Seek and find
38 X free things to do in Amsterdam: with these tips you won't be bored
This is what you can see and do for free in Amsterdam
Amsterdam isn't a cheap city, but there are plenty of things you can do for free. Perfect if, for whatever reason, you don't want to spend any money but still feel like getting out and about. Amsterdam is also incredibly fun even if your wallet is empty. You just have to see the city through different eyes. Appreciate things you might otherwise overlook. We've compiled the best things to do for free in Amsterdam. Completely free! Visitors to Amsterdam love these tips, but every Amsterdammer should try them too. Have fun!
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
The most important things to do are done by the community through this Nederland and in Amsterdam?
The May holidays have begun, and that means: quality time with the kids. From creative workshops and fun playgrounds to new museums, kid-friendly festivals, and adventures in nature.
On 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲, you will find two comprehensive guides with more than 50 tips! Believe me, you won't be bored anymore ;-).
Take all tips via the line in my bio. Have fun!
I'm curious: what do you have planned for this holiday?
PS: We are doing a road trip from Barcelona to Valencia this year and you can travel along via stories.
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝟲, 𝟭𝟳, 𝟭𝟴 & 𝟭𝟵
Your Amsterdam weekend, sorted. 🖤
Baby lambs, spring markets, new restaurant openings and more events not to miss, this week's Amsterdam Weekend Guide is packed.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 81 tips straight to your DMs.
Have fun making plans!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
| PS: Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in the Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
PUUR YONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer.
Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese.
I spent the whole evening reading and flipping through the pages.
WHAT A BOOK.
What stories.
WHAT AN ODE.
Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being.
Everything passes by, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert.
With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043.
Thanks for the lovely afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚
PURE JONNIE,
From 14 April
at your local bookstore
(and online)
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢
@tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality.
It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3.
In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds.
Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
{ one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟵, 𝟭𝟬, 𝟭𝟭 & 𝟭𝟮
This is one of those weekends that's packed with cool events!
Catch the last cherry blossoms, hunt for vintage treasures or feast on oysters.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 71 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… vintage, culture, markets or a new hotspot?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in the Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲́ 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆?
@eetcafe_de_reiger is the spot to remember.
Cozy, casual, and a seasonal menu. This one was on my list to share for a year and finally it's (almost) asparagus season again! 🤤
Another plus? Prices are very reasonable here!
📍 Eetcafé de Reiger
Jordaan, Amsterdam City Centre
Save this spot for when you're craving warm Dutch traditional dishes in the heart of Amsterdam.
And did you hear the same team took over Eetcafé van Beeren? I can't wait to go there too!
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
A cookbook from Grandma. Three Michelin stars. And a beautiful 70s villa in a quiet neighborhood in Bangkok, where you are welcomed as if you were at the chefs' home.
The Sühring brothers do not cook based on trends; they cook from memories. Of their grandmother's farm, of the flavors of their youth in Germany, and of techniques passed down through generations.
@relaischateaux invited me to experience Sühring during a solo lunch, and this is truly my ultimate definition of culinary self-care.
This was a surprising afternoon in Bangkok, where I ate the best German food I have ever tasted. And that in a city where I normally avoid European restaurants. Well, for @restaurant_suhring, you really want to make that exception.
Signature dishes that I still think back to regularly?
🍴 Labskaus with caviar
🍴 Enleta waffle with Pfalz vinegar
🍴 Game pie
🍴 Dry aged Duck
TIP: If you go to Sühring, reserve the seats at the kitchen bar so you have a view of the chefs at work!
Follow @yourlbb for more tips you can trust.
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#prinvited #bangkok #michelin #relaischateaux
In this reels I take you along for fine dining in Bangkok at the three Michelin starred restaurant Sühring.
This is one of the nicest free outings in the spring! Did you know that you can gather (or pick, for the connoisseurs 😉) oysters yourself in various places in the Netherlands? I’m in Zeeland for a bit this weekend, and if we can, we’ll go again.
📍In this video, I show where you can fill your bucket.
Comment oester for the comprehensive guide with all details about all 8 locations + handy tips and rules.
Important to know:
– Max. 10 kilos per person (≈ 1 bucket)
– For personal use only
– Do not scoop or scrape the soil
– Go at low tide
Handy to take with you:
Bucket, screwdriver, boots, work gloves, tea towel, clean clothes and garbage bags (for the oysters and dirty clothes).
And of course: also bring an oyster knife, lemon and champagne 🍋🥂Because you want to taste something right away!
The oyster season runs from September to about April / early May, so now that the water isn't so cold, this is the perfect outing.
In the full guide, I share exactly where you can easily find them without much effort. Leave a comment and I'll send it to you right away!
Who do you want to go oyster collecting with soon?
