When Amsterdam’s prices skyrocket like its popularity, visiting this city could leave you broke. Here is a list of suggestions to explore the fantastic Dutch capital for free for all those who start on a limited budget!
Watch a movie under the starry sky at the Pluk de Nacht
Amsterdam offers a few free festivals (most of them during the months that mark the beginning of spring and autumn) and it becomes difficult to choose one. Most likely, the most inviting of all is the Pluk de Nacht Open Air film festival , which takes place in August on the shores of Lake IJ.
Despite an ever-increasing popularity, this festival fervently maintains its distinctive lighthearted ambiance. A picnic basket will be ideal for dining outdoors in front of a movie projected on a big screen. Dutch summers are certainly not the hottest, so bring a blanket with you as well as popcorn.
During the spring days that accompany King’s Day, the less popular event of the Aprilfeesten , a week-long fair with local music and food, will give the Nieuwmarkt neighborhood a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere.
And if you choose to travel during the winter months, fun at no cost will always keep you company, with the Amsterdam Light festival ready to light up the frozen canals with glittering art displays throughout December.
Hiking, picnicking and swimming at the Amsterdamse Bos
The Amsterdam forest is more than just a park; is a huge, lush green playground on the outskirts of the city. Let yourself be carried away by your legs: they will guide you to beautiful lakes, a rowing club and a goat farm. Don’t miss the art exhibits scattered here and there along the trails.
If the woods are too far away for your liking, don’t fret. A succulent barbecue inside the Flevopark or a day sunbathing at the open – air theater of Vondelpark (the hippy refuge of Amsterdam) will give you moments in the middle of nature next to the city center.
Guided tour of the city
You could download an app as a city guide to your mobile phone and follow its directions to get around without getting lost, but a live guide directly on site will make the difference. Guided tour associations, such as Sandeman New Amsterdam , offer city tours every day, completely free and highly informal.
Sandeman’s expert guides will accompany you through the most hidden streets, through characteristic courtyards, passing through the different cultural districts, enriching your cultural baggage with historical facts and events. Arriving early you can avoid the 3 euro commission, applied for online bookings.
Enjoy a free classical concert during lunchtime
Going to a classical music concert at the Concertgebouw may delay your schedule but at the same time you can take advantage of those 30 minutes of free session every Wednesday at 12.30, from September to June.
In addition to world-famous melodies, this free event is housed in one of the most valuable examples of neoclassical architecture in the city.
The National Opera and Ballet offers very similar performances always at lunchtime on Tuesday afternoons, from September to May.
Refresh your ideas on the ferry
The Venice of Holland cannot be fully explored without a boat ride.
You may also be lucky enough to find a friendly Amsterdamian ready to take you on a boat during the hottest days but, should this luck fail, the free ferries departing just behind Central Station are a surefire anchor.
The Buikslotermeer ferry leaves for the EYE Film Museum (which always has a free permanent exhibition) and the free-access gardens of Tolhuistuin .
If the short ride doesn’t suit your maritime vein, hop aboard the NDSM ferry for a 15-minute trip with a taste of freedom, to the NDSM wharf, once used as a shipyard and now an industrial estate besieged by artists and the media. It is the ideal place to observe the city from a different angle.
The local flavors of the Market
The best way to get a closer look at local life in action without breaking the bank is to visit one of Amsterdam’s many markets.
Among the most famous we mention the Waterlooplein flea market, the well-known Flower market and the multicultural Dappermarkt but, the Noordermarkt , remains without a doubt the most fascinating.
Located in the center of the historic Jordaan district, surrounded by narrow streets, canals and ancient trees, this vintage and foodie-friendly market makes the most of its romantic side.
With its organic Saturday products and plenty of second-hand Monday clothes, it’s the perfect place to sit on a bench and watch the citizens of Amsterdam fighting morning moods.
Discover the finds of the city
Amsterdam is one of the capitals in the world with the largest number of museums per square meter, but the Stadsarchief (where the city archives are kept), housed in an impressive brick building in Vijzelstraat, is one of the best and is also free. .
Between faded photos and private letters up to strange maps and artifacts, you can get your fill of history thanks to the permanent collection of objects, belonging to the past of this city.
The city at 360 ° from the roof of NEMO
With a small number of skyscrapers, no terrace in Amsterdam will give you the opportunity to peer into the beautiful rooftops of the buildings and the church towers ask for large sums of money for access.
From the sloping terrace of the NEMO Science Center , between the waters of the Oosterdok, a view of the dock, the Central Station and the typical VOC ships of Amsterdam during a beautiful sunny day, is something that is priceless.
Party at the Pacific Parc
Although there is a large number of clubs and bars, most of the parties inside and outside the city will be subject to charges.
The free parties scheduled every Thursday and Saturday at Pacific Parc are a high-quality exception. The bartenders are tattooed and handsome, the DJs are loyal to old-school Rock and Soul (a respite from the House music that reigns supreme in Amsterdam), and the dance floor is free to enter.
Check out more city tips on the momondo blog .
