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I remember my trip to Amsterdam as clear as the sky in the Caribbean on a sunny day. I have always wanted to visit. Its architecture, those beautiful Dutch houses, windmills, dikes, and the many canals made the place very appealing.

My interest in the Netherlands started, maybe subconsciously, when I was about eight or nine. We read in school about the little Dutch boy who discovered a leak in the dike, plugged it with his finger, and saved Holland. Sounds a bit funny now, but that ignited my interest in The Netherlands.

Amsterdam is a bustling, vibrant city; its energy can be witnessed in Leidseplein, the heart of Amsterdam, where you will find bars, dance clubs, music venues, and many, many food options, including traditional Dutch, Greek, and Indonesian cuisine.

South of Leidseplein, you can check out the very popular Vondelpark, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum, of course, especially if you're a fan of the artist like me.

There are many things you can do and see in Amsterdam with little or no money. Have a look at these.

Of course you could save some cash if you book a flight and hotel package to Amsterdam, The Netherlands!

NEMO Science Museum

NEMO Science Museum is housed in a beautifully designed building located at Oosterdok 2 and features amazing science exhibitions. It is perhaps the largest science center in the Netherlands.

While there is a small entry fee of €15 it is definitely worth it. Even if you are on a tight budget you can just visit and have a look at the amazing design of the building.

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Attend free classical and jazz concerts at the Bimhuis

The Bimhuis music venue usually holds a free monthly jazz concert to entertain its visitors. Take advantage of the free night known as Monday Match (Held every first Monday of the month) and feast your ears to some of the most relaxing jazz music the place has to offer.

A DJ will take over around 10 pm and ensure you stay on your feet until midnight. The good thing about it is you get to enjoy world-class music without even reaching for that wallet.

Amsterdam Tours

There are many exciting adventures you can do in Amsterdam and its surroundings. Check out some of these tours.

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Free concerts at the Dutch National Opera and Ballet

Check out the Dutch National Opera and Ballet and enjoy free musical performances. Almost every Tuesday you get the opportunity to catch lunchtime concerts in the foyer of the Dutch National Opera and Ballet.

Be sure to sample some of the tunes belted out by the Netherland Philharmonic Orchestra, the Dutch National Ballet Orchestra and other performers including pianist, sopranos and violinists. The concerts are usually about thirty minutes long.

Watch free films at the EYE Film Museum

The temporary events held at the museum will require you to purchase some tickets, but you can opt to head to the basement where you will be mesmerized by a permanent free exhibition at the museum.

Visitors are surrounded by over 100 movie clips and scenes in the panorama room. The films are projected on the walls and visitors can browse them via seven control panels. Alternatively, you can just choose to explore the EYE film building and discover some of its amazing features like the jagged angles and sleek exterior. The museum itself makes for a great viewing experience.

Enjoy a free ferry ride across the IJ

Amsterdam no doubt has some of the most beautiful scenic views to check out. The daytime boat rides will definitely cost you some money, but why spend money while you can catch a free ferry ride across the IJ? Here, you are guaranteed a better experience as compared to the paid trips.

The free ferry ride at the Amsterdam Waterfront will give you a chance to explore the Amsterdam-Noord in an exciting way. The ferries can be found behind the Centraal Station. Make sure you board the ferry that goes furthest-up to the Buiksloterdijk-as this the one that will offer you a longer journey.

 

Check in at the Multatuli Museum

Immerse yourself in the artistic works of the renowned novelist Eduard Douwes Dekker about the corruption of colonialists in the Dutch East Indies. The tiny, but elegant museum showcases his work and some of the artifacts found during his era. If you have a keen interest in modern art, then a visit to this museum is ideal for you.

Visit VondelPark, Amsterdam’s Most popular City Park

Amsterdam is full of amazing City Parks that you can enjoy. One of them is the VondelPark at the Museumplein. This is an ideal place to enjoy food from the nearby vendors and just unwind.

You can even opt to bring your own food and have it at the park as well. VondelPark is the largest and most popular park in Amsterdam with around eight million visitors yearly.

During summer you can check out free concerts at the bandstand or at the open-air theatre also located at the park.

Visit the Civic Guards Gallery (Schuttersgalerij)

Make your way down the Civic Guards Gallery to see some of the city's cultural artwork absolutely free. Inside the Amsterdam Historic Museum is a glass-roofed walkway. Here, you will see some of the cultural paintings on display.

View artwork from small independent galleries around the city

These galleries are less expensive compared to the ones at the Van Gogh Museum. All galleries can be found in the Jordaan area. They showcase architectural galleries and feature exhibitions with an urban twist to them.

Jordaan is perhaps one of the most famous neighborhoods in Amsterdam occasionally flocked by students, artists and young professionals. It is an ideal place to visit during the day as well as at night. Here, you will find amazing cafes and restaurants you can grab a bite from as well.

Take a stroll through the street markets

Take a stroll through the street markets that dot the Amsterdam neighborhoods. You don't have to buy anything; by just walking through the street markets, you get to indulge your eyes in some of the most amazing flowers at the Bloemenmarket.

Enjoy the scenery while you walk through the canal of the popular Amsterdam market as well. Other markets to check out include the Waterlooplein Flea Market and the Farmer's Market on Noordermarkt.

Discover more from the Amsterdam City Archives

While in the city, why not spare some time and head over to the Amsterdam City archives to learn something new? The Stadsarchief is a nice place to expound your knowledge of the city's history. Among the artifacts found there is a police telegram about the visit of Karl Max to the city in 1872 and some photographs of John Lennon and Audrey Hepburn.

The entire collection can be found within a tiled vault in the Basement of the Bazel Building. This place will take you back in time and offer you a historical journey to one of the most outstanding things to have happened in the city.

Play Chess at the Max Euwe Plein

Named after the Dutch Chess champion Max Euwe, the chess museum is a place you can't afford to miss out on.

Engage your mind in an exciting chess game and also get to learn more about the history of chess or further test your skills on a bigger board in the Max Euwe Plein outdoor square.

You can also check out the library next door which houses a large collection of chess books.

Cameras And Accessories to capture the moment

These cameras and accessories will help you capture those memorable moments In Amsterdam.

Have you ever visited Amsterdam? Let us know what you thought about the city.