free tourist map of amsterdam

The Ultimate FREE Amsterdam Tourist Map (Things to Do, Photo Spots & More!)

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

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Looking for an Amsterdam tourist map that covers all the main sights?

Great news! Hi – I’m Christina, a shameless travel nerd who has already made one. WITH cute stamp icons… that are colour coded.

So yes, below, you’ll find a handy Google Map that you can use on your phone that includes…

• Top Amsterdam museums & sights
• The prettiest photo spots and views in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam food & drink recommendations
• Fun shops to visit in Amsterdam

I hope you find it helpful!

Save this Free Amsterdam Map for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

My Free Amsterdam Tourist Map

On mobile? Click this link here and the map should automatically open on your Google Maps app.

NOTE: Free sights are marked with a green background – be sure to expand the Map Legend to see the different layers and categories I’ve included!

Things to Do in Amsterdam Video

Want a visual of the activities mentioned? Check out this video companion guide that showcases some of the best things to do in Amsterdam for first timers.

Amsterdam Travel Tips Video

First time in Amsterdam? Here’s a video that explains some of the important must-knows to keep in mind before your trip.

More Amsterdam Travel Resources

Finally, if you’re a bit more old school, then here are some articles and blog posts to help you out with your Amsterdam planning!

• Things to do in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Travel Tips
• Amsterdam Fun Facts
• How to Visit Keukenhof from Amsterdam
• Netherlands Travel Tips
• How to Take the Train in the Netherlands

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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Dein Reiseführer für Amsterdam

Amsterdam - City and Tourist Map - Free Download

On our free tourist map you’ll find all important districts, sights and streets in Amsterdam city centre.

You can download our map of Amsterdam here for free

With our Amsterdam map you can discover the canal city on your own. All important attractions , canals, parks and streets in the inner-city of Amsterdam. Click on the Button to download the map.

Download (PDF)

Jordaan , Nine Streets , Red-Light District and many more highlights – with our detailed map of Amsterdam, you’ll stay on top of things and you can look forward to a relaxing stroll through the city. You can download our free map as PDF, save it on your mobile phone or print it.

Check out our digital Amsterdam map

If you have access to mobile internet and you think a paper map or a PDF is way to old school, then just click on “map” on the top right. The digital map can be zoomed and shifted at one’s convenience. If you like, you can even show your current location (just click “My Position” on the top left).

Tip - Check out our digital Amsterdam map

If you have access to mobile internet and you think a paper map or a PDF is way to old school, then just click on “map” on the top right. The digital map can be zoomed and shifted at one’s convenience. If you like, you can even show your current location (just click “My Position” on the top left)

Tip - Book tickets and activities in advance

At our partner Get Your Guide you will find a huge selection of tickets and activities. The cool thing about it: You save a lot of time because you don't have to queue for many sights. Here you will find an overview with special offers .

On our page " neighborhoods and districts " you will find many more insider tips and detailed information about Amsterdam's most beautiful corners.

Your Tour Recommendations

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Comments - We’re looking forward to your comment. By the way, you don’t have to sign up. Alias and email address are enough. Just check the box “I'd rather post as a guest“.

Top 10 Cheap Hotels in Amsterdam

A hotel on a boat or a romantic hotel directly on a canal? Here you will find my recommendations. Go to hotel recommendations

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Top 7 attractions in amsterdam.

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Amsterdam » Map

Amsterdam Map

Paper printable maps can be found lower on this page.

This is an online map of Amsterdam. You can use this Amsterdam map to find your favourite Amsterdam attractions or Amsterdam streets.

• Zooming in and out can be done by the buttons in the top-right corner of the map
• Labels of streets and attractions will appear automatically as you get closer view
• If you pull on the Amsterdam map it will move sideways
• If you click on an Amsterdam attraction pin it will show exact street address

To buy tickets to various attractions and museums visit our online tickets page .

Other maps of Amsterdam:

• Metro map Easy to print scheme of the underground transportation in Amstedam.
• Free printable map of Amsterdam You can also use our original printable Amsterdam city map, which was designed especially to print and take.
• Map of Red Light District in Amsterdam

Important info before visit

Before visiting Amsterdam, don't forget to read about the main topics:

• Transportation
• Main attractions
• Accommodation

Amsterdam Printable Tourist Map

Amsterdam Map: The Attractions

Flower Market

Red Light District

Van Gogh Museum

Royal Palace of Amsterdam

Anne Frank House

Canals of Amsterdam

Rijksmuseum

Sygic travel - a travel guide in your pocket.

More Tourist Maps

• Privacy Policy
• STOCK 360° TRAVEL VIDEOS

Free printed map of Amsterdam

Most hotels in Amsterdam provide free maps upon arrival. If they don’t, then every Tours & Tickets -shop provides free printed maps of Amsterdam! This way it’s easier to get around in the city that is characterized by its small passages. So remember to buy or acquire a map of Amsterdam when arriving at the capital!

Download free maps of Amsterdam

Of course it is also possible to download a free map of Amsterdam. Below you will find several PDF street plans.

Amsterdam Centre Map

Amsterdam's city centre with museums , places of interest & attractions and canal cruises & boat services featured on the map.

Public Transport Network Map

Large overview map with all metro, tram, bus, and ferry lines in Amsterdam.

P+R = Park and Ride Locations

Parking in Amsterdam for 1 euro per 24 hours!

Download free flyers about Amsterdam

Amsterdam brochures.

Amsterdam brochures from our colleagues. New editions several times a year. Free and user-friendly to read.

Map of Amsterdam - Interactive Map of Amsterdam

Information about the map.

Check out the main monuments, museums, squares, churches and attractions in our map of Amsterdam. Click on each icon to see what it is.

To help you find your way once you get to your destination, the map you print out will have numbers on the various icons that correspond to a list with the most interesting tourist attractions. This way, you’ll be able to see where each attraction is.

Icons on the Amsterdam interactive map

The map is very easy to use:

• Check out information about the destination: click on the color indicators.
• Move across the map: shift your mouse across the map.
• Zoom in: double click on the left-hand side of the mouse on the map or move the scroll wheel upwards.
• Zoom out: double click on the right-hand side of the mouse on the map or move the scroll wheel downwards.

You may also be interested in

Amsterdam in 2 Days

If you want to see Amsterdam's highlights but don't have much time, our comprehensive itinerary will help you discover the must-visit things to see in Amsterdam in two days.

General Information

Last-minute concerns always arise before a trip, and many of them can be resolved by taking a look at our general information about Amsterdam.

comprehensive tourist maps for busy professionals

Ultimate interactive amsterdam sightseeing map.

Table of Contents

Leiden Square

Prinseneiland, dancing houses, a’dam lookout, anne frank house, rijksmuseum, van gogh museum, rembrandt house museum, amsterdam museum, our lord in the attic museum, royal palace of amsterdam, hortus botanicus, flower market, fo guang shan holland temple, amsterdam travel tips, interactive amsterdam sightseeing map.

