Free things to do in Amsterdam

Free things to do in Amsterdam

1. SeeBinnenstad

   Civic Guards Gallery

   Schuttersgalerij

   Just inside the arched gateway to the Amsterdam Museum is a hidden passageway with fifteen enormous 17th-century paintings; entrance is free to the public during museum hours. The collection features massive and meticulously realistic portraits of wealthy citizens from the Dutch Golden Age, the same class of subjects Rembrandt depicted in the most famous of Civic Guard paintings, the "Night Watch".

   Mon-Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat Sun 11:00-17:00·Free

2. DoBinnenstad

   Gassan Diamonds

   A guided tour is given that's all about the diamond production process and the history of diamond trade in Amsterdam. Diamonds have been traded in Amsterdam for longer than 425 years, and the city used to be known as the "City of Diamonds". Tours are given in 27 languages. Of course you can also buy Gassan diamonds here, but you don't have to.

   09:00-17:00 daily·Free (the tour, not the diamonds)

3. DoZuidoost

   Kraaiennest Outdoor Gym

   A well-equipped outdoor gym with permanent workout stations, made out of green plastic & metal. If you spend some time in Bijlmer, this is a good spot to workout for free during the daytime, and talk to locals. Just beside the running tracks and tennis court which you will see from the metro station and the Kraaiennest Winkelcentrum.

   24 hr·Free

4. DoBinnenstad

   Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments

   The latest gimmicky tourist attraction near the Centraal Station, it's a small museum about medieval torture and torture devices. In the Middle Ages, torture was a widely known punishment for almost all crimes committed, ranging from rape to murder, and above all for heresy. The type of punishment depended on the victim's crime and social status. The Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments displays over 100 devices used to torture people. Before its make-over, it used to be the Vodka Museum; the vodka shop is still open in the basement with free entry.

   09:00-22:00 daily·€12.50

5. DoBinnenstad

   NEMO

   Above a tunnel overseeing the IJ, NEMO is the largest science museum in the Netherlands. It's a showcase of how scientific phenomena influence daily life. Different sections of the museum deal with technology and engineering, ICT, and bio- and behavioral sciences. This is a place to take kids and is best for those ages 11 and below—teenagers will probably get bored. And it is usually definitely full of children on weekends. During summer it has a panorama roof terrace on its roof with deckchairs with free entry.

   Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00·€11.50

6. SeeZuidoost

   OSCAM - Open Space Contemporary Art Museum

   OSCAM is the museological platform for art, fashion, design, craftsmanship and development in Amsterdam. It has a rich background in curating art, fashion and design exhibitions with a speciality in young (sub)cultures. By involving known and unknown creative talents in our exhibitions and programs, OSCAM inspires and fulfils the need for a connection platform with other social art institutes in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and beyond.

   Tue-Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat 10:00-17:00·Free

7. SeePlantage

   Scheepvaartmuseum

   Het Scheepvaartmuseum reopened in late 2011 following major renovations. Stimulating, interactive exhibitions allow visitors to explore 500 years of maritime history. The building, called the Arsenal, is impressive. The Central Square, the indoor courtyard can be visited for free and takes your breath away. Also the museum shop, the restaurant and the library are open to the public free of charge.

   09:00-17:00 daily·€15 adults; €7.50 children, students and seniors (prices 2014)

8. SeeCanal District

   Westerkerk

   Built in 1620-1631, located on Westermarkt near the Anne Frank House. You can climb the tower (with a guide only) every half hour, M-Sa €6. The tower is also open in the winter by group appointment (maximum 10 people) for €70/hr. In good weather you can see all of Amsterdam, and as far as the coast. Free organ concert held every Friday at 13:00.

   Apr-Sep Mon-Fri 11:00-15:00·Free

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Amsterdam (CC BY-SA 4.0).