Free Things to Do in Amsterdam

Ferries, water and walks

The GVB ferries behind Amsterdam Centraal are free for pedestrians and cyclists, and they are the best budget trip in the city. The crossing to Buiksloterweg takes only a few minutes, and the longer ride to NDSM Wharf gives you a proper look at the harbour. NDSM is a former shipyard with street art, converted warehouses and cafes. It is worth an hour or two even if you do nothing else in Noord.

Note that the ferries are for people and bikes: they do not carry cars. Check the current timetable on the GVB site, as services and frequencies differ by line and time of day. If you want a deeper plan for the north side, see our transport guide for how the ferries fit with trams and the metro.

• The ferry is free; any cafe or exhibition at NDSM is not.
• Walk the canal belt for free: the Jordaan, the Nine Streets and the stretch around the Prinsengracht are all open to everyone.
• Bring a rain jacket in all seasons; Amsterdam weather changes fast.

Parks, courtyards and gardens

Vondelpark is Amsterdam's best-known city park and has free entry. There are paths, ponds, playgrounds and cafes along the way, and it suits an unhurried hour or two. Bring your own picnic if you want to keep costs low.

The Begijnhof, a small courtyard of historic houses near the Spui, is free to enter. It is a residential site, so keep your voice low, do not photograph residents, and follow the signs. Opening hours can change, so confirm them if the visit matters to your plan.

The gardens outside the Rijksmuseum are also free to enter, and you can see outdoor sculpture without a museum ticket. The Rijksmuseum has been developing a new sculpture garden next door, so access arrangements may change; check the museum's website before planning a visit around it. For the museum itself, see our Rijksmuseum guide.

Libraries, music and culture

OBA Oosterdok, the central public library near Centraal Station, is free to enter and open to everyone. It is a good place to get out of the weather, charge a phone and have a coffee with a view. Its rooftop terrace is reported closed from November to March, so the view is a seasonal bonus.

The Concertgebouw offers free lunchtime concerts every week except in July and August. They are free, but you need a ticket: you can order up to a week in advance, with a limit of two tickets per person. The programme ranges from conservatory ensembles to public rehearsals. Check the official calendar for the current date and hall.

ARTIS's Artisplein, the square in front of the zoo, can be visited for free every day from 07:00 to 23:30 according to the zoo's website. Entry to the zoo, Micropia and the Groote Museum is separate and paid. See our ARTIS guide for the ticketed side.

Markets and street life

Browsing is free at the Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp, which is generally open Monday to Saturday from morning to late afternoon. Walk the length of the street, watch the stall holders and decide whether you want a stroopwafel, some fruit or a fresh herring. You pay only for what you buy.

The floating flower market on the Singel is also free to wander. It is more tourist-oriented than the Albert Cuyp, and many stalls sell souvenirs and bulbs, so go for the look of it rather than to find bargains. If you are buying bulbs to take home, check your own country's plant import rules first.

Free seasonal events

Some of the best free things in Amsterdam only happen at certain times of year. Dates below come from the organisers and are listed on our events pages; check the official source before travelling.

The Amsterdam Light Festival runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. The walking route is free; boat tours need a ticket. Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam on Sunday 15 November 2026, and watching from the street is free. The Museumplein Christmas Market runs from 3 to 27 December 2026 with free entry, while ice skating and the Winter Paradise at RAI are paid. New Year's Eve on 31 December is free to join on the street, but parties and dinners require tickets.

In spring and summer, King's Day on Tuesday 27 April 2027 fills the streets with free celebrations, and the Pride Canal Parade on Saturday 7 August 2027 is free to watch from the quay. See our events calendar for everything in one place, including the Light Festival, Sinterklaas, Christmas markets, King's Day and Amsterdam Pride.

What is not really free

Several things are marketed as free but cost money in practice. Free walking tours are usually tip-based, and a guide will expect a fair payment at the end. Free museum days are rare, and the major museums are ticketed even if some admit children under 18 without charge, so check the age rules and still book a time slot where one is required.

City passes such as the I amsterdam City Card can save money if you plan many paid visits, but they are not free, and it makes sense to add up your own list first. If your budget is tight, a good day can combine a ferry, a park, a market, a library and one paid highlight. See our first-time visitors guide for how to choose that highlight.