Travel planning doesn’t have to be hard… This Amsterdam sightseeing map includes everything you need. We’ve mapped all the top rated Amsterdam attractions like museums, parks and scenic lookouts. Also, all the best restaurants and bars.

This interactive map of Amsterdam is downloadable for offline use. It’s super easy!

Amsterdam Sightseeing Map

All of the blue pins are Amsterdam tourist attractions. The green knife and fork icons show you were you can find great restaurants. The pink ice cream cone marks a great dessert place. Finally, the purple drink icons show you all my favorite bars. Use this map to create your own walking tour of Amsterdam. If you are traveling with your significant other, check out these amazing Amsterdam couples activities .

How to Use This Map: If you click the tab at the top left corner, you’ll be able to select specific layers. Click the checkmark to select or hide specific categories.

Save This Map: Click the brackets in the top right corner to expand the map in full view. It will open in a new tab. Under the map title, right of the map description, there is a star. Click this star and the map will be saved to your Google account  in Google Maps. You can access it later from your computer or device. On desktop, go to Google Maps and click ‘Your Places,’ and ‘Maps.’ On app view, select ‘Saved, scroll down and click ‘Maps.’

Scenic Places

Dam Square is one of the essential Amsterdam tourist Spots. It’s the official Town Square, and the place where Amsterdam got its name! In today’s Dam Square, a dam was built hundreds of years ago to section off the Amstel River. Eventually, Amstelredamme became Amsterdam.

Sign up for a guided tour of Amsterdam’s Red Light District. 

The most stunning building you’ll notice in Dam Square is the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Right next to the Royal Palace is the spectacular New Church. There’s also a National Monument honoring WW II victims.

If you’re looking for all the best shopping , start in Dam Square and walk south on Kalverstraat. Find your favorite European favorites like Zara, Pull & Bear, Bershka, Topshop, Mango, etc.

Feminists will love this story! Hofje refers to a private residential courtyard during the time of the Middle Ages. The many men that were killed during the crusades left plenty women widowed and alone. These women took their inheritances and created protected communities in which they could live together freely. The Middle Ages were not a fun time to be female!

Experience Dutch culture through this top-rated food tour of Amsterdam. 

Within the hofje , selected elderly women or disadvantaged women were also given permission to live. Women helping women in the middle ages. I love it.

Anyways, Benijnhof is one of the oldest hofjes in Amsterdam. You can access it from Spui street. Look for a narrow passageway. It was a bit tricky for us to find! Benijnhof is free to visit.

The 9 Streets are one of Amsterdam’s most photogenic places. They are a group tiny streets situated between some of the most beautiful canals (Singel, Herengracht, Keizergracht and Prinsengracht). Along these 9 Streets, you’ll find unique shops for vintage and designer goods. Also, charming cafes and fancy restaurants.

Explore Amsterdam by bike. 

The popular Dutch label Scotch & Soda has a store here. Also, there’s a Black Bikes branch where you can quickly and conveniently rent bicycles. Make sure to grab a fresh Stroopwafel at van Wonderen Stroopwafels. Here, they’re made fresh to order and warm when you get them!

Leiden Square, or Leidseplein, is a busy gathering place with plenty of shops, restaurants and nightlife options. Many of the restaurants have outdoor patios, so it’s an excellent place to relax during the summertime. Or, sit down for an afternoon beer.

Discover hidden art and culture in Amsterdam. 

You’ll be sure to find street performers here.

There’s also a great “Coffee Shop” just around the corner. We got edibles at the Easy Times Coffee Shop. Eating a cannabis dessert is one of the top things to do in Amsterdam!

Prinseneiland is a cozy island neighborhood north of city center. It’s one of the most unique places to see in Amsterdam because it’s virtually tourist free!

Venture further into the Dutch countryside. 

You’ll have plenty of space to take stunning photos of these charming narrow houses with red shutters and pretty flowers. Today, Prinseneiland attracts an artist community.

Many people chose to stay in Prinseneiland because of it’s quiet nature but relative proximity to all the top tourist attractions in Amsterdam. You can find great Airbnbs & rentals here.

If you’ve seen a picture of Amsterdam, you’ve probably already seen these ‘dancing houses.’ They are a collection of cute canal homes located about 10 minutes south of city center.

The houses are said to “dance,” because of they are unevenly sinking into the ground. Amsterdam, like Venice, is slowly dipping further into the water. The canal homes are built atop wood pillars that eventually start to rot and can also shift among sediments.

While Amsterdam sightseeing, try to see if you can spot the uneven nature of some of these gorgeous homes!

The best way to view all of Amsterdam’s most charming (and dancing) houses is by boat. Rent a boat and cruise through the Singel, Herengracht and Keizergracht canals.

Ride through Amsterdam’s magical canals. 

The A’DAM Lookout is one of the most touristy spots on our attractions map! It’s also one of the best places to view Amsterdam’s pretty rooftops.

At the A’DAM Lookout, you’ll get to see unparalleled 360 degree views of Amsterdam’s panorama. Also, you can swing “over the edge.” It’s Europe’s highest swing, and it’s located on top of the skydeck.

To get to the A’DAM Lookout, take advantage of Amsterdam’s free ferry. Ride from the Central Station to Veer Buiksloterweg.

If you haven’t read the diary of Anne Frank… close this tab right now and go read it !!! For everyone else, I probably don’t need to say much to convince you to visit the Anne Frank House. Although, I will anyways 🙂

The Anne Frank Museum is set up in the historic place that Anne Frank lived secretly with 7 other people during the time after the Nazi invasion of Holland during World War II. You can visit the house and intimately experience what it might have felt like to hide in the secret annex. Hear the floor creak beneath you with every footstep. Imagine what it must have felt like to hide and remain completely silent in this space for over two years.

The Anne Frank House is one of the top places to visit in Amsterdam. It shouldn’t come as a surprise then that tickets to the Anne Frank house are not very easy to come by.

Learn about Anne Frank’s history in Amsterdam. 

Tickets are only sold online, and they sell out fast. In order to get tickets, we had to plan over 2 months in advance! Tickets for any particular date will go on sale exactly 2 months prior to that date at 12:00PM (Central European Time). Log on even a minute later, and you might be out of luck!

If you already missed the date, there is an an alternative option. You can try and get tickets when you arrive in Amsterdam. Few tickets to the museum are released every day at 9:00 AM for entry on that particular day.

For only 5 euros more, you can also get access to a special introductory program. We did this! It gives you more information and context on the history of Anne Frank and World War II. I would recommend it.

Rijksmuseum is another one of the most popular places to go in Amsterdam. It’s an enormous art and antiquities museum.

Skip the line at Rijksmuseum. 

My favorite exhibit in this museum was the Dolls’ House of Petronella Oortman. In the late 17th Century and early 18th Century, dollhouses weren’t children’s toys. They were decorative and historical tools for upper class ladies of leisure. They showed off a women’s heritage and wealth. Each item was crafted precisely to scale.

Anyone who appreciated miniatures will absolutely go crazy! Sorry, my photos of the dollhouse does not do it justice.

