or go on a self-guided walk tour.
  • There are also many free self-guided tours available online, which is a great way to learn about the history and architecture of the canal system.

Location:
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

Click Here to Book Now: 
Van Gogh Museum Tickets
02

Visit the Flower market (Bloemenmarkt)

  • The Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt) is the world’s only floating flower market, and it’s one of the best free things to do in Amsterdam.
  • The market dates back to 1862 when it was created as a floating market to sell flowers from Netherlands bulb fields.
  • Nowadays, the Bloemenmarkt is still a great place to buy flowers and houseplants, as well as bulbs in season.
  • The best time to visit is on a Monday when the flower growers are in attendance. But even on other days, it’s fun to stroll along the canals and sniff the roses!

Location:
Singel, 1012 DH Amsterdam, Netherlands

Timings:
Monday to Saturday - 9:00 am to 5:30 pm and Sunday - 11:30 am to 5:30 pm

Also Checkout and Book: 
Rijksmuseum Tickets
03

Visit To Rijksmuseum Garden

  • The Rijksmuseum Garden is one of the things to do in Amsterdam for free that you shouldn't miss.
  • Located in the museum district, this garden was designed by Pierre Cuypers, the same architect who designed the Rijksmuseum itself.
  • The garden features a number of statues and sculptures, including a copy of the famous "I Am Amsterdam" sculpture.
  • There's also a beautiful pond, and plenty of benches where you can sit and relax.

Location:
Museumstraat, 1071 ZC Amsterdam, Netherlands

Timings: 
9:00 am to 6:00 pm

04

Explore Gassan Diamonds Tour

  • Gassan Diamonds is one of the things to do in Amsterdam for free as it offers a free tour of their facilities, during which you'll learn all about the diamond-cutting process.
  • You'll also get to see some of the world's most famous diamonds up close, including the Hope Diamond and the Koh-i-Noor.
  • Afterwards, you can browse the on-site diamond store, where you'll find an impressive selection of loose diamonds and finished jewellery.
  • Whether you're in the market for a new piece of jewellery or just want to window shop, Gassan Diamonds is a great place to spend an hour or two.

Location:
Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat 173-175, 1011 LN Amsterdam, Netherlands

Timings: Free Tour runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Also Checkout a Detailed Guide to Visit: 
Heineken Experience Tickets

05

Visit Centrale Bibliotheek

  • The Amsterdam Public Library is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city designed by Dutch architect Jo Coenen and opened in 2007.
  • The library is open to the public and houses over 1.2 million books.
  • It is one of the best free things to do in Amsterdam where visitors can explore the various floors of the library, which offer different views of the city.
  • There is also a cafe and a roof terrace with panoramic views of Amsterdam.

Location:
Oosterdokskade 143, 1011 DL Amsterdam, Netherlands

Timings:
10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Enjoy your Time at 
Museums In Amsterdam
06

Check Out the Red-Light District

  • No visit to Amsterdam is complete without at least a walk-through of the famous Red Light District.
  • This is the part of town where prostitutes windows line the narrow canals, and though it may be a bit seedy, it's also fascinating.
  • During the day, the area is fairly safe and upbeat, with tourists and locals alike doing their shopping at the many sex shops and adult theaters.
  • At night, it does get seedier, but as long as you use common sense, you'll be fine.

Location:
De Wallen, Amsterdam

Timings:
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

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Moco Museum Tickets
Experiences In Amsterdam Explore All (7)
07

Experience Friday Night Skates

  • One of the most popular and best free things to do in Amsterdam is to join the Friday Night Skates. Every week, skaters of all levels come together to skate around the city.
  • Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, everyone is welcome to join in on the fun.
  • If you don’t have your own skates, don’t worry – there are plenty of places to rent them.
  • And if you need a little help getting started, there are free skating lessons offered before the skate begins.
  • The Friday Night Skates are a great way to see Amsterdam from a different perspective and meet new people. So put on your skates and enjoy!

Location:
Tolstraat 190, 1074 VN Amsterdam, Netherlands

Timings:
Friday: 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Explore Now: 
Things To Do In Amsterdam
08

Take a Ride on the Ferry

  • Amsterdam has an extensive canal system which is one of the city's most iconic features.
  • Visitors can take a free ride on one of the many ferries that operate throughout the day.
  • Take a free ride on one of the city's many canals. The best way to do this is by hopping on a ferry at one of the city's many quays.
  • The most central quay is located behind Centraal Station, and from here you can catch a ride to any number of destinations, including NEMO, eye Amsterdam, and the Red Light District.

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Amsterdam Canal Cruise
09

Explore NEMO Science Centre

  • NEMO Science Centre is an interactive science museum in Amsterdam dedicated to increasing public engagement with science and technology.
  • With over 250 hands-on exhibits, the museum has something for everyone.
  • Some of the highlights of the museum include the tornado simulator, the chance to be a human Guinea pig in medical experiments, and the Opportunity Lab where you can tinker with tech gadgets.
  • There is also a rooftop terrace with great views of the city. The museum also has a planetarium with shows about the solar system.

