In this article, I present 4 totally free activities to make the most of your stay in Amsterdam and soak up its cultural essence to the full.
Live like a local and discover the authenticity of the city through free activities that will give you a unique perspective of this lively city.
If you're looking for a unique local adventure, you'll love taking on the role of an Amstelloden for these activities.
Free activities in Amsterdam: article summary
Markets as a free activity
If you're looking for the local experience, the markets are the place to be!
The northern market
A favorite of our customers who have booked a guided tour with us.
A gourmet's paradise, the Noodermarkt on Jordaan presents the region's finest organic produce every Saturday.
It's not cheap, but everything is top quality. Amstellodammers stroll here on Saturday mornings to find their fruit and vegetables, of course, but not only that! Local specialties include:
- Cheese
- Herring sandwiches
- From stroopwafels
- Poffertjes
Other treats you'll have the chance to discover are also available on site!
The Albert Cuyp market
Slightly more touristy, it's still Amsterdam's busiest market, with 300 different exhibition stands.
If you're looking for a souvenir made in Amsterdam, this is the place to go!
If you visit only one market during your stay, do so at the Cuyp. Open since 1905, it is a unique place where you can also find :
- Meat
- Fish
- Fruits and vegetables
- Clothes
- Jewelry
It's well worth a stroll just to soak up the atmosphere. If you're feeling peckish, try roast chicken or herring. However, stroopwafels will do the trick for those with a sweet tooth.
Don't miss the intersection of Rue Albert Cuypstraat and Rue Eerste Van der Helststraat, which is packed with cafés, bars and trendy boutiques.
Visit the Museumplein
The most important museums in the museum-rich city of Amsterdam are located on the square. Museumplein.
Amsterdam's largest square is bordered by excellent museums such as :
- Visit Rijksmuseum
- Visit Van Gogh Museum
- The Stedelijk Museum
- Visit Moco Museum
The square was rebuilt in 1999 by Swedish landscape architect Sven-Ingvar Andersson. It is used for events such as festivals, celebrations and demonstrations.
Free activities in Amsterdam: visit the Negen
The 9 streets are transverse streets connecting Heren, Keizers and Prinsengracht. They were built at the end of the Golden Age because the old town didn't offer enough space for all kinds of activities.
The 9 streets were literally bursting at the seams with commerce, crafts and culture, and in 2024 this is still the case.
Here you'll find numerous craft businesses and a variety of specialty stores. The 9 streets form a unique shopping area in the Netherlands and the center of Amsterdam's canals, where many monumental buildings can still be admired.
Construction of this area dates back to the first half of the 17th century. Would you like to find out more about the canal belt and its origins? Visit the article I wrote on the subject!
The ferry & Amsterdam Nord
Amsterdam's free ferry system is an essential part of the city's transport system.
Every day, it enables pedestrians, cyclists and mopeds to cross the River IJ on their way to Amsterdam-Noord.
There are two main routes: The most popular, to Buiksloterweg, takes less than five minutes and drops you off practically at the foot of the A'DAM tower, with its panoramic skydeck, and the EYE Film Institute.
The other, 15 minutes away, leads to NDSM, a former industrial shipyard transformed into one of the city's trendiest districts. Dozens of cafés and bars line the waterfront, including Pllek, which boasts a real sandy beach. STRAAT, the new street art and graffiti museum, is also located here.
Many free activities await you in Amsterdam. During your stay, don't hesitate to try them all!
What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Amsterdam guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Amsterdam guide!
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