7 Free things to do in Amsterdam
A visit to Amsterdam can be a budget-friendly experience. The Netherlands’ stylish capital is home to many first-rate attractions and you can have a good time here without spending too much cash. Whether you wish to explore secret gardens, visit colorful markets, or admire world-class works of art, here are our top recommendations for the best free things to do in Amsterdam.
1. Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt)
Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt is located right between Muntplein and Koningsplein. Visit this floating flower market and admire the beauty of blooms and bulbs like purple lilies, crimson tulips, and yellow daffodils. Popular with both tourists and locals, the market also houses stalls that sell everything from garden accessories to souvenir clogs.
2. Begijnhof
There are many amazing attractions in Amsterdam is Begijnhof is definitely one of them. An inner court surrounded by historic buildings, Begijnhof was hounded back in the 14th century and used to serve as home to female members of a Catholic sisterhood also known as Beguines. Nowadays, Begijnhof is an oasis of calm and picturesque place where many tourists come to visit the lovely gardens and admire the architecture of Amsterdam’s oldest surviving houses.
3. Civic Guard Gallery
Offering free entrance, the Civic Guard Gallery is a rather small but interesting museum in Amsterdam that focuses on the lives of the city’s wealthier residents in the times gone by. Expect to see Golden Age portraits and works of Rembrandt and Hals, as well as dozens of more recent portraits which include ordinary residents and local boxers and football players. The museum also displays the evolution of portrait painting in the country.
4. Vondelpark
Nature lovers visiting Amsterdam on a budget will want to pay a visit to the city’s most famous park, the beautiful Vondelpark. This 120-acre park is a fantastic place to spend a couple of hours. From a network of picturesque ponds and narrow waterways to the lovely rose garden, there is plenty to look forward to when visiting Vondelpark. In summer, the park hosts free concerts and theatrical performances.
5. Albert Cuyp Market
A visit to the Albert Cuyp Market is one of our favorite free things to do in Amsterdam. The city’s largest and most popular market, Albert Cuyp in de Pijp district boasts nearly 300 stalls selling everything from jewelry and clothing to local food delicacies like syrup waffles and raw-herring sandwiches. Here, you will also find Indian, Turkish, and Surinamese restaurants that offer reasonably priced dishes.
6. Concertgebouw’s Free Concerts
Concertgebouw is an impressive arts venue well-known for its marvelous acoustics and beautiful interior. It is home to the famous Koninklijk (Royal) Concertgebouw Orchestra and many renowned musicians have performed at the concert hall. The good news is that the venue hosts Lunchtime Concerts in the Recital Hall every Wednesday from 12:30 pm to 1 pm from September to June. Keep in mind that this free concert series is hugely popular with both tourists and locals, so it’s recommended to arrive early and find a free seat.
7. Central Library
Located just a short walk from Amsterdam’s central station, this state-of-the-art library is one of the largest in Europe. It has ten floors and attracts nearly 3 million people each year. Whether you wish to browse through the books section, try some local foods at the rooftop self-service restaurant La Place, or visit the library’s recording studio and exhibition space, there are plenty of attractions to keep you entertained throughout the day.
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