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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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.
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.
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.
The Renaissance and baroque gardens of Amsterdam's premier museum are open to the public, along with occasional sculpture exhibitions.
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.
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.
Every Tuesday at 10pm from September to June, the Bimhuis plays host to a variety of local and international talent.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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