Amsterdam Travel Expert. Culture, Events and Apartments

Amsterdam carnival in Holland

Amsterdam has a wide range of unique attractions for tourists, but have you ever wondered what the free attractions in Amsterdam are? Below are just some of the things that you can do for free around the beautiful city of Amsterdam.

Begijnhof

This is a picturesque village hidden within the city, and certainly a free attraction in Amsterdam. You can explore the 14^th century cottages, a medieval church and the gloriously well kept gardens. A visit here is sure to brighten your mood, and is a great way to experience the contrast between the city and village life.

Concerts

Music is a significant part of the culture in Amsterdam and there are a number of free concerts at different venues and locations around the city. If you keep your eyes open and your ears peeled, you’re sure to stumble upon a performance of some kind.

Dutch horse riding school

There is a large selection of horses and ponies which can be enjoyed at this riding school. You can pet them, observe them or even ride them. During certain times on Wednesdays and Saturdays, you can get to ride them for free.

Vondelpark

This is a large park in the city centre which is great for exploring. There are lakes, gardens, museums, famous houses and extensive greenery which are perfect for a picnic or for relaxing the day away. If you’re looking for a free attraction in Amsterdam, one that can double as great family time, then this has got to be it!

Civic Guards’ Gallery

This free display is an absolute treat for those who appreciate art. As you enter the history museum, there is a walkway which contains a series of high standard portraits which can be enjoyed before you reach the pay point.

You don’t have to worry about spending too much money on visiting the above mentioned sites of interest because they’re among the best free attractions in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is renowned for its great cafes, and below is a brief guide to some of my favourites.

Cafe Welling (Jan Willem Brouwersstr 32) - The exterior of this cafe simply drags you in. The bench with an overhanging bush is the height of romance, and the experience inside is pretty good too!!! There is a real cosy but genuine feel to this establishment that will

Amsterdam Cafes

make you wish it was your local coffee cafe.

In De Wildeman (Kolksteeg 3) - The setting in an old distillery gives this cafe much of its charm, whilst the mix of coffees and beers on the menu make for a diverse visit which will suit most tastes. The coffees are made fresh by trained waiters whilst the beers represent a chance to taste new brands.

Café Alto – If you like your cafe to be busy in the evenings with plenty of buzz and entertainment then this is the place for you. This cafe has hosted life jazz music for decades, and although it is not the same size as it used to be, it is still a great night out.

Café Latei – This cafe makes my list due to its bizarre appearance, typified by the random items which are placed around it, which are designed not only for display reasons but also for sale as a way of subsidising the income. The coffee is not to be scoffed at either.

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When you think of Amsterdam one of the activities which you immediately associate with the city is cycling. Almost half of the traffic in Amsterdam is made of bicycle riders, and it would be a shame to visit the city without participating in this cultural trait. Below are some tips for when you do.

Look out for pedestrian zones – Just because there are so many bicycles in Amsterdam does not mean that people on them are able to ride wherever they like. Make sure you remain conscious of the areas which are reserved only for pedestrians.

Obey the laws of the road – Those riding on bicycles must follow the laws of the road as if they were in a car. You must still obey the Dutch road laws, including stopping at traffic lights and giving pedestrians right of way where appropriate. If you fail to obey the laws you could find yourself being stopped by the Police.

Cycling in Holland

Be wary of Trams – Trams are another popular method of transport in Amsterdam, so be conscious of the where the tracks are to ensure that you do not ride out in front of one.

Use a lock – It is quite easy for somebody to take your bicycle by accident, so when you leave your bike make sure that you have attached it to something secure using a secure lock. If you have paid a deposit for your bicycle this is especially important.

Learn more about visiting Amsterdam, Holland. If you are travelling around Europe and also visiting Barcelona, you might be interested also in our friends Barcelona bike tours and stag weekend trips in Spain.

Going by the name you’d think that these places were simply in need of a good scrub. But no, the ‘Brown Cafes’ of Amsterdam are similar to British pubs (minus the TV screens) and are named after their dark wood furniture, low lighting and generally cosy, congenial ambiance.

They are located in all the neighbourhoods, and I love nipping into these places on a cold afternoon and having a small glass of local beer. Food tends to be limited, but you can always find a cheese sandwich or help yourself to some free hapjes (snacks) of olives, nuts or

Coffee Shop hour in Amsterdam

bitterballs (meat croquettes).  On a really cold evening you could have a shot of jenever, a Dutch spirit similar to rum.

One of the most famous brown cafes in Amsterdam is the Three Sisters (Rembrandtplein 17, Tel. 020 6275660 www.driegezusters.nl), which has its original moulded ceiling, and leather sofas, which curve into circular conversation areas, making it an ideal place to go for an intimate evening with small group of friends. If you get hungry, there is a steakhouse upstairs.

Another one is Arendsnest, or ‘The Eagle’s Nest (Herengracht 90 1015BS Amsterdam,  020 421 20 57 www.arendsnest.nl) which sells over 100 types of Dutch beer from the country’s 50 local breweries. Proost!

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