Amsterdam has a reputation as an expensive city, and with one of the highest tourist taxes in Europe it often is. But some of its best experiences cost nothing. The canal ring itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that you can walk for free, the ferries across the IJ are free, the city’s markets and parks are free to explore, and in winter the Amsterdam Light Festival can be seen on foot without a ticket. Under 18s also go free at the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, and under 19s at the Stedelijk.

Free landmarks and walks

  • The canal ring. Walk the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, the three great canals of the Golden Age, and cross into the narrower canals of the Jordaan. The Magere Brug, the white wooden drawbridge over the Amstel, is especially pretty after dark.
  • The Begijnhof. A hidden courtyard of almshouses off the Spui, built for a community of religious women, with one of the city’s oldest wooden houses. It is a residential area, so keep quiet.
  • Dam Square. The heart of the city, with the Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk and the National Monument.
  • The Homomonument. Three pink granite triangles by the Westerkerk, one of the first memorials in the world to gay men and lesbians persecuted for their sexuality.

Free ferries and views

The GVB ferries behind Amsterdam Centraal are free for pedestrians and cyclists and run all day. The short F3 crossing to Buiksloterweg drops you by the A’DAM Tower and the white EYE Filmmuseum, whose waterfront terrace has one of the best free views back across the IJ. A longer ferry runs west to the NDSM wharf, a former shipyard full of street art, studios and cafés.

Back on the south bank, the sloping roof of NEMO Science Museum is a public square with wide views over the old city and the harbour, and the top floor of the Public Library (OBA) next door has a terrace with a view.

Free museum spaces

  • Rijksmuseum gardens. The gardens around the Rijksmuseum are free to visit, and you can walk or cycle through the passage beneath the building.
  • Museumplein. The lawns and the famous view of the Rijksmuseum are free, and in winter the square hosts a Christmas market with free entry from 3 to 27 December 2026.
  • Artisplein. The square at the entrance to ARTIS Royal Zoo is free to visit daily from 7am to 11.30pm.
  • Free for young visitors. Under 18s go free at the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, and under 19s at the Stedelijk, though all still need a timed ticket.

Markets

  • Albert Cuyp Market. The city’s busiest street market, in De Pijp, from Monday to Saturday, with food stalls, fabrics and fresh stroopwafels.
  • Bloemenmarkt. Flower and bulb stalls on boats along the Singel.
  • Noordermarkt. A farmers’ market in the Jordaan on Saturdays and a flea market on Monday mornings.
  • Waterlooplein. A flea market next to the Stopera and the Rembrandt House.

Parks

The Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s best-loved park, with ponds, lawns and cafés, a short walk from Museumplein. The Westerpark, around the Westergasfabriek cultural centre, and the Oosterpark are quieter alternatives, and the Sarphatipark is the green heart of De Pijp.

Free events and festivals

From 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, the Amsterdam Light Festival places light artworks along the canals of the city centre, lit every day from 4.30pm to 11pm (9pm on New Year’s Eve). The artworks can be seen free from the street on a 4.5 km walking route; the festival app with a route map and audio guide costs extra. On Sunday 15 November 2026, Sinterklaas arrives by boat and parades through the city to Leidseplein, free to watch along the route. In summer, King’s Day on 27 April turns the whole city into a street party and flea market.

Tips for a cheaper trip

  • Walk or cycle rather than taking the tram for short distances; the centre is compact.
  • Tap water is safe to drink, so carry a bottle.
  • If you plan several museums, compare the I amsterdam City Card and the Museumkaart: entry to the Stedelijk, the Rembrandt House and Our Lord in the Attic is free with either.