I could talk forever about all the cool things you’ll find in Rijksmuseum…but I’ll spare you! Instead, I’ll only quickly mention that you should definitely opt for the extra 5 euro highlights tour! It’s a 1 hour tour that takes you through a few impressive features of the museum.

If you know you want to visit Rijksmuseum, buy your tickets in advance online. You don’t have to select any specific time, and this will help you avoid long ticketing ques.

Another one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam is the Van Gogh Museum. Vincent van Gogh is a legendary post-impressionist painter. He’s thought to be one of the most influential figures in Western Art.

Sign up for the ultimate Van Gogh Museum.

The Van Gogh Museum contains the world’s largest collections of Vincent van Gogh’s inspiring works. Most famously, Self-Portrait as a Painter (1853- 1890), Sunflowers (1889) and * the Bedroom* (1888).

The Van Gogh Museum is on the smaller side! I think you could see a lot in 90 minutes. To buy a ticket online in advance, you will have to select the specific time at which you would like to visit.

There’s so many amazing museums in Amsterdam! Ahh are you bored of museums yet? Hopefully not…. The Rembrandt House Museum is dedicated to telling the story of Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn — painter, etcher and draftsman of the Dutch Golden Age.

Rembrandt is thought to be one of the best visual artists of all time. The museum is set in his 17th Century home! You can visit his studio and living quarters. It’s a pretty small museum, so the entire visit should take no more than an hour.

This museum is located in the middle of the cluster of blue pins on our Amsterdam tourist map. It’s one of the most convenient museums to get to if you don’t have a lot of time in Amsterdam.

The Amsterdam Museum has a wonderful collection of works that strongly convey important parts of the city’s history. Including works by Rembrandt, pieces owned by the legendary Dutch East India Company and even marijuana related artifacts.

In 1648 the King of Spain recognized the independence of the Netherlands. At that point, the Protestant Reformation had already swept through the Dutch Lands. Catholicism was formally banned, but unofficially tolerated.

Despite the relative tolerance, Catholics were still unable to worship in public spaces. Thus, they built secret churches all throughout Amsterdam. One of these churches, built on the top floor of a canal house, still exists today. It is the “Our Lord in the Attic” Museum today.

It’s a very small museum as you might imagine! You can get tickets online in advance.

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is also a museum! It’s one of the most iconic buildings in Amsterdam, located in Dam Square. It was built during the Dutch Golden Age as a Town Hall.

Today, it’s King Willem-Alexander’s official reception palace. When it’s not in use by his Highness, you can visit the palace and follow the footsteps of royal guest.

We did the audio tour here. It was a bit dry, but very informative. The format was flexible allowing you to learn more about topics of your choosing. We didn’t spend more than an hour here.

Micropia sets itself apart from the rest of the museums listed. Instead of art and history, it’s all about science and the future. Learn more about microbiology and technology of the future!

Gardens and Parks

Need a break from the hustle and bustle? Make sure to check out Amsterdam’s incredible botanical garden. It’s one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world and throughout history has been the setting for botanical research in medicine, genetics and evolution. It is one of the top things to see in Amsterdam.

The Botanical Garden also has this enchanting butterfly greenhouse that you can walk through. We saw so many pretty butterflies and enormous moths!

Make sure to check out the Palm greenhouse. Inside, you can find a 350-year old Eastern Cape giant cycad tree.

PRO TIP: If you love plants, make sure to reserve your table at  Restaurant De Kas . It’s considered one of the best restaurants in Amsterdam.  An innovate upscale restaurant set in a greenhouse, they serve a price fix plant focused menu.

Amsterdam’s flower market is technically the only “floating” flower market in the world. That’s because the market stands rest on houseboats within the canals. You can buy bouquets and bulbs of tulips.

Holland is world famous for their tulips. Tulip season is from the end of March until mid-May. If you can’t visit during tulip season, make sure to pick up some bulbs. They make perfect gifts for friends and family.

Grab a bike and ride out to Vondelpark. This is where the locals hang out. The park has a very wide and paved biking/walking trail. If you are nervous about biking in the commotion of the city, this is the perfect place to go!

Vondelpark is the largest park in Amsterdam. In the summer, you can often catch free concerts in the park’s open-air theater. Relax and have a drink at the restaurant Vertigo’s outdoor terrace.

The Old Church sits right on the corner of Amsterdam’s Red Light District. You can see sex workers in windows and ‘Coffee Shops’ from just outside this Church. You might not find this type of contrast anywhere else in the world.

I do recommend taking a walk through the red light district ! It’s one of the most interesting places in Amsterdam. I promise it’s not as creepy as it sounds. It’s a whole neighborhood with residential apartments, nursery schools and all other facets of normalcy.

Make sure not to take any pictures of the sex workers! It is not allowed.

….Back to the Old Church… It is the oldest church in Amsterdam! Also, the oldest building in Amsterdam. Originally, it was a Catholic Church but eventually it was turned into a Protestant church. Since the 13th Century, it was renovated and rebuilt many times.

As you walk through the Old Church, notice the stone tiles on the ground. These are actually gravestones! They are there because the church was built on top of a cemetery.

Appreciate the tall stained glass windows and sculpted misericords. If you can, make sure to climb the tower. Unfortunately, it was closed for renovations when we visited.

A Buddhist temple in the Red Light District? Yeah, that’s right. Technically, Amsterdam’s Chinatown neighborhood. This Buddhist temple serves as a reminder of Amsterdam’s culturally diverse population.

Interestingly, the Chinese influence on Amsterdam is connected to the many ‘ Coffee Shops’ we see today. When the Chinese immigrated to Amsterdam, they brought opium with them. The opium lead to a heroine epidemic in the 1970s.

The Netherlands chose to deal with this public health threat by decriminalizing marijuana and cracking down on narcotics. It worked! Today, the Netherlands have some of the world’s lowest rates of narcotic abuse.

Also, contrary to popular belief, they are not among the top marijuana consuming countries.

The New Church is located in the heart of Dam Square. It is notably more lavish than the Old Church. Also, it’s considered the most important church in Amsterdam. Today, it is still used for official ceremonies like inaugurations and weddings.

King Willem Alexander and Princess Maxima were married here. Sidenote: You may notice a lot of Argentinian restaurants in Amsterdam. Princess Maxima is from Argentina!

• Take a free walking tour . It’s the best way to learn more history, get recommendations from locals & find hidden gems. We loved FreeDam Tours
• Rent Bicycles. When in Amsterdam, do as the Dutch! We rented from Black Bikes. They have many convenient downtown locations and provide good service.
• Consider getting the Iamsterdam City Card . Do the math! For us, it didn’t make sense to purchase this card. Decide where you would go and add up what you would spend with or without this pass.
• Use this sightseeing map of Amsterdam as your guide. Favorite it. Download it for offline use. Walk around to all the different pins.

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Map of Amsterdam — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

What’s on this map.

We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Amsterdam, The Netherlands for travelers! Check out Amsterdam’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Amsterdam? See our Amsterdam Trip Planner.

