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The memory of Amsterdam shines as bright as a Caribbean sky on a perfect day. It was a city I'd always dreamt of visiting. Those iconic Dutch houses lining the canals, the timeless windmills, and the powerful dikes – everything about it held a magnetic appeal.

My fascination with the Netherlands started, perhaps subconsciously, around the age of eight or nine. In school, we read the story of the little Dutch boy who plugged a leak in the dike with his finger, saving Holland.

It sounds whimsical now, but that tale sparked a curiosity about this distant land. Amsterdam itself is a city bursting with vibrant energy. This is especially true in Leidseplein, the beating heart of the city. Bars, dance clubs, music venues – it's a sensory overload in the best way possible.

And when hunger strikes, you'll find an incredible array of food options, from traditional Dutch fare to Greek and Indonesian flavors.

Venture south of Leidseplein and you'll discover the sprawling Vondelpark, a haven of greenery perfect for a peaceful escape. For art enthusiasts like myself, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are absolute must-sees.

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

Amsterdam's NEMO Science Museum isn't just a place to learn – it's an interactive playground for curious minds of all ages. Housed in a stunning, ship-like building on Oosterdok 2, NEMO boasts the title of the Netherlands' largest science center.

Prepare to be wowed by the museum's dynamic exhibitions. From mind-bending experiments to jaw-dropping demonstrations, NEMO uses hands-on experiences to unlock the secrets of science and technology.

While there is an admission fee (currently €15), it's a worthwhile investment in a day of discovery. However, even if your budget is tight, NEMO offers a budget-friendly option! You can still marvel at the museum's captivating architecture, a masterpiece of modern design, without paying the entrance fee.

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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

Calling all music lovers! The Dutch National Opera & Ballet offers a hidden gem – free lunchtime concerts in their beautiful foyer. Almost every Tuesday, you can experience exceptional live music performances, right in the heart of Amsterdam.

These intimate concerts feature a range of talented musicians, including the renowned Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra and the Dutch National Ballet Orchestra.

You might also be surprised by soloists like pianists, sopranos, and violinists showcasing their skills. Each performance lasts roughly 30 minutes, making it the perfect way to add a touch of culture to your lunch break.

Here's why you should check it out:

• Free and accessible: Enjoy high-quality music without breaking the bank.
• Diverse performances: Each week brings the chance to discover new musical styles and talented performers.
• Convenient lunchtime timing: The perfect pick-me-up to break up your workday.

Important Note: It's a good idea to double-check the latest schedule on the Dutch National Opera & Ballet website before heading out, as details like dates and performers might change.

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.

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