Take a free walking tour
Amsterdam's rich history comes to life as you stroll through its diverse neighbourhoods. Engage with local storytellers on one of the many free walking tours of Amsterdam, such as those that take you through the historic streets of Jordaan or the culturally vibrant De Pijp. Wander past centuries-old buildings, hidden courtyards, and iconic landmarks as your guide shares anecdotes, historic facts and local knowledge providing an intimate look at the city's evolution. Though the tour is technically free, it is customary that you tip your tour guide, 10 euros per person should be just the right amount.
Visit flea or foodie markets
Dive into the heart of Amsterdam's daily life by exploring its bustling markets. The Albert Cuyp Market, located in the De Pijp district, is a sensory feast. Wander through stalls offering everything from vintage clothing to exotic spices. If you time your weekend away correctly, you must make sure to catch IJ Hallen, one of the best flea markets in Amsterdam and Europe’s largest (find out more about it in our guide to the best flea markets in Europe here). Meanwhile, Ten Katemarkt is one of the best food markets in Amsterdam, with a vibrant array of fresh produce and local delicacies.
Embrace Dutch culture and rent a bike
In a city where bicycles outnumber residents, renting a bike is a rite of passage. One of our favourite cheap things to do in Amsterdam, you’ll find numerous bike rental shops offering affordable rates, allowing you to pedal through Amsterdam's most iconic locations. Glide through the expansive Vondelpark, cruise alongside the picturesque canals, and blend in with the locals as you experience the city's unique cycling culture. With bike rentals often costing less than 10 euros a day, this is an authentic and budget-friendly way to explore Amsterdam.
Cruise the canals
While private canal cruises can be pricey, there are budget-friendly alternatives that offer an equally enchanting experience and can be booked for just 10 euros or less. For a city tour of Amsterdam, the public boat tours, like those departing from Centraal Station, provide a leisurely journey through Amsterdam's labyrinthine canals. Additionally, the free ferries crossing the IJ River offer panoramic views of the city skyline. These options allow you to soak in the serene beauty of Amsterdam's waterways without exceeding your budget.
Uncover artistic marvels
The most famous museums in Amsterdam such as the Van Gogh art museum can come with a hefty price. However, there are plenty of museums where you won’t have to spend a single penny. Some of its most famous museums offer discounted or free entry during specific hours or on certain days, whilst some of them are completely free to enter like the ARCAM, the Amsterdam Centre for Architecture. If you love cinema, be sure to check out the EYE Filmmuseum, one of Ameterdam’s best free museums. This is the main centre for Dutch film culture, where they preserve and show films from the Netherlands and abroad. Most of the exhibitions are free to explore and showcase cinematography equipment, film posters, soundtracks, and more. Most of the exhibitions are free to explore, and you can buy a ticket to watch a film if something catches your eye.
Drop into NDSM
For a taste of Amsterdam's avant-garde art scene, venture to the NDSM wharf. Once an industrial shipyard, this area has transformed into an open-air gallery showcasing vibrant and thought-provoking street art. Explore the graffiti-covered warehouses and sculptures, capturing the essence of Amsterdam's urban creativity. NDSM provides an authentic and budget-friendly alternative to traditional art museums, allowing you to witness the city's artistic evolution firsthand.
Sweeten your experience and make a personalised bar of chocolate
No exploration is complete without indulging your sweet tooth. At Tony’s Chocoloney superstore you can create your own personalized bar of chocolate. Fulfil your Charlie and the Chocolate Factory dreams and choose between white, milk, or dark chocolate (or combine two!), add up to three of your favourite ingredients, and then design your own wrapper with the colour and text of your choice, ready to pick up within an hour. Make sure to also check out the store’s giant chocolate bar vending machine and pick up some souvenirs for friends and family back home.
There’s so much history and culture to uncover in Amsterdam, and you don’t need to break the bank to experience it. Book a stay at our Amsterdam City Centre location today and tick off these budget-friendly activities for yourself.
