Between transport, accommodation, food... the price of a stay in Amsterdam can quickly soar. Although it's well worth visiting (as many times as possible), the capital of the Netherlands isn't known for being cheap. But don't panic, we've listed 4 totally free activities to enjoy Amsterdam without breaking the bank!
Le marché aux fleurs d’Amsterdam.
- © Protasov AN / Shutterstock
The Netherlands and flowers are a great love story. Fields of tulips, the national flower, cover much of the country when spring arrives. In Amsterdam, the Bloemenmarkt - the flower market - is the place to go to discover this part of Dutch culture, and of course it's free! The sweet smells and bright colours make for a delightful escapade. And who knows, if you make friends with one of the stallholders, they might even offer you a tulip bulb...
Location: It's here!
Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5.30pm and Sunday, 11.30am to 5.30pm.
The Begijnhof is a beautiful inner courtyard dating back to the Middle Ages. It was designed to house the beguines, women of the Catholic brotherhood. They lived here until 1971. Today, you can admire the oldest house in Amsterdam, discover a former clandestine church hidden behind the facades of the buildings or simply soak up the sun. It's a visit not to be missed, and of course it's 100% free!
Le Béguinage à Amsterdam.
- © Vollverglasung / ShutterstockLocation: It's here!
Opening times: daily from 9am to 5pm
A cruise on the Amsterdam canals sounds like a dream, but it's not exactly cheap. Don't worry, we've found a solution for our favourite penniless friends that, while a little less glamorous, is no less interesting! The GVB ferry offers a free 15-minute crossing to the NDSM-werf, a former shipyard that now serves as a haven for Amsterdam's artists of the moment. It's a great way to combine fun with pleasure!
Location: It's here!
Opening times: Monday to Friday 6.45am to 11.45pm and weekends 9.15am to 11.45pm.
Amsterdam has a number of parks and gardens that attract tourists and Amsterdammers alike when the weather is fine. The best known is Vondelpark, the city's largest, right next to Museumplein, home to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Others include Amstelpark, Rembrandtpark and Oosterpark. For cycling, picnicking or simply relaxing on the green grass, this is a great place to spend an afternoon without breaking the bank.
Le Vondelpark à Amsterdam.
- © Jan van der Wolf / ShutterstockLocation: they're all over the city, you can find them on Google Maps!
Opening times: most of Amsterdam's parks are open 24 hours a day.
Amsterdam
