Amsterdam is a beautiful place in Europe. Every year thousands of tourists visit it for various reasons. It has a complete different vibe and just strolling around the place will give you much pleasure. It contains some beautiful canals and houses. Amsterdam is also known for its coffee shops and restaurants.
Apart from that, the city is very liberal. Hence, the millennial generation prefers to visit the place to party. It is known for its red light district area as well. If you are looking to let loose, then Amsterdam is definitely the place for you.
There are a lot of free tourist spots in Amsterdam. Read on to find out.
1. The secret courtyard of Begijnhof
The Begijnhof courtyard is hidden behind a heavy wooden door in Spui square. It is a very secluded spot and it dates back to almost middle Ages. Hence, if you are interested in architecture, history and culture, then you should definitely visit this place. The whole place is home to Amsterdam’s oldest wooden houses. It is known as Het Houten Huis which was built back in 1420. The house was originally set up as a sanctuary for Catholic sisterhood. Even today the nearby buildings are occupied by single Catholic women. You can visit this place for free.
2. Explore the canals by foot
Only a few people know that there are more canals in Amsterdam as compared to Venice. The city has excellent waterways which are dated back to 400 years. The waterways are actually given a title by UNESCO for the World Heritage Site. Most of the canals can be enjoyed by foot. A lot of the canals have a series of narrow paths too. It is really fascinating to walk there as the city gives a dreamy vibe. The canals can be almost called as a living museum. Hence, you can walk the living museum for free when in Amsterdam. You should start exploring the canals for Du Duif. Make sure to keep that as a starting point.
3. The Condomerie
If you are in Amsterdam for a fun trip, then visit this place for sure. The Condomerie is basically world’s first specialist condom shop. It is a very colourful store with an information desk on Warmoesstraat. It is one of the oldest streets in the city. The store displays a variety of collection of rubbers. It contains hand painted condoms in the shape of chicken, frogs and even Big Ben. The store also has a small condom museum as well.
It is a complete different experience to stroll in the store. The owners have opened this shop to break down taboos around contraception and sexually transmitted diseases like HIV. The place is not only a shop but an institution in modern sexual history. This is also done because the city is famous for Red light area and thus, the awareness and precautions are really necessary. This is one free thing in Amsterdam that can really be interesting and insightful at the same time.
4. The EYE film museum
The basement section of the museum is completely free for visitors. Only the temporary event hosted at this museum require tickets. The basement hosts a permanent exhibition with a movie. The basement section is also known as Panorama room and it is surrounded by almost 100 movie clips and scenes for its visitors.
These clips are actually projected on the walls and they can be browsed via seven different control panels. The most amusing thing in the museum are the playing pods. You will have to wait a little for one to get free as almost all visitors try it. However, the waiting is worth it because the viewing pods are designed as futuristic cabins with a small sofa for the visitors to watch films in. Apart from that, the EYE building is a treat to witness as well. It has jagged angles and shimmering exteriors which gives it a dramatic look.
5. Hop on a ferry in IJ
The water view is mesmerising in Amsterdam. You should make it a point to witness the city through waters as well. Although, most of the tourists opt for the overpriced day tour boats. They literally squeeze through the canals and sometimes you just cannot enjoy the complete experience. You need to understand that they are not the best way to do it. On the other hand, St. Nicholaas boat club used to do a god job with their ferries but, it shut down recently.
Hence, if you are looking for a boat ride, then hop on the ferries across the IJ which is also called as the Amsterdam’s water front. You will surely have a better time on these ferries. Also, they are completely free.
Conclusion
These were some of the things that you can enjoy completely for free in Amsterdam. Apart from that, you can also explore art galleries. Some of them host exhibitions for free. When you are in Amsterdam, make sure to ask about different events. Some jazz and classical music concerts also happen for free. Make sure to visit these fun places in Amsterdam.