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Happy weekend in Amsterdam! I made a list with 79 (!) fun 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟯, 𝟰, 𝟱 & 𝟲. This week's guide is packed because of Easter weekend and I saved the best tips for you in the guide on 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with all 79 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend? Markets, Easter lunches, or a festival?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is the time to make plans for Easter in Amsterdam 👀🐣🐰
Are you team lunch or dinner?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Ps: More tips for Easter in Amsterdam, from restaurants to markets, on WWW.YOURLITTLEBLACKBOOK.ME
Anti-Guide, going around to God that a good thing is!
So close and perfect to go by train, with endless great places to visit.
Think: delicious food, nice hotels, coffee shops for your matcha ;-) and wine bars you actually don't want to leave. During our last trip, we added a few new favorites to the Antwerp Little Black Book once again.
Save this guide for your next city trip to Antwerp. Have fun!
**
⦁ @osakaantwerp
⦁ @mea.antwerp
⦁ @glouglouborgerhout
⦁ @le_pristine_antwerp
⦁ @hertog_jan_at_botanic
**Illegible**
⦁ @hotelfranq
⦁ @viaantwerp
⦁ @hoteldewittelelie
𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
⦁ @millesime.antwerp
⦁ @dogmacocktails
⦁ @cafe.bobby
⦁ @cafezeezicht
⦁ @billiesbierkafetaria
𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 & 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗦
⦁ @bakkerijfunk
⦁ @polly.antwerp
⦁ @cafe.betty
⦁ @tinsel_antwerp
⦁ @caffenation_coffee
I
⦁ Roof farm @paktantwerpen
⦁ For thrift store finds: Antwaarpe Goeiemorgen
⦁ Shop at @frnchparisofficiel
⦁ For all fashion lovers @momuantwerp
⦁ Must-visit museum @rubenshuisantwerpen
💌What is your favorite hotspot in Antwerp that I absolutely have to visit next time?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺
These are those few magical weeks each year when the city suddenly feels different. Everything is in bloom and all you want to do is be outside. Coffee to-go in hand, and just head out as soon as the sun shows up.
𝗕𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺
📍 Bloesempark – Amsterdamse Bos (the classic, yes it gets busy, but totally worth it)
📍 Rijksmuseum
📍 Fruittuin van West
📍 Westerpark
📍 Jozef Israëlskade
📍 WG grounds
📍 Nelson Mandela Park
📍 Bos en Lommerplantsoen
📍Amstelpark
By mid-April most of the sakura will already be gone, so if you want to catch it: this is your moment.
I'll definitely be doing a few more rounds before it's over.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
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🌸 Discover the best places to spot cherry blossom in Amsterdam and enjoy the sakura in full bloom. 🌸
38 X free in Amsterdam, because not everything always has to cost money
Free cinema at 't Zonnehuis
't Zonnehuis in Noord occasionally organizes free film nights and afternoons. You can find the dates and films on their Instagram.
Zonneplein 30, Amsterdam – Instagram
View and make art for free at Pexpo
At Pexpo in Amsterdam-Noord, you can visit for free to view art. They also regularly organize free workshops to spark your own creativity.
Van der Pekstraat 47, Amsterdam – pexpo.nl
Beautiful Distress
The Beautiful Distress House focuses on making people with mental illnesses, who are still too often excluded from society, visible. The art at Beautiful Distress (North) aims to increase understanding and break taboos.
Ms. van Riemsdijkweg 41a, Amsterdam – beautifuldistress.org
Rijksmuseum gardens
If you're not interested in viewing art or waiting in endless lines, the Rijksmuseum gardens are a great place to enjoy. Right next to the museum itself, you can enjoy the lush greenery and perfectly trimmed hedges.
Museum Promenade 1, Amsterdam
Theater of Deyssel
On the border of Geuzeveld and Slotermeer, you'll find Theater van Deyssel – a tiny theater run by and for the neighborhood. Admission is free, but registration is required.
Lodewijk van Deysselstraat 91, Amsterdam – frascatitheater.nl
Farmer Framed
Every year, the Farmer Framed platform organizes various exhibitions, cultural and educational programs, and displays in Amsterdam North and East, free for everyone to attend. The themes are inspiring, educational, and contemporary, such as "Art and Knowledge in Times of Crisis."
framerframed.nl
© Farmer Framed, @farmerframed
Spui25
At Spui25, you can attend interesting lectures on a wide variety of topics—from psychiatry to history and literature. Registration is required.
Spui 21, Amsterdam – spui25.nl
Secret Garden
Want to discover Amsterdam's secret garden? You'll find it between Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal and Nieuwendijk. Not only is the garden itself impressive, but so is the work done with it. Every few months, a new artist curates the garden, making it worth visiting several times a year. Enter the garden via Sint Nicolaasstraat 19.
