7 Free Things To Do in Amsterdam for a Memorable Experience

Amsterdam is a vibrant city, with a rich history and cultural background.

The city’s 165 historic canals create a picturesque and magical atmosphere, perfect for a canal cruise, while its extensive bike paths make cycling a fantastic way to explore the city.

Whether you’re interested in history, culinary delights, or just soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, Amsterdam has something for everyone.

Besides that, the most exciting thing about this majestic city is that it offers completely free things to do as long as you know where to look.

In today’s guide, we have gathered 7 free things to do once you step foot in Amsterdam.

Book Your Luggage Storage in Amsterdam.

Without further ado, let’s dive into it!

1) Explore Vondelpark

Vondelpark is the largest and most famous park in Amsterdam, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

The park’s design features winding paths, expansive lawns, and serene ponds, serving as a green oasis in the bustling urban environment.

The park’s well-maintained paths make it perfect for enjoying a leisurely stroll or bike ride.

Besides that, Vondelpark has several playgrounds and is a great spot for throwing a picnic, making it a great family vacation spot.

Operating hours: Vondelpark is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year.

Address: Vondelpark, Amsterdam, Netherlands

2) Stroll Through the Rijksmuseum Gardens

The Rijksmuseum Gardens are a beautiful and serene spot to explore once you step foot in Amsterdam.

These gardens are a hidden gem within the Rijksmuseum complex, offering a tranquil outdoor experience that is free to the public.

Depending on the time of year, you’ll see different flowers in bloom, from tulips in the spring to majestic roses and dahlias in the summer.

Also, a unique highlight of the gardens is the elegant fountain, which adds to the serene atmosphere.

Operating hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Address: Museumpromenade 1, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

3) Visit the Floating Flower Market

The Floating Flower Market, known as Bloemenmarkt, is one of Amsterdam’s most colorful attractions.

This unique market is the only floating flower market in the world and is nestled on the Singel Canal.

The market is most famous for its tulips, which are an iconic symbol of the Netherlands, and locals and tourists alike flock to this unique spot to either buy some fresh flowers or just cherish the picturesque atmosphere.

Opening hours:

  • Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 17:30 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m. – 17:30 p.m.

Address: Singel 630, 600 Amsterdam, Netherlands

4) Spend a Few Hours at OBA (Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam)

The Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam (OBA), also known as the Amsterdam Public Library, is the largest public library in the Netherlands and one of the largest libraries in Europe.

The library boasts a collection of 1.3 million items, including books and CDs.

Moreover, it features an auditorium and exhibition rooms and hosts a variety of cultural events and workshops throughout the year.

The OBA is conveniently located near Amsterdam Central Station, making it easily accessible by public transportation, bike, or on foot.

Opening hours: The OBA is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m

Address: Oosterdokskade 151, 1011 DL Amsterdam, Netherlands

Without a doubt, spending a few hours at OBA is a must-do on your trip to Amsterdam, and one of the most convenient experiences since it’s that close to Amsterdam Central Station.

However, dragging your luggage and precious belongings while exploring this unique place can quickly dampen the experience.

This is where Stasher comes in, offering a convenient, secure, and affordable luggage storage solution.

While we’ll elaborate on our services later, Stasher provides a comprehensive network of secure luggage storage locations in the magnificent city of Amsterdam.

Also, it is super easy to use and store your bags and you can book a location either through our platform or app (Android or iOS) in under 2 minutes!

Go ahead and give it a go yourself in the interactive demo below.

Let’s move on to the next adventure on our list.

5) Travel Back in Time at the Civic Guard Gallery (Schuttersgalerij)

The Civic Guard Gallery (Schuttersgalerij) is a perfect place to visit if you want to unlock Amsterdam’s History.

This small gallery, part of the Amsterdam Museum, showcases impressive portraits of Amsterdam’s civic guards from the 17th century and is free to enter.

If you find yourself in Amsterdam, don’t hesitate to visit this unique place and experience what life was like in Amsterdam in the Golden Age.

Opening hours: Daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Address: Kalverstraat 92, 1012 PH Amsterdam, Netherlands

6) Explore the Jordaan District

The Jordaan District is one of Amsterdam’s most charming neighborhoods.

The district is known for its narrow streets and picturesque canals and is home to numerous art galleries.

Plus, the Jordaan is centrally located, and within walking distance of major attractions like the Anne Frank House, and the lively Leidseplein.

During your time there, don’t miss the hidden courtyards (hofjes). These quiet, secluded gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets.

7) Take a Free Ferry to Amsterdam-Noord

Last but not least, consider taking the free ferry behind Amsterdam Central Station, which will take you to Amsterdam-Noord.

Amsterdam-Noord is a vibrant borough of Amsterdam, located just across the River IJ.

This borough is famous for its traditional wooden houses and cutting-edge architecture.

It boasts a blend of historic charm and modern attractions, making it the perfect place to wander around and start exploring.

Getting Around Amsterdam

Getting around Amsterdam is quite convenient, thanks to its excellent public transportation system and bike-friendly infrastructure.

Biking is the preferred mode of transport for locals, and tourists alike, since Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, with an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes and paths.

Besides biking, you can explore Amsterdam by tram, bus, metro, ferry, and on foot thanks to the city’s compact size.

Trams are a popular way to get around central Amsterdam, covering most of the city, with the main hub at Amsterdam Central Station.

Besides trams, you can opt for a bus, in case you want to reach an area not covered by trams.

Also, the Amsterdam Metro is ideal for traveling longer distances and has five lines that connect the city center with neighborhoods like Amsterdam Noord, Zuid, and Bijlmer.

Moreover, taxis, rideshares, and shuttle services are also readily available to help travelers reach their destinations smoothly.

Last but not least, you can opt for free ferries operating across the IJ River, connecting Amsterdam Central Station to the northern part of the city. 

How to Store Your Luggage in Amsterdam

As we previously mentioned, dragging your luggage around while immersing yourself in unique adventures in Amsterdam, is not a piece of cake.

That’s where Stasher is stepping in!

At Stasher, we’ve partnered with hotels, cafes, and local shops, in over 890 cities worldwide to cater to the needs of every traveler, looking to store their luggage for a few hours or days safely.

Let’s walk you through the simple step-by-step process of how to store your bags in Amsterdam with the help of Stasher.

After selecting Amsterdam, you need to choose the date or dates and the amount of bags that you’ll carry with you.

Next, all you have to do is press the search button and a map will be presented to you along with the available nearby hotels, Airbnbs, shops, etc.

Moving on, you can choose the desired place to store your bags (we call them “Stashpoints”) and then press the “book” button.

Up next, it’s time for your checkout; move forward with your payment and you are ready to go!

Based on the above facts, if you feel that Stasher is the best fit for you, you can head over to our homepage or download our app for Android or iOS, and store your luggage anywhere with Stasher!