How to use the map

Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Amsterdam. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Amsterdam map:

• Explore the best restaurants, shopping, and things to do in Amsterdam by categories
• Get directions in Google Maps to each place
• Export all places to save to your Google Maps
• Plan your travels by turning on metro and bus lines
• Create a Wanderlog trip plan (link to create a trip plan for the city) that keep all the places on the map in your phone
• Print a physical map to bring it on your trip

Top 20 attractions in Amsterdam

Rijksmuseum, anne frank house.

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Van Gogh Museum

Royal palace amsterdam.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Rembrandt House Museum

Heineken experience, our lord in the attic museum (former hidden catholic church), oude kerk amsterdam, h'art museum (hermitage amsterdam), willet-holthuysen museum.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Herengracht

Keizersgracht, skinny bridge, museum van loon, stedelijk museum amsterdam, top 10 restaurants in amsterdam.

Café-Restaurant Amsterdam

Restaurant Blauw Amsterdam

Restaurant Daalder*

Neni amsterdam, café binnenvisser, café de klepel, transportation in amsterdam, nearby airports, amsterdam airport schiphol, highways and major roads.

• A10 Ringroad
• A2/E35 Highway
• A4/E19 Highway
• A5/E22 Highway
• A9/E22 Highway
• N200/N201 Road

Top searches in Amsterdam

Popular road trips from amsterdam, what's the weather like in amsterdam.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Amsterdam for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Amsterdam in January
• Weather in Amsterdam in February
• Weather in Amsterdam in March
• Weather in Amsterdam in April
• Weather in Amsterdam in May
• Weather in Amsterdam in June
• Weather in Amsterdam in July
• Weather in Amsterdam in August
• Weather in Amsterdam in September
• Weather in Amsterdam in October
• Weather in Amsterdam in November
• Weather in Amsterdam in December

All road trips from Amsterdam

• Amsterdam to London drive
• Amsterdam to Paris drive
• Amsterdam to Brussels drive
• Amsterdam to Berlin drive
• Amsterdam to Rome drive
• Amsterdam to Barcelona drive
• Amsterdam to Prague drive
• Amsterdam to Bruges drive
• Amsterdam to Dublin drive
• Amsterdam to Edinburgh drive
• Amsterdam to Madrid drive
• Amsterdam to Vienna drive
• Amsterdam to Florence drive
• Amsterdam to Milan drive
• Amsterdam to Cologne drive
• Amsterdam to Budapest drive
• Amsterdam to Copenhagen drive
• Amsterdam to Antwerp drive
• Amsterdam to Venice drive
• Amsterdam to Hamburg drive
• Amsterdam to Munich drive
• Amsterdam to Lisbon drive
• Amsterdam to York drive
• Amsterdam to Istanbul drive
• Amsterdam to Turin drive
• Amsterdam to Krakow drive
• Amsterdam to Stockholm drive
• Amsterdam to Frankfurt drive
• Amsterdam to Liverpool drive

Explore nearby places

• Ouderkerk aan de Amstel
• Badhoevedorp
• Broek in Waterland
• Koog aan de Zaan
• Zuiderwoude
• Spaarnwoude
• Monnickendam
• Wijdewormer

All related maps of Amsterdam

• Map of Diemen
• Map of Landsmeer
• Map of Sloten
• Map of Oostzaan
• Map of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel
• Map of Amstelveen
• Map of Badhoevedorp
• Map of Watergang
• Map of Zaandam
• Map of Den Ilp
• Map of Broek in Waterland
• Map of Zwanenburg
• Map of Zaanstad
• Map of Schiphol
• Map of Koog aan de Zaan
• Map of Zuiderwoude
• Map of Abcoude
• Map of Weesp
• Map of Muiden
• Map of Zaandijk
• Map of Westzaan
• Map of Uitdam
• Map of Spaarnwoude
• Map of Monnickendam
• Map of Nigtevecht
• Map of Wijdewormer
• Map of Vijfhuizen
• Map of Assendelft
• Map of Spaarndam
• Map of Wormerveer

Amsterdam throughout the year

• Amsterdam in January
• Amsterdam in February
• Amsterdam in March
• Amsterdam in April
• Amsterdam in May
• Amsterdam in June
• Amsterdam in July
• Amsterdam in August
• Amsterdam in September
• Amsterdam in October
• Amsterdam in November
• Amsterdam in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Amsterdam?

Get inspired for your trip to Amsterdam with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Amsterdam Itinerary
• 2-Day Amsterdam Itinerary
• 3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary
• 4-Day Amsterdam Itinerary
• 5-Day Amsterdam Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

Amsterdam Tourist Attractions Map PDF

Printable Map of Amsterdam Attractions, Walking Tours Map

Home / Amsterdam Tours / Attractions Map

Top 5 Must-See Activities in Amsterdam

These are the most famous Amsterdam tourist attractions & sight tours which sees thousands and millions of visitors each year:

Van Gogh Museum Tickets

Rijksmuseum Tickets

Amsterdam City Pass

Amsterdam Canal Cruise Tours

Heineken Experience

Amsterdam Tourist Attractions Maps | City Tours Map

The beautiful city of Amsterdam is the capital and most populous municipality of the Netherlands. It is one of the few cities in the world that has an urban flair of the area naturally coupled with rich art and cultural history.

Amsterdam is a complex city that is lined with so many bridges, as a first-time visitor, you might experience some difficulties moving from one place to the other which makes an Amsterdam Hop on Hop off map a necessity. It is as a result of this fact that you should consider taking a ride on one of the various Hop on Hop off buses to your desired location. If you are going to be using a boat, the numerous canals and bridges in this city will require an Amsterdam canal boat tour map for easy navigation.

Amsterdam Hop on Hop off tour buses are comfortable, very affordable and help you to make the most of your tour. Boarding Amsterdam Hop on Hop Off bus helps you discover some of the main attraction of the city like the Vondelpark , Van Gogh museum , City Guards gallery , the popular Concertgebouw , Rijks museum , and many more with a single ticket purchase. Hop on Hop off bus routes covers the main attractions in Amsterdam which helps to save your time and money

Tickets for Amsterdam Hop on Hop off Buses sells for 24, 48, and 72 hours duration, it starts counting from the time you board – in case you stop on the way, you can decide to board again at any terminal providing your ticket.

For a more impactful tour and a better understanding of the city, it is advisable you download a copy of Amsterdam tour map printable provided by Trip Indicator. This Amsterdam tour map features all the top attractions of the Amsterdam city , it gives you direction on how to navigate the city. It is free and readily accessible on any device.

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What to Do in Amsterdam for Free

If you're looking for something to do after one of our free walking tours, this post will include a variety of the best free things to do in Amsterdam.

As tour guides in the area, we know a lot of great places to visit that won't cost a thing!

In this post, we have also covered free things to do at night, as well as free and family-friendly activities.

We'll also provide some of the best tips from locals and travelers , just to give you a sense for what others recommend.

• Free Top Ten List
• Free Family-Friendly Activities
• Free Things to Do at Night
• Free Seasonal Activities
• How Much Money Per Day?

