8 Great (Mostly) Free Things to Do in Amsterdam

It Should Be High on Your List

Amsterdam is a bustling tourist city with something for everyone. Right off the train it was clear that Amsterdam is a popular party destination. The streets were packed with jovial people and the scent of … well … a party. One thing we noticed during our stay in the Netherlands is that biking is dominant on the streets. Crossing the road meant dodging bikes, trams, buses, cars and other pedestrians. The flat topography made it easy for biking and walking and the many canals added to the pulse of the city.

8 Great (Mostly) Free Things to Do in Amsterdam

To Do in Amsterdam

Free

Put on your hiking shoes and explore these free activities

Wander through Vondelpark, which is Amsterdam’s version of Central Park. There is greenspace, walking paths and playgrounds.
Visit Bloemenmarkt, a floating market featuring tulips, bulbs and other garden decorations with nearby shops for cheese tasting and other treats
Watch the street performers in the bustling city center and Museumplein
Take a free Amsterdam walking tour (they work off tips).
Visit the Amsterdam Public Library (OBA) for an great view of the city from the top floor.

Eat a Stroopwafel. We ate at the famous van Wonderen Stroopwafels – the Dutch answer to Belgian waffles. Two thin, round waffles with a caramel syrup filling dipped in chocolate with your choice of topping. Warm and gooey right off the griddle!
Visit the Anne Frank House. Be sure to book tickets online well in advance during the busy season
Take a canal cruise to see the sights and learn some Amsterdam history.

Worth the Money

These activities are worth the spend

Tips for Visiting Amsterdam

Take a day trip to Leiden, Netherlands (free with a rail pass). We went on a windmill tour, visited De Burcht along the Rhine River for great views of the city. We ate at Dende which had a great location right on the canal with an amazing goat cheese, honey and pecan grilled focaccia sandwich. We enjoyed every minute of this quintessential European canal city with tons of charm
The intimidating number of locals on bikes made us think twice about doing bike tour or renting bikes.
Tram tickets can be bought in advance, it’s a great way to see the sites and get around town. Either single day or multi-day options exist.
Trams come frequently and an app is available to help navigate.
The Albert Heijn grocery stores in Amsterdam do not require cash.
We did not need cash in Amsterdam but we did run across a tourist store that had a 12 euro minimum for using a credit card.
You do not need to book a tour to see windmills. You can get to the popular Zaanse Schans area or Leiden with the eurail pass. The trains come frequently and no reservation is needed.