Location:
Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam, Netherlands

Timings:
10:00 am to 5:30 pm

Must Read: 
Amsterdam Nightlife
Attractions In Amsterdam Explore All (9)
Explore All (9)
10

Walk in Vondelpark

  • Vondelpark urban park is huge, spanning over 460 acres, and is one of the most popular places in the city to take a stroll, have a picnic, listen to a concert, or just enjoy some time outdoors.
  • The park is one of things to do in Amsterdam for free and also has an open-air theatre,run by the city's theatre company (De Toneelschuur), which stages performances of classic Dutch plays as well as more contemporary works.

Location:
Museumkwartier, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Timings:
9:00 am to 8:00 pm

Also Checkout and Book: 
Keukenhof Tickets

People Also Ask About Amsterdam

  1. What are the best things to do in Amsterdam with kids?

    • Visit the world-famous Anne Frank House
    • Explore the canals by boat
    • Visit the Rijksmuseum
    • Take a stroll through Vondelpark
    • Go on a chocolate tour
  2. What is Amsterdam famous for?

    Amsterdam is world-famous for its canals, museums, and red-light district. The canals are a UNESCO World Heritage site and attract crowds of tourists every year. The city is also home to the best free things to do in Amsterdam such as the Rijksmuseum, which houses some of the most famous paintings in the world. And, of course, Amsterdam's red-light district is one of the most well-known attractions in the city.
  3. What are the things to do in Amsterdam?

    There are many things to do in Amsterdam for free, including visiting the numerous museums, going on a canal cruise, taking a walking tour of the city, and exploring the Red Light District. Amsterdam is also home to a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs to choose from.
  4. Is Amsterdam worth visiting?

    Absolutely! Amsterdam is one of the most unique and beautiful cities in Europe. With its canals, cobblestone streets and historic buildings, it's easy to see why so many people fall in love with the city. In addition to its physical beauty, it is also home to the best free things to do in Amsterdam, with plenty of museums, art galleries, and music venues to keep visitors entertained.
  5. What are the best activities and attractions in Amsterdam that you can book via Thrillophilia?

    The following are the best attractions and activities in Amsterdam that you can book via Thrillophilia:
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Excellent
Europe is a good destination place where you can spend your honeymoon or a family vacation abroad, and it was truly fantastic. Thrillophilia greatly organized this tour accordingly to the needs of the travelers, Also appreciated the fast response times towards our queries, We enjoyed the hotel choices as we leave it to Thrillophilia to arranged everything for us and its turns out that all selection of hotels was excellent, Foods were surprisingly so delicious, We had a great time and good memories at each place we visited. All sightseeing was incredible and super beautiful with their views, architecture, culture, art, etc... We really enjoyed the Cologne Boat Ride and never forget the excursion to Mt Titlis. Our tour guide in Amsterdam was very informative, friendly, and experienced shared with us a great history of the place in a very interesting way. This is the tour that you won't regret.
31 January 2020
Excellent
Must visit places for every art lover.
31 January 2020
Excellent
Best museum I have ever seen! We got a direct entry and had a great experience.
31 January 2020
Sushil Kocchar Efteling Park Tickets
Excellent
Amazing place! My children loved it. The rides were very good and we enjoyed a lot.
31 January 2020
Excellent
Best day out of our Amsterdam Tour. Everything was so good. The transfer was very comfortable.
05 May 2020
Excellent
Visiting Giethoorn was one in a kind experience and a memorable one too. The guide that accompanied us was very informative and friendly. I and my children personally liked the Boat tour in Giethoorn which came included in the package
05 May 2020
Excellent
The guide we had while availing the tour was very knowledgeable. he informed us all about the place. He was friendly enough to answer all our questions and the stories he had for all of us made the walking tour interesting. We shared a laugh or two as well.
05 May 2020
Excellent
A perfect Amsterdam Red Light District walking tour. everyone should look forward to availing while in amsterdam. We went past all the places including Oude Kerk which made the tour perfect one. Having small group size made the tour personalised.
05 May 2020
Excellent
A perfect Amsterdam Red Light District walking tour. everyone should look forward to availing while in amsterdam. We went past all the places including Oude Kerk which made the tour perfect one. Having small group size made the tour personalised.
Superb
From the begining of the tour from the airport we received with a warm welcome, the tour start and we are very excited, the tour manager was very communicative and informative plus helpful, The accommodations were amazing with nice service and hospitalities, the foods were good qualities, sightseeing was incredible, breathtaking and unforgettable. The activities were fun and exciting... The entire experience worth the money we spend... Wow... this is what we are expecting and it satisfying us with everything.

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