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN JULY

In the following section, we will provide a list of the ten most popular things you can do for free in Amsterdam. 

If you’re looking to save some money on popular attractions in the area, make sure to read our post comparing each Amsterdam tourist pass .

Visitors who are looking to learn more about the city might want to consider going on a pay-what-you-want walking tour .

We also offer free, self-guided tours of Amsterdam .

1. Visit the Floating Flower Market ( Bloemenmarkt)

The Amsterdam Flower Market is unlike any other in the world because it's the world's only floating flower market.

Of course, you'll find the flower the Dutch are most known for, tulips. But there are also plenty of other floral varieties on offer such as lilies, daffodils, narcissus, and many more.

No matter what time of year you choose to visit, this interesting market will always remain wonderfully fragrant.

During the holidays, you’ll even find Christmas trees and other festive plants on sale here.

Although you don’t need to purchase anything to enjoy this location, you may want to bring at least a few euros to get some flowers or souvenirs while you’re in the area.

• 9 am – 5:30 pm
• 11:30 am – 5:30 pm

The Amsterdam Flower Market can be found on the Singel Canal between the Muntplein and the Koningsplein.

2. Enjoy a Live Music Performance

There are a lot of great venues to enjoy live music in Amsterdam, but most of them will charge a fee for admission.

If you’re looking to save some money, consider one of the following options.

Lunchtime Concerts

• Located at The Royal Concertgebouw
• Available every Wednesday (except in July/August)
• Concerts begin at 11:30 am
• Learn more about free Lunchtime Concerts

Free Jazz Sessions

• Offered at Bimhuis
• Available every Tuesday night (except in July/August)
• Jazz sessions begin at 10 pm
• Learn more about free Jazz sessions

If the jam session at Bimhuis sounds nice, it’s worth noting that there are several other locations where you can enjoy some live Jazz for free in Amsterdam .

3. Take a Ride on the Ferry

There are a few different ferry routes available in Amsterdam and they are all free to take.

If you’re trying to save some money, this is an excellent alternative to going on a cruise.

Each of these routes will take you across the river IJ, allowing you to get from one side of the city to another.

All you have to do is walk right up and step aboard the ferry when it arrives.

For more details about the various ferries available and when they arrive, check the Amsterdam Ferry Route Map .

4. Visit the Begijnhof Courtyard

This historic 14th-century courtyard is located in the heart of Amsterdam near Spui Square.

Despite its location, this hidden gem is usually a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Begijnhof was once inhabited by a group of religious women who took a vow of chastity. Today, a small chapel remains for an English Reformed church.

While the garden is free to visit, it is only open during the day.

If you’re looking for a place to catch your breath and relax for a few minutes, this is an excellent place to take a break while touring Amsterdam.

5. See the Civic Guards Gallery

If you’re planning to take a break at Begijnhof, it’s worth noting that this wonderful gallery is located just a few steps away from the Amsterdam Museum.

While you’ll have to pay for admission to the entire museum, the Civic Guard Gallery is a small walkway full of historic attractions that you can visit for free.

This isn’t a very large exhibit, but there are some pretty interesting paintings to see along with a wooden sculpture of David and Goliath.

• Price: Free
• Hours: 10 am - 5 pm
• Closed on Jan 1st, Apr 30th & Dec 25th

TIP: Admission to the Amsterdam Museum is included with more than one Amsterdam tourist pass .

6. Visit the Rijksmuseum Garden

Much like the Amsterdam Museum, the Rijksmuseum also offers an area that visitors can enjoy for free.

Their beautiful garden is open to all guests throughout the day, regardless of whether or not they have a ticket.

This outdoor gallery includes wonderful flowerbeds, fountains, summerhouses, a playground for children, and an exhibition with works by Henry Moore.

Even if you just want somewhere fun to take your kids to this is an excellent option.

• Hours: 9 am - 6 pm
• Available every day of the year

NOTE: There is a hop-on-hop-off bus stop at the Rijksmuseum . It’s worth noting that you can get both admission to this museum and a bus tour ticket with more than one Amsterdam tourist pass .

7. Go to a Street Market

There are several interesting street markets in Amsterdam, and they’re all free to visit.

You might want to bring some money along on the off chance that you find something you can’t live without, but it isn’t required.

The Albert Cuyp Market is often credited with providing a “real” look at Amsterdam.

Not only is it the largest and most famous street market in the city, but there is often an incredible atmosphere of humor and fun in the area.

This marketplace can be found just one block North of the City Park.

Alternatively, you may also want to consider going to the Waterlooplein Market, which is the oldest flea market in the city.

If you’re looking for something unique to bring home as a souvenir, the stalls here might be the best place to find interesting trinkets in Amsterdam.

You’ll find this flea market sandwiched between the Rembrandt House Museum and the National Opera House.

Note that there are also cheese stalls that pop up in places such as the farmer's market on Noordermarkt . They often provide free samples to those interested in buying some Dutch cheese.

8. Enjoy a Panoramic View of Amsterdam

If you’re looking for a great view of this city, there are a few places you can visit for free.

All you have to do is show up and make your way to the panorama at each of the following locations.

The NEMO Science Centre

Although you’ll need tickets to enter the museum, it’s entirely free to head up to their Panorama terrace.

This viewing platform is 22m high and it can be reached by climbing the steps on the eastern side of the building.

Amsterdam Central Library

Public libraries are always free to visit, and the OBA Ooosterdok (Amsterdam's Central Library), is the second largest public library in Europe.

This 10-story building has over 1,000 places to sit and read, a panorama terrace on the 7th floor, a cafe, and often free exhibitions and concerts.

You can actually see the NEMO Science Centre from here, as well as a great view of the south side of Amsterdam.

NOTE: Admission to the NEMO Science Centre is included with several Amsterdam tourist passes .

9. Take a Walk Through Historic Areas

There are a lot of great districts to walk through in Amsterdam.

Two of the most interesting locations are Canal Belt and Chinatown.

Built in the 17th century, the Canal Belt is focused around the old city center.

This is where you will find a lot of beautiful Canal Houses with historic architecture from throughout the centuries.

If you want to get a feel for what Amsterdam used to look like, this is an excellent place to visit.

On the other hand, you could also head to Chinatown and enjoy the Asian culture of Amsterdam.

Located near both the Nieuwmarkt marketplace and the Red Light District, it’s easy to stop by and see this area while on your way to one of many other historic sites in the city.

This is also where you will find the Fo Guang Shan He Hua Temple – the largest Buddhist temple in all of Europe.

TIP: Some of these sites are included in our self-guided tour of the Red Light District .

And of course, if you would like to take one of our free walking tours, you can find them here .

10. Consider Getting an All-Inclusive Tourist Pass

An  all-inclusive pass  allows you to enjoy as many attractions, tours, and experiences as you can within a set number of days for one set price.

Although these passes are not free, you can save enough money that some of your activities won’t cost you a dime.

Below this video, we'll show you how buying a pass actually gets you free admission to many attractions. 