Free art exhibitions at MILK
Melkweg is, of course, a cultural hotspot in Amsterdam, but have you heard of its associated venue, MILK? Various artists exhibit here, with identity as the main theme.
Marnixstraat 409, Amsterdam – melkweg.nl/en/milk
Puppet show on Dam Square
Did you know there's a puppet show in the heart of Amsterdam every Sunday? From May to October, puppeteer Egon Adel performs two shows on Dam Square every Sunday, at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Contributions are voluntary.
LUNCH CONCERT AT THE CONCERTGEBOUW
Did you know you can attend free lunchtime concerts at the Concertgebouw? So pack your lunchbox and head over to the Concertgebouw sometime during lunch. A new program is scheduled every week. Admission is free, but don't forget to reserve your ticket! View the full programme here >>
Audio tour Vliegenbos Amsterdam
On the edge of Amsterdam's famous Vliegenbos (Flying Forest) you'll find a lush sculpture garden. It's free to visit, with a complimentary audio tour, which is handy for spotting birds.
vliegenbosamsterdam.nl
© Vliegenbos Amsterdam, @vliegenbosamsterdam
Play forest café
Every Wednesday, it's playtime in Noorderpark! It's a treat for the little ones every Wednesday between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, when the Play Forest opens for kids. Imagine climbing and swinging through the woods while parents enjoy a snack or drink in the café (although there is a fee, it's not mandatory).
North Park, Amsterdam – noorderpark.nl
Museum of Unintentional Art
The Museum of Unintentional Art (MOK) has been collecting objects and installations from the public world for some time now that were never intended as art, but suddenly seem to be when you place them in a museum.
tt neveritaweg 61 beach, Amsterdam – hetmok.nl
Warehouse the Silent
Every year, Pakhuis de Zwijger organizes hundreds of free events – from lectures to high-profile panel discussions. You can find a place to enjoy a night out almost every day. Free reservations are available online.
Piet Heinkade 179, Amsterdam – dezwijger.nl
Soundwalk Oosterpark
Want to experience Oosterpark in a new way? Then try the Soundwalk, an initiative by Echoes. All you need is a phone, earphones, and the Echoes app. It maps the route, which takes about forty minutes, and as you stand beneath the various trees, they come to life with sound.
Echoes app
Oosterpark
Free meditation and exercise at Verbroederij
Verbroederij in Amsterdam-Noord regularly organizes free events, such as meditation and exercise classes. For example, there's De Bewegerij (free outdoor exercise) and meditation classes with Tessa. No registration or experience is required.
Johan van Hasseltweg 21, Amsterdam – deverbroederij.nl
Wrong Track – Naughty Rabbit
Every Saturday is a party at Tolhuistuin! Pick up a free map at the Reading House between 12:00 and 18:00. The map contains clues for a treasure hunt that leads you through the vast network of tunnels that Stout Konijn has dug beneath the Tolhuistuin building. In short: a fun event for all ages.
Tolhuisweg 3, Amsterdam – stoutkonijn.nl
Salad gardens of West
In Amsterdam-West, you'll find the Slatuinen van West – a relatively unknown part of Amsterdam. Here, you'll feel like you're outside the city for a moment, nestled in some 4000 square meters of green space.
Slatuinen 45, Amsterdam – natuurtuinslatuinen.nl
Walking routes through the city
Fancy stretching your legs with a leisurely stroll through the city? We've mapped out several fun routes for you that'll take you past Amsterdam's classics, but you might even discover some new spots.
► Amsterdam Jordaan / Westerpark walk
► Amsterdam-North Walk
► Amsterdam East / Center East Walk
Nice playgrounds in Amsterdam
Fancy a fun day at the playground with the kids? Amsterdam has plenty of fun playgrounds that are free to visit. Discover our list of the best playgrounds per district in Amsterdam >>
Children's farms
Did you know that Amsterdam boasts 18 petting zoos? They're fun to visit with the kids. Some petting zoos have special feeding times where children can feed the animals. For example, at the Goat Farm in the Amsterdamse Bos, you can pick up bottles of milk to feed the goats.
The Beguinage
This courtyard is hidden behind a door near the busy Spui in the center of AmsterdamOnce inside, it's like stepping into another world. The courtyard is so peaceful and beautiful! Standing there, you wouldn't guess it's so old; it dates back to the 14th century! A society of religious women (Beginners) once lived here, and single (Catholic) women live here to this day. A perfect place to escape the bustle of the city. Free lunchtime concerts are also held there during the summer months.
Roof terrace of NEMO
On sunny days, you can soak up the sun on NEMO's rooftop terrace. It's free to access via the 120 steps. So pack your sunscreen and enjoy the sunshine and the view from NEMO's rooftop terrace.
© Nemo
More fun things to do in Amsterdam that are free
Museums
{temporarily closed} Amsterdam has many museums and yes, some are free! Near the Beguinage is the Schuttersgalerij, which is part of the Amsterdam MuseumImpressive portraits of the Dutch nobility can be seen here. Curious about the treasures of Amsterdam? The Amsterdam City Archives provides free access to the treasury. You see: no need to buy expensive museum tickets because these museums are free!
Tip: With a museum pass, you get access to over 500 museums throughout the Netherlands. A great investment, allowing you to visit museums for free for a year.
pontje
Another nice day out: take the ferry to Amsterdam NorthWhile sailing, enjoy the view over the IJ and get a breath of fresh air. Be sure to take the ferry to the NDSM wharf, where you can see a lot of street art. Afterwards, shop at one of the nice addresses like Blom & Blom en Cousin Louis, or have a drink / have a bite to eat plek, de Ceuvel.
churches
Perhaps not the most trendy, but Amsterdam has beautiful churches worth a visit! Many churches, such as the Old and New Churches, are used for exhibitions. Want to visit a church that still holds services? The Noorderkerk and the Westerkerk are in the Jordan are freely accessible.
Markets
There's nothing more fun than strolling through the market! Besides the many (food) markets Held in Amsterdam, there are a few classics that locals love to attend. Curious about which markets you can visit? Check out our lists of the best ones here. weekend markets, flea markets en organic markets in Amsterdam.
More free activities in Amsterdam
Amsterdam festivals
Every year, Amsterdam hosts free festivals and events. A welcome addition to all those festivals that often require very expensive tickets. Think of the Amsterdam Light Festival, King's Day, Gay Pride, Uitmarkt, Open Monument Day, the Canal Festival, and the Vondelpark Concerts.
The narrowest house
In Amsterdam you will find the narrowest house in the world! It is only 1 meter wide and can be found at Singel 7 in the at the center Amsterdam. Or rather, the facade is only 1 meter wide... The narrowest house in Europe can also be found in our city. A tiny house, 2 meters wide and 6 meters deep, it stands at Oude Hoogstraat 22. Now a tea and ceramics boutique! It's fun to visit and completely free!
Street art
Are you also a fan of street art? It's always so cool to spot new, cool artworks, and there's plenty to see in Amsterdam. We've put together the best ones. street art routes mapped out for you, from North to South, in the Jordan, Wide alley and the at the center.
Spotting artworks by StreetArt Franky
Besides the abundance of street art in Amsterdam, you can also spot the artworks of StreetArt Franky. The artist is known for his humorous street art, each with its own unique story. Every week, new artworks can be discovered in the most unexpected places throughout the city.
More fun things to do in Amsterdam that are free
Parking
Amsterdam's parks definitely shouldn't be missing from this list of free things to do in Amsterdam. Ideal for picnics and barbecues in the summer (for those, head to Westerpark or Rembrandtpark), but wonderful for walking and exercising in any season. For Amsterdammers, these are places to unwind. What always makes me so happy are the green parrots in Vondelpark! They once escaped from the zoo and have been in Vondelpark for years. Westerpark, Amstelpark, Oosterpark, and Sarphatipark are also very nice.
Walking and cycling
There's no better way to explore the city than by bike or simply by foot! Even after all these years, I still discover new, fun places when I'm cycling or taking a side street on foot. In the narrow streets of the Jordan There's still so much to discover! Take a stroll through all the hidden courtyards. Cycle through one of Amsterdam's parks. Or stroll along the beautiful canals or through the woods. The Amsterdamse Bos is a wonderful place for a walk. You can also visit the goat farm, where you can have a great time.
Movie nights
In the summer, open-air movie nights are organized at various locations throughout the city. Curious where you can watch a movie? Keep an eye on the open-air cinemas Keep an eye on things. For most movie nights, you won't need to bring anything except a chair!
Vondelpark Open Air Theater
The same goes for the open-air theater in Vondelpark. From May to September, the theater is open and hosts music concerts, theater performances, lectures, and even cabaret shows that you can attend for free.
ADE – free parties during Amsterdam Dance Event
During ADE, the whole city is buzzing, and you can get in for free at a surprising number of venues. From intimate DJ sets in cafes to pop-up events from major labels: every year, new free parties pop up that you can easily join. The list is updated every year, so keep an eye on it as soon as the program goes live.Ideal if you'd like to experience the ADE atmosphere without immediately buying a ticket.
Free museums for children
Amsterdam boasts a surprising number of museums you can visit with kids without having to buy tickets. This not only saves money but also makes a spontaneous museum outing a little easier. For example, the STRAAT Museum is free for children up to 12 years old, as are the Maritime Museum and the Artis Groote Museum. Fun and affordable, perfect for a cultural day out in the city. Check out our list of all the museums that are fun to visit with kids >>
Have fun during your day out in Amsterdam!
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