Cheap Things To Do In Amsterdam

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Amsterdam is a bustling city full of culture, art, and history. With its cobblestone streets, canals, and iconic windmills, Amsterdam has to be one of the most charming cities in the world. It’s no wonder that Amsterdam is one of the top tourist destinations in Europe.

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and home to about 881,000 people. It’s a major international business and cultural center, and is home to many world-famous museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. Amsterdam is also known for its nightlife, with plenty of bars and nightclubs to choose from.

Since Amsterdam is such a popular destination, it can be easy to overspend on your vacation. But there are plenty of ways to save money and still have an amazing time. Here are some of the best cheap things to do in Amsterdam.

Explore the City on Foot

The best way to explore Amsterdam is on foot. This allows you to take in all the sights and sounds of the city as you walk through its narrow cobblestone streets. You can wander through the Jordaan neighborhood and take in the quaint canals and old buildings, or explore the bustling city center.

There are also plenty of free walking tours available in Amsterdam, which are a great way to learn about the city’s history and culture. The guides are usually very knowledgeable and provide lots of interesting information about the city.

Visit a Museum

Amsterdam is home to some of the most famous museums in the world, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. While admission to these museums can be pricey, there are lots of other smaller museums that are worth a visit. The Amsterdam Museum is one of the city’s best-known museums and covers the history of Amsterdam from its founding in the 12th century to modern times.

The Museum Amstelkring displays 17th century art and artifacts from Catholic life in Amsterdam, while the Jewish Historical Museum tells the story of Jewish life in the city over the centuries. These museums are all free to visit and offer a great way to learn more about Amsterdam’s past.

Take a Canal Cruise

One of the best ways to see Amsterdam is from a canal cruise. The city has over 160 canals winding through its streets, so a boat tour is a great way to get an overview of the city. Many companies offer boat tours starting at around €15 per person, so it’s an affordable way to get a unique perspective on Amsterdam.

The canal cruises usually last around an hour and pass by some of Amsterdam’s most famous sites, including the Skinny Bridge and Anne Frank House. There are also many companies that offer dinner cruises, which are a great way to experience Amsterdam after dark.

Enjoy a Picnic in Vondelpark

Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest park, covering over 120 acres. It’s a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life for a few hours. There are plenty of paths for walking or biking, as well as lakes and ponds for taking a peaceful stroll or having a picnic. During summer months, there are often concerts and other events taking place in Vondelpark too.

Visit an Outdoor Market

Outdoor markets are a great way to experience Amsterdam without spending a fortune. The Albert Cuyp Market is one of the most popular markets in the city and is open every day except Sundays. Here you can find everything from clothes and jewelry to food and flowers.

Image: Albert Cuyp Market (Source: Pixabay)

The Noordermarkt is another popular market that takes place every Saturday morning in the Jordaan neighborhood. Here you can find a variety of food stalls selling fresh produce, cheese, bread, fish, and other foods. There are also several vintage shops and flea markets in Amsterdam too, so make sure to check out these if you’re looking for something unique and inexpensive.

Explore Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is a small village just outside of Amsterdam that is home to traditional Dutch windmills, houses, and bridges. Here you can explore historic windmills, visit museums, take a boat tour along the river, or just enjoy walking around this charming village. The admission fee for Zaanse Schans is very reasonable at €10 per person, making it one of the most affordable things to do in Amsterdam.

Go Shopping

Amsterdam is full of great places to go shopping. The Kalverstraat is one of the city’s main shopping streets and is lined with stores selling everything from designer clothing to souvenirs. Other popular shopping areas include Leidseplein, Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets), and Haarlemmerstraat.

If you’re looking for more unique shops, make sure to check out De Pijp neighborhood too. Here you’ll find vintage stores, art galleries, independent bookshops, and other interesting stores. And don’t forget about Amsterdam’s famous flea markets too – they’re a great place to find bargains!

Take a Food Tour

Amsterdam has some amazing restaurants serving everything from traditional Dutch food to international cuisine. But if you really want to experience all that Amsterdam has to offer, why not take a food tour? Food tours are a great way to try different dishes from around the world without breaking the bank.

The Taste of Amsterdam Tour is one of the most popular food tours in the city and takes you through some of Amsterdam’s most delicious eateries. On this tour you’ll get to sample all kinds of local delicacies such as Dutch cheeses, Indonesian snacks, Dutch pancakes, and more! This tour is available for just €45 per person and includes tastings at six different restaurants around Amsterdam. Taste of Amsterdam Tour

Take a Bike Tour

Biking is one of the best ways to get around Amsterdam, as the city is quite flat and full of cycle paths. There are plenty of companies offering bike tours around Amsterdam starting at around €20 per person. These tours usually last around three hours and take you through some of the city’s most iconic sites such as Dam Square, De Wallen Red Light District, and Vondelpark. Amsterdam Bike Tours

Visit Some Attractions

There are plenty of attractions in Amsterdam that won’t cost you much money at all. A visit to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum costs just €17 per person, while entry to NEMO Science Museum is only €13 per person. Both these attractions are great for families with young children and offer plenty of interactive exhibits and activities.

There are also lots of free attractions in Amsterdam too such as the Begijnhof courtyard, Begijnhof Chapel, Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt), and Rembrandt House Museum (which offers free entry on certain days).

In addition to these attractions, there are many parks and gardens throughout Amsterdam that are perfect for an afternoon stroll or picnic with your friends or family. The Hortus Botanicus (Botanical Garden) is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe and offers plenty of tranquil spaces to relax in amongst nature.

Finally, if you want to experience some live entertainment during your stay in Amsterdam then make sure to check out what’s on at one of the traditional Dutch theatres such as Roest or De Kleine Komedie (both offer free entry on certain days).

Conclusion

There’s so much more than meets the eye when it comes to exploring Amsterdam on a budget! Whether you’re looking for unique attractions or outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city – all without having to break the bank! From food tours and bike tours to visiting museums or exploring parks and gardens – there’s plenty to do in Amsterdam without spending too much money! So don’t let your budget stop you from experiencing all that this amazing city has to offer!