If you want to learn more, check our very detailed post that  compares all the Amsterdam tourist pass . 

Using the 3-Day All-Inclusive Amsterdam Pass, which costs €104, we show you how after the second day, you get an entire day's worth of free activities. 

Here is a sample 3-day itinerary with some of the most popular Amsterdam attractions. Next to each activity is the regular admission price for an adult.

• Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour | €26
• Rijksmuseum | €17.50
• Rembrandt House Museum | €13
• Heineken Experience | €21
• Total Cost for Day 1  -  €77.50
• Hop-on-Hop-off Boat Tour | €26
• A’DAM Lookout | €13.50
• This is Holland | €16.50
• National Maritime Museum | €16
• Total Cost for Day 2 - €72.00
• Everything is free!

When you do the math, you see that by the time you get halfway through Day 2, you’ve already spent more than the cost of the pass, which is €104. 

After that point, everything else you use the pass for will cost you nothing! It's like getting dozens of activities for free! 

11. Take the Gassan Diamonds Tour

Amsterdam is colloquially known as the City of Diamonds, so it figures that this is also the home of the Gassan Diamond Company.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about these precious stones, they offer a free guided tour of the factory every day of the week.

Discover the actual history of diamonds in Amsterdam with the help of a professional guide.

Tours run from 9 am - 5 pm and they are available in over 20 different languages.

NOTE: The Gassan Diamond Factory is just a few blocks from the Rembrandt House Museum and the Waterlooplein Market. If you’re planning to be in the area, this could be a fun activity.

12. Check Out the City Archives

If you’re interested in learning about the history of Amsterdam, consider visiting the City Archives.

This location is free to visit and there are a lot of interesting things to see and experience.

In addition to all of the historical documents they have on hand, there are also special exhibits to see and a bunch of visual material available.

• Weekday Hours: Tue-Fri from 10 am - 5 pm
• Weekend Hours: Sat-Sun from 12 pm - 5 pm
• Some temporary exhibits may require a small entrance fee
• Learn more about the Amsterdam City Archives

TIP: Visitors with an I Amsterdam City Card can enjoy their temporary exhibits for free.

13. Go to Cannabis College

Looking to learn more about marijuana? If so, head to Cannabis College in the Red Light District.

Although it’s not technically a school, this is a great place to learn about the subject and see an actual indoor Cannabis garden.

This location is entirely free to visit, but they do request a small donation from guests who want to help them provide free and factual information about this wonderful plant and its many uses.

• Hours: 11 am - 7 pm daily
• Learn more about Cannabis College

TIP: If you’re planning to take a Red Light District tour , it’s worth noting that this location is only a few blocks from many of the sites you will likely visit. Consider dropping in either before or after your tour. 

14. See Street Art at NDSM-werf

There is a lot of wonderful street art all over Amsterdam, but NDSM-werf ( map ) is one of the best places to find some excellent murals.

All you have to do is hop on the free ferry to NDSM and take a walk around. If you want to see some of the best examples, head to the following locations:

• De Tanker (abandoned gas station)
• Pllek (restaurant)
• IJ-Hallen (flea market)
• Viacom Building

15. Take a Self-Guided Bike Tour

If you'd like to get the layout of the city, there's no reason you have to pay for a hop-on hop-off bus or canal cruise.

In fact, if you have one of the discount tourist passes, this can be completely free.

For example, Macbike Rentals are completely free with the Amsterdam Go-City Explorer Pass .

With a bike, you can make your way around the city just as locals do!

16. Visit the Jordaan District

The Jordaan District is a neighborhood situated just west of the city center, famed for its winding lanes, old buildings, and lively ambiance.

It was once a working-class area but is now a chic neighborhood with boutique stores, art galleries, and restaurants.

Much of its original charm and character has been maintained, and you'll find numerous peaceful "hofjes" (courtyards) there.

A number of markets, notably the Noordermarkt and the Lindengrachtmarkt, are also located in the Jordaan, providing a large selection of foods, flowers, and other goods. 

The Westerkerk, a stunning 17th-century church, and the Anne Frank House are a few of the area's other prominent attractions.

FREE FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

In this section, we will cover a variety of fun things you can do with your family without having to spend any money.

If you’re looking for more ideas, make sure to check our other sections for activities such as enjoying a panorama of Amsterdam, visiting the Rijksmuseum Garden, going to the Floating Flower Market, and more.

In addition to all of these attractions, you may also want to consider taking a pay-what-you-wish tour with your kids.

This is a great way to learn about the city and there are some family-friendly options. 

17. See the Catboat

Yes, there is actually a boat full of real living cats in Amsterdam.

Do Poezenboot (the Catboat) is actually an animal sanctuary on a houseboat in the historic Canal Belt.

Most cats hate water, but these felines are perfectly fine with living on this boat. In fact, there can be up to 50 cats living here at one time.

The entrance is entirely free, but they do appreciate donations whenever possible. You can either come and see the cats from afar or meet them up close.

• Hours: 1 pm - 3 pm
• Closed on Wednesday/Sunday
• Learn more about the Catboat

18. Visit the Max Euwe Centre

This museum pays homage to the world chess champion from the Netherlands: Professor Max Euwe.

In addition to offering several great exhibits and a library with advice on playing the game, you can also play chess against computers, take a guided tour, or check out their giant chessboard.

The best part about this attraction is that admission is entirely free for all visitors!

• Hours: 12 pm - 4 pm
• Dates: Tuesday - Friday | First Saturday of the month

NOTE: The Max Euwe Centre is very close to the Rijksmuseum, which has a free garden and playground that would be great for kids.

19. Take a Walk at Vondelpark

There are a lot of public parks in Amsterdam, but Vondelpark  is one of the most notable in the city.

In addition to being located very close to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, this is also the site of several free concerts and performances throughout the year thanks to their open-air theatre and bandstand.

Even if you can’t make it to one of these events, you may still want to drop by to see a sculpture crafted by none other than Pablo Picasso.

Known colloquially as “Picasso’s Fish Statue,” the artist actually intended this to be seen as a bird, which is fairly obvious if you take a look at the feet on the bottom of the structure.

This is one of the most interesting and historic pieces of art in all of Amsterdam, and it’s entirely free to the public!

NOTE: Like many parks, there is a playground at Vondelpark where kids can come and play for free. Whether you’re looking for something to do before or after your trip to one of the nearby museums, this is an excellent location to visit while wandering around the city. 

20. Visit the Amsterdam Forest

If you want to take the kids on a more interesting excursion, there are quite a few fun activities you can enjoy with the family in Amsterdam Forest.

Also known as Ridammerhoeve, this biodynamic farm is free to visit and take a look around. You can also buy products such as goat's milk ice cream from the farm if you wish!

Forest Gnome Trail

This is a fun walking trail designed for kids from 3-6 years of age.

While you don’t have to pay anything to walk the trail, they do offer English assignments and a “Forest Gnome Package” for a small fee.

Swimming Pools

There are two free-swimming areas for toddlers and young children.

These are very shallow pools of water, so your kids should be perfectly safe wading around and having fun on a hot summer day.

Visitors’ Centre

There are a lot of great things to see and do at this location, including an interactive exhibition on wildlife and nature.

These are just a few of the things you can do for free, but there are several additional activities that are either very affordable or won’t cost you a thing.

For more details, make sure to visit the Amsterdam Forest website for more fun and family-friendly attractions.

21. See the Mouse Mansion

In addition to their free panorama on the 7th floor, the Amsterdam Central Library also has a great little display known as the Mouse Mansion .

This incredible creation was designed for a set of children’s books about two mouse friends known as Sam and Julia.

This children’s book series is actually being transformed into a television show, so it’s safe to say that it has become a pretty big hit.

At two meters wide and three meters high, there are over 100 different rooms, hallways, shops, and even factories to see in the Mouse Mansion.

This wonderful artwork is free to see every day of the week at the Amsterdam Central Library, and it’s sure to be a hit with your children.

That said, it’s worth noting that there is also a Mouse Mansion Shop & Studio where you can see even more rooms designed for the books.

This store is focused on the book series and there are a lot of souvenirs for fans.

22. Go to a Playground

We’ve already mentioned a few playgrounds you can visit for free at the Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark, but there are several other play areas that your kids can enjoy in Amsterdam.

• Green Scarab Playground
• Bilderdijkpark
• Wachterliedplantsoen
• Pyramid Playground
• Herenmarkt Playground
• Rembrandt Park

These are just a few of the playgrounds you can visit in Amsterdam, but there are several locations like this throughout the city.

While there may be some events and attractions at a playground that require an additional fee, there is usually at least one play area where kids can have fun for free.

23. Head to Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore

Most kids love chocolate, and Tony’s Chocolonely develops one of the finest candy bars in the whole world.

On top of being absolutely delicious, they also guarantee that all of their products were made 100% slave free.

Their main store is located in the heart of Amsterdam, and they sell several different varieties of candy.

In addition to all of the things you can purchase at their store, they also provide free samples for anyone who wants to try them before they buy.

Who could say no to free chocolate?

NOTE: This store is just down the road from Madame Tussauds.

If you’re interested in visiting this beloved wax museum, it’s worth noting that admission is included with some Amsterdam tourist passes . 

24. Go to a Children’s Farm

In addition to the Goat Farm located at Amsterdam Forest, there is also a petting zoo known as De Dierencapel where you can take your kids to interact with and learn more about a variety of farm animals. 

Although you can purchase things like soft drinks, ice cream, and other treats, you aren’t required to spend anything while at De Dierencapel.

This children’s farm is entirely free to visit, but they do accept donations.

FREE THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT

This section will cover some of the more interesting activities you can enjoy for free after dark in Amsterdam.

Don’t forget to check our other sections for more ideas such as live music performances, taking a walk through historic areas, and enjoying a panorama of Amsterdam.

If you’re looking for fun nighttime activities, keep in mind that many of the attractions included with Amsterdam tourist passes are open after dark. 

25. Check Out the Red Light District

There are a lot of interesting things to see in the world-famous Red Light District, or what locals call De Wallen.

You can find it a short distance from Dam Square, and less than a ten-minute walk from Central Station.

In addition to all of the historic sites, sex shops, and brothels, there are also some museums covering the history of sex workers and other subjects.

If you want to learn even more, you can visit the Prostitute Information Centre for additional details.

For the most extensive experience, we recommend taking our self-guided tour of the Red Light District , which includes 17 potential stops, or reading our post on What to Do in the Red Light District .

You can also take a professionally guided Red Light District tour for a small fee.

TIP: There is a free Red Light District tour included with both the Holland Pass and the Amsterdam Pass .

26. Walk the Canals

Amsterdam is made up of several canals, so it’s kinda hard to miss them. This is one of the reasons that the city is so unique and fun to visit.

While it can be interesting to see them during the day, some would say that the experience is even better after dark.

Several bridges are lit up after dark, providing a beautiful sightseeing opportunity at night.

As the light hits the nearby water, the canals create a wonderful reflection that is quite romantic.

One of the most fantastic examples is the Magere Brug, otherwise known as the Skinny Bridge.

This location is very popular with couples and budding photographers.

The best part about walking the canals after the sun goes down? It’s entirely free to enjoy!

27. Go to the EYE Filmmuseum

If you’re looking for somewhere specific to visit at night, it’s worth noting that the EYE Filmmuseum is open until 10 pm weekdays and even later on the weekends.

You can use the ferry to get here, so you won’t even have to pay for transportation to and from the museum.

Although they do charge a fee for film tickets and some exhibitions, admission to the building is entirely free and they offer a permanent exhibit which won’t cost a thing to enjoy.

Their free exhibit focuses on the history of film which features several notable artifacts related to movies and filmmaking.

NOTE: Tickets for the EYE Filmmuseum and the nearby A’DAM Lookout are included for free with various Amsterdam tourist passes .

28. Take Part in Friday Night Skate

Since 1997, there has been a group of skaters in Amsterdam celebrating their favorite activity every Friday night.

To this day, visitors are welcome to join in and skate alongside everyone else at Vondelpark nest to the entrance of Roemer Visscherstraat.

The group skate begins at 8:30 pm, so it’s a great nighttime activity. The only caveat is that you have to supply your own skates for the outing.

Make sure to bring roller skates with you if you’re planning to do this while visiting the city. You can find more information on their Facebook page .

NOTE: Don’t forget that there are several other fun things to see and do in Vondelpark. It’s also quite close to both the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum!

FREE SEASONAL ACTIVITIES

In this section, we will discuss a few of the more popular seasonal activities you can enjoy for free in Amsterdam.

These events only take place during a specific time of the year, so you’ll have to keep that in mind before planning your trip.

29. Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival

If you can’t get enough of the well-lit bridges and canals during the rest of the year, the Amsterdam Light Festival will be an absolute must.

Every year from the beginning of December until the end of January, this festival lights up several notable sites throughout the city.

You will find lighting displays and exhibits near such locations as:

• NEMO Science Museum
• Maritime Museum
• Museum Willet-Holthuysen
• Van Gogh Museum
• Rijksmuseum
• Jewish History Museum
• Anne Frank House

If you want some help finding all of the best lighting displays, there are tours available that will take you through the canals on a cruise to see the major sites.

There are also walking and biking tours available for those who want a different experience.

Each display will be turned on from 5 pm - 11 pm every day, with the only exception being on New Year’s Eve, at which time the displays will be turned off at 8 pm.

For more details, see the Amsterdam Light Festival route map .

NOTE: Admission to many of the sites listed above is included for free with some Amsterdam tourist passes .

30. Celebrate King’s Day

Formerly known as Queen’s Day, this special celebration takes place every year at the end of April.

There are a lot of great events to attend including a citywide street sale, face painting, games, parties, sporting events, and more.

Most of the museums in the city are closed on this day, but there are a few that remain open including the following:

• Stedelijk Museum

No matter where you go in Amsterdam on King’s Day, chances are that you’ll see a lot of orange decorations.

