Amsterdam's star continues to rise as do travel costs.

Take advantage of architectural jewels and archeological treasures to save money. In the Netherlands, there are many free things to do.

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A boat passing through holiday light installations on an Amsterdam canal at night
Amsterdam's canals are a feat of engineering from the Dutch Golden Age © InnervisionArt / Shutterstock

1. Wander through the “living museum” of Amsterdam’s Canal Ring

It's like being in an open-air museum when you're roaming along the canals in Amsterdam. The canals of Amsterdam are a UNESCO World Heritage site because of their engineering from the Dutch Golden Age.

The interior of one of the shipyards at Amsterdam's NDSM-werf. where a giant red Lego brick is on display amongst the shipping containers
In a former shipbuilding warehouse, NDSM Loods now contains more than 80 studios © Quince Graphics / Shutterstock

2. Watch artists at work in studios at former shipyards

You can take a free ferry across the IJ river from Amsterdam to Amsterdam Noord, one of the city's most up- and-coming neighborhoods.

More than 80 studios are located in a former shipbuilding warehouse at the North Dakota State Museum. There are exhibitions in the gallery space. It's a good idea to walk or cycle through the site for a couple of hours.

3. Marvel at archaeological finds dating back millennia in a metro station

Medieval ice skates, Golden Age pottery, 19th-century pocket watches and buttons, and 20th-century tech were found when the metro line was dug beneath Amsterdam.

4. Ramble between rose bushes, hedges and elegant statues at the Rijksmuseum

The Renaissance and baroque gardens of Amsterdam's premier museum are open to the public, along with occasional sculpture exhibitions.

Science Center NEMO - largest childrens science educational museum, knowledge institute and center of tourism in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s NEMO science museum is a city landmark, with a roof terrace designed as a public square © Getty Images / iStockphoto

5. Learn about sustainable energy on NEMO’s scenic roof terrace

Amsterdam's boat-shaped, green- copper NEMO science museum is a city landmark and was designed as a public square.

You can go to the open-air Energetica exhibition and see a kite and a sundial, but you can also go to the pool and see a lot of water. In bad weather, the rooftop closes.

6. Experience local life at the Albert Cuypmarkt

The Albert Cuypmarkt is the biggest street market in Amsterdam. It's the place where locals shop for fabrics, bike locks, socks, fresh flowers and a vast array of snacks, as well as herring sandwiches and a lot of other snacks. The market isn't open on Sundays.

7. Revel in electrifying jazz at a Bimhuis jam session

Every Tuesday at 10pm from September to June, the Bimhuis plays host to a variety of local and international talent.

The grand interior of the Concertgebouw orchestra hall, with a full orchestra present on the stage, including a huge organ, and a large crowd filling the stalls
Step inside the legendary Concertgebouw orchestra hall without shelling out a single euro © Patrick van Katwijk / Getty Images

8. Preview classical music performances at the Concertgebouw

The Concertgebouw's free lunchtime shows are usually rehearsals for musicians playing the famed classical hall later that evening. On Wednesdays between September and June, there are concerts.

Bloemenmarkt, the floating flower market in Amsterdam, Netherlands
The floating Bloemenmarkt is set for a spruce-up that will incorporate more blooms and fewer kitschy souvenirs © Getty Images / iStockphoto

9. Browse Amsterdam’s colorful flower market

The Bloemenmarkt is located between Muntplein and Koningsplein. The floating flower market was founded in the late 19th century.

Recent years saw it overrun by kitschy souvenirs, such as fluffy clogs, but after a consultation with locals and visitors concluded in 2022, it is set for a rejuvenation that will include more tulips, daffodils, lilies and other blooms.

10. Seek out the peaceful Begijnhof courtyard in Amsterdam’s busy center

A hidden 14th-century house and gardens, along with two secret churches, can be found off Gedempte Begijnensloot.

The last of the Catholic Beguines died in 1971, so visitors need to be respectful and keep the quiet.

11. Explore the world’s largest city archives

The old bank is now occupied by Amsterdam's Stadsarchief. A 1942 police report on Anne Frank's bike theft is one of the fascinating displays at the archives. Most exhibitions are free.

A male employee sharpens a diamond using a microscope on the Gassan Diamond Factory Tour, Amsterdam
Become a diamond expert on the Gassan Diamond Factory Tour © Will Salter / Lonely Planet

12. Discover diamonds’ secrets on a factory tour

Are you not aware that your princess is cut from your marquise or that a river is from a top cape? During a one-hour tour of Gassan's workshop, you'll get a debriefing on diamonds.

The factory used to be powered by steam. A gift shop selling sparklers is where you'll land after watching pro polishers in action.

13. Get schooled at Cannabis College

The Cannabis College has an organic garden which it uses to educate visitors about Amsterdam's favorite herb. You can chat with the staff about coffee shop rules, look at displays of paraphernalia, or try out a Vaporizer. Cannabis is covered in various courses.

Outside view of Amsterdam Central Library, the Centrale Bibliotheek, largest public library in Europe
Amsterdam's Centrale Bibliotheek provides great views of the city as well as great reads © Bikeworldtravel / Shutterstock

14. Check out Amsterdam’s awesome main library

You can catch exhibitions, screenings and events at the largest public library in the Netherlands. You can't get so comfortable that you miss the city panorama from the top floor.

15. Meet adorable kitties living aboard the “cat boat”

The quirky Poezenboot has been a stray-cat sanctuary on the Singel since 1966. Many of the cats are looking for a new home. Donations are welcome.

16. Visit Amsterdam’s last remaining country mansion, Frankendael

Huize Frankendael, the last country mansion standing within the present-day city limits, was once used as a summer home by wealthy Amsterdammers. The house is open to the public on Sunday afternoons.

De Pure Markt is held on the last Sunday of the month and features artisan producers showcasing their creations.

17. View cutting-edge photography exhibitions at Melkweg Expo

Melkweg expo is a late- opening gallery space that celebrates pop-culture, society and identity through inspired contemporary photography. You can enter via the cafe.

18. Catch summertime performances in Amsterdam’s most popular park

The Vondelpark is beloved by locals for its expansive lawns, striking sculptures, and festive atmosphere, which peaks on sunny summer days when free concerts, world music, dance, plays, stand-up comedy and more take place.

19. Look out for free lunchtime classical concerts at the Muziektheater

This venue is home to the Dutch National Opera and Ballet, and lunchtime classical concerts have been popular there for a long time. The half-hour performances that were held most Tuesdays between September and June were put on hold due to the Pandemic, but are expected to return soon.

The article was updated in February 2020.

The article was published in June of 2019.