Attractions free of charge

A voyage of discovery through Amsterdam does not have to cost that much. There are enough free attractions to see in the city to last the whole week. Above all, Amsterdam is one of the less expensive capital cities in Europe. In Amsterdam you can get a lot for your money and sometimes for no money whatsoever!

Some of these sightseeing attractions in Amsterdam are not only free, but of the most pleasant and surprising nature too. Their secret: they are well hidden!

Some examples:

The Schuttersgallerij (Civic Guards Gallery): paintings on the street
This is one of the surprises in the Amsterdams Historisch Museum (Amsterdam Historical Museum). In a passageway between the Kalverstraat and the Begijnhof it is possible to admire fifteen enormous paintings - portraits of the Amsterdam Civic Guards from the 17th Century. This is probably the only place in the world where paintings are simply hanging on display in the street. A glass roof of course protects them. The most famous painting of the Civic Guard is of course the "Nightwatch" by Rembrandt, which can be admired in the Rijksmuseum. The Schuttersgallerij from the Amsterdams Historisch Museum can be reached via the beautiful gateway on the Kalverstraat.

'Spanish riding school' in the Dutch Stables
Yet another surprise: a small nondescript door in the Vondelstraat 140 leads into one of the last and most beautiful city riding schools in Europe. The Royal Riding School, better known as the 'Hollandsche Manège' (Dutch Stables) first opened its doors in 1882. The architect, A.L. Van Gendt (who was also responsible for the famous Concertgebouw) took his inspiration from the 'Spanish Riding School' in Vienna. The stylish 19th Century interior, including the orchestra balcony and the attractive foyer have hardly changed.

Although the art of horse riding in the Amsterdam stables is not of the same high standard as in Vienna, the building is still very much worth a visit for enthusiasts. Location: Hollandsche Manege, Vondelstraat 140 (near the Vondelpark)

Rijksmuseum garden
One of the least known sightseeing attractions in Amsterdam is the garden by the Rijksmuseum. This attractive garden features beautifully cared for flowerbeds, fountains and summerhouses, but also a collection of sculptures.

The 'ruins' in this garden are especially worth mentioning. A curious collection of building fragments from old-Holland was brought together at the end of the last century from all over the country. The result is a collection of five centuries of Dutch architecture - everything from Gothic pillars from Edam to 17th century city gates from cities such as Groningen and Deventer.

Of special interest is the 'Fragments Building': a mishmash of pilasters, gables, lion masks and festoons from monuments, which were pulled down in the last century. Entrance to the garden is free from Tuesday-Saturday between 10 AM - 5 PM and Sundays and holidays between 1-5 PM.

Zuiderkerk
In the 17th Century Zuiderkerk in the heart of the city centre, visitors get a chance to see a detailed picture of the city plann-ing and housing in Amsterdam through the centuries. The permanent section of the exhibition gives a complete view of the urban development of the city from the Middle Ages up until the present day. Temporary exhibitions are also put on concerning new plans for the city - the area around the IJ-riverbanks, for example.

Entrance to the Zuiderkerk is free; open Monday to Friday from 12.00 - 17.00, and on Thursdays also from 18.00 - 20.00.

NEMO
NEMO is the largest science center of the Netherlands and is designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, occupies a special place in Amsterdam.

The roof offers visitors a stunning view over a large part of the city. A large panorama photo is situated on NEMO’s roof. It shows you who designed which Amsterdam buildings. Which