This is the traditional color worn by citizens who choose to celebrate the holiday, so you might even want to consider wearing something orange yourself!

31. Take Part in Uitmarkt Celebration

At the end of August every year, Amsterdam celebrates the beginning of their cultural year with an event known as Uitmarkt.

During this holiday, there are typically several live performances to attend.

People enjoys a variety of music, dance, literature, theater, cabaret, exhibitions, and lectures.

While the location for Uitmarkt might not always be the same, in years past it has been held at Oosterdok near sites such as the NEMO Science Museum and the Maritime Museum.

No matter what type of entertainment interests you, chances are that you will find something to see or do during this event.

For more details, make sure to visit the Uitmarkt website .

32. See a Show at Vondelpark’s Open Air Theatre

If you’re visiting Amsterdam during the summer, you should consider heading to Vondelpark.

Not only are there a lot of great things to see and do in the area (Friday Night Skate, Picasso’s Fish Sculpture). From

May through September, there is a series of great shows held at the open-air theatre in the park.

On Friday nights, you can expect to see contemporary/modern dance performances.

Saturday afternoons include theatrical performances by and for children, while the evenings are all about stand-up comedy and music.

On Sunday mornings, there are a variety of different classical performances.

No matter what you’re interested in seeing, chances are there will be a show for you to enjoy on summer weekends at the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre . The best part is that all of these performances are entirely free to attend!

33. Attend the Gay Pride Parade

When it comes to the LGBTQ community, few cities celebrate like Amsterdam.

At the end of July, there is a gigantic event in honor of gay pride featuring a parade, street parties, circuit parties, and more.

The main Gay Pride Parade takes place in the Unesco Canals over the last weekend of the month.

The event starts at about noon and lasts all day, with several boats carrying festive groups through the city like floats on a street.

This is one of the busiest weekends of the year in Amsterdam, so you should probably prepare for large crowds and full hotels if you’re planning to visit during the Gay Pride Parade.

34. Celebrate Christmas in Amsterdam

Aside from the Amsterdam Light Festival, there are several other fun activities you can enjoy during the holidays.

Here are a few ideas you may want to consider:

Christmas Markets

There are a lot of great street markets throughout Amsterdam, but you’ll find even more of them during the holidays.

This is a great opportunity to do some Christmas shopping, but you don’t necessarily have to purchase anything.

Sing Christmas Carols

During the holiday season, churches in Amsterdam often hold events where everyone is invited to come and sing Christmas carols.

Head to Vondelkerk or Sint Nicolaaskerk for the best opportunities.

Christmas Tree Lighting

At the beginning of December, Amsterdam lights up a beautiful and gigantic Christmas tree in Dam Square, just across the street from the Royal Palace.

After the tree-lighting ceremony, carolers will sing classic Christmas songs and there will be festive Dutch food for sale in the area.

Check our post  Things to Do in Amsterdam in December for information on these free activities as well as other events, some free and some with a fee.

Things to Consider

When planning a trip to any city, there are some popular questions that come up.

Here are answers to a few of them:

What is the Cheapest Way to Get Around Amsterdam

As mentioned above, Macbike Rentals are completely free with the Amsterdam Go-City Explorer Pass .

Of course, it's a wonderfully walkable city, and easy to navigate, so your feet are another great option.

And as in most European cities, there is a great public transportation system.

How Much Money Will I Need Per Day?

The average cost of a flight to Amsterdam depends on the departing city and the time of year, but you can find flights from $800-$1,000 from the US most times of the year.

The average cost of a hotel in Amsterdam is $149 a night, but of course, there are always hostels.

These tend to be more expensive than in many cities due to demand, but they are still usually less expensive than a hotel.

The average cost of food per day runs around $39 although you could possibly save money by shopping in a local market.

The average cost of travel within the city depends on where you are going and what you are taking.

There are discount cards that will save you money, but without one you could pay around $10 for a daily public transport pass.

If you get a discount pass such as the Amsterdam Go-City Explorer Pass you'll save money on museum and activities costs. But without that pass, you could spend around $30 a day on those.

A safe amount to budget, without considering the cost of flights, would be at least $230 a day.

Are Museums In Amsterdam Free?

Amsterdam is full of free museums, and you'll find many of them in our post Museums in Amsterdam .

Some of them are:

• Amsterdam City Archives
• Amsterdam Museum Schuttersgalerij
• ARCAM - Architecture Center Amsterdam
• GASSAN Diamond Factory
• The Mouse Mansion
• Museum Perron Oost
• Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder - Sunday Mass
• OSCAM - Open Space Contemporary Museum
• Ravestijn Gallery
• Rijksmuseum Gardens
• Rikensmuseum Schiphol

Others are not, but with the purchase of the National Museum Card, the Museumkaart, they can be.

Here are just some of them that might have free or at least reduced cost:

• Amsterdam Museum
• Hermitage Amsterdam
• Joods Historisch Museum (JHM) (Jewish Historical Museum)
• Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)
• Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt House)
• Scheepvaartmuseum Amsterdam (Maritime Museum)
• Verzetsmuseum (Dutch Resistance Museum)

Get more information or purchase .

Note that some museums offer student discounts or free entry to children so it's worth scanning their ticket page for information.

How Many Days Are Needed for a Trip to Amsterdam

The answer to this question depends on what kind of tourist you are.

Are you the type of traveler that goes in with a list of places to see, and quickly goes through them?

Or do you like to take your time, hitting some sites you wanted to visit, but are willing to take in whatever unknown activities come along?

For most folks, three days will be enough time to hit many of the most well-known sites in the city.

However, if you'd like to take the time to sit outside of a cafe, take in a show, or walk in a park, 5 days will likely be better.

Tips From Locals and Travelers

While we do our best to provide you with the most interesting activities you can enjoy for free, it's always a good idea to look at a variety of different opinions.

This section includes some of the better recommendations for free things to do in Amsterdam from both locals and travelers who use our Amsterdam Travel Tips group on Facebook.

As Jay notes, one of the best ways to experience Amsterdam is actually one of the most affordable.

All you have to do is walk down the various alleys and roads of Amsterdam and stop at any location that looks interesting!

And he isn't the only one who recommends this approach. It's actually a pretty common recommendation in these Facebook groups, and for good reason!

We've found some of our favorite little spots in this city simply by esploring the city at random, avoiding the touristy activities, and digging a little deeper into the local culture.

Another popular suggestion is to visit one of the many markets in Amsterdam, because even if you don't actually buy anything, just shopping around to see what they have can be an absolute blast!

It's also worth noting that even if it isn't mentioned, there are public ferries in Amsterdam that are entirely free to use, so you can even enjoy a boat ride without worrying about your budget.

For more helpful advice, make sure to read our Amsterdam Travel Tips group on Facebook, and maybe even think about asking our members about their favorite free activities.

Related Posts

• Free Walking Tours of Amsterdam
• Things to Do in Amsterdam
• How to Use Amsterdam's Public Transport

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About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.