Discover 25 unforgettable things to do in Amsterdam for €15 or less. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families—uncover canals, street art, markets & more!
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most iconic cities—and thankfully, many of its best experiences won’t drain your wallet. Whether you’re traveling solo, with your partner, or as a family, you’ll find exciting, enriching things to do in Amsterdam for under €15.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through 25 budget-friendly activities, categorized for solo travelers, couples, and families. Prepare for canal strolls, creative adventures, parks, markets, and even free ferries—all vibrant, local experiences that cost €15 or less.
🧍 For Solo Travelers
1. Ride the Free Ferry to NDSM Wharf
- Cost: Free
- Hop on the free GVB ferry behind Central Station and glide across the IJ River. At NDSM Wharf, explore a former shipyard turned street art haven and creative district.
2. Wander the Canal Belt
- Cost: Free
- Discover Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal ring. Snap photos at the Skinny Bridge and the famous “15-bridge view” at Reguliersgracht.
3. Relax in Vondelpark
- Cost: Free
- Vondelpark is the city’s green heart. Stretch out under a tree, people-watch, or catch a free open-air performance in summer.
4. Enjoy Rooftop Views at the Public Library (OBA)
- Cost: Free
- Head to the 7th floor of the OBA near Central Station for one of the city’s best free panoramic views. There’s a café if you want to sip something while you stare.
5. Catch a Free Lunchtime Concert
- Cost: Free (reservation fee optional)
- Every Wednesday afternoon, the Royal Concertgebouw hosts a free concert featuring world-class musicians. Book ahead on their website.
💑 For Couples
6. Picnic in Rijksmuseum Gardens
- Cost: Free
- Skip the ticket and relax in the beautiful, sculpture-filled gardens of the Rijksmuseum. Bring stroopwafels and cheese for a romantic afternoon.
7. Stroll the Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes)
- Cost: Free to wander
- This boutique-filled district is charming, photogenic, and packed with quaint cafés and vintage stores. Stop for a shared hot chocolate or small treat.
8. Admire Street Art at NDSM
- Cost: Free
- The industrial-chic NDSM Wharf is packed with murals and edgy galleries. Don’t miss the huge Anne Frank mural by Eduardo Kobra.
9. Browse the Floating Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt)
- Cost: Free entry; bulbs from €3
- Wander through the world’s only floating flower market. Buy tulip bulbs as a souvenir of your Dutch romance.
10. Rent a Bike Together
- Cost: ~€12–15 for 24 hours
- There’s nothing more Dutch than cycling as a couple through Jordaan or along the Amstel. MacBike and Yellow Bike are solid, affordable rental options.
11. Visit FOAM Photography Museum
- Cost: ~€12
- Discover powerful photo exhibits in this stylish canal-side museum. Great for artsy couples and creative inspiration.
12. Tour Gassan Diamonds
- Cost: Free
- This guided tour shows you how diamonds are cut and polished. It’s informative, a bit glitzy, and totally free (unless you want to buy a ring).
👨👩👧👦 For Families
13. Visit the Rooftop at NEMO Science Museum
- Cost: Rooftop is free
- While the museum ticket is around €17.50, the rooftop terrace is free and offers amazing views and interactive water features for kids.
14. Explore Hortus Botanicus
- Cost: ~€10 adults, ~€2.50 kids
- One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, it has a butterfly house, palm greenhouse, and hundreds of curious plants to explore.
15. See Cats at the Poezenboot (Cat Boat)
- Cost: Free (donations welcome)
- Visit this floating cat sanctuary on a houseboat. Kids will love meeting the resident rescue cats.
16. Play at Sloterplas Lake
- Cost: Free
- This lake in Amsterdam-West has a small beach, grassy areas, and a family-friendly vibe. Pack towels, a ball, and enjoy a sunny swim.
17. Spend the Day in Westerpark
- Cost: Free
- Westerpark offers space to run, splash fountains, and sometimes markets or free kids’ events. Plenty of picnic spots, too.
18. Explore Artist Studios at NDSM Loods
- Cost: Free
- On weekends, open studios allow you to walk through creative spaces. Many are interactive and child-friendly, with sculptures and funky art everywhere.
🍽 Cheap Eats & Snacks Under €15
Here are some tasty local bites that fill you up without emptying your wallet:
- Stroopwafel + coffee: €3–5 – Try at a street stand or café
- Dutch herring sandwich: €3–5 – From markets like Albert Cuypmarkt
- Bitterballen + beer: €10–12 – Classic Dutch pub snack
- Dutch pancakes (pannenkoek): €7–12 – Sweet or savory
- Frites with mayo or curry ketchup: €4–6 – Cheap, tasty, satisfying
Pro tip: Download the app Too Good To Go to grab unsold meals from restaurants for as little as €3–5.
📝 Sample 3-Day Itineraries
🎒 Solo Traveler
Day 1: Canal belt stroll → OBA rooftop → ferry to NDSM Wharf
Day 2: Market snacks → Vondelpark open-air music → evening canal photo walk
Day 3: Free concert → Nine Streets window shopping → FOAM museum
💏 Couple
Day 1: Picnic at Rijksmuseum gardens → flower market → canal walk
Day 2: Bike through Jordaan → stop at FOAM → dinner near De 9 Straatjes
Day 3: Ferry to NDSM → diamond tour → sunset stroll in Vondelpark
👨👩👧 Family
Day 1: NEMO rooftop → Vondelpark playtime → cat boat
Day 2: Hortus garden → frites at market → free ferry ride
Day 3: Sloterplas swim → Westerpark play → picnic dinner
💡 Money-Saving Tips for Everyone
- Use the Free Ferries: GVB ferries across the IJ are always free and fun.
- Skip Transport Costs: Rent a bike or walk—the center is compact.
- Ask for Family Discounts: Most attractions offer kid pricing or family bundles.
- Plan Around Free Events: Check schedules for concerts and markets.
- Bring Your Own Snacks: Grab items from local markets and picnic in parks.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Amsterdam proves that amazing adventures don’t need a big budget. With €15 or less, you can cruise canals, soak up culture, relax in nature, and snack on Dutch treats. Whether you’re on a solo journey, romantic getaway, or family vacation, this city offers plenty of heart—and joy—for less.
So grab your backpack, hop on a bike or ferry, and experience Amsterdam like a local, one affordable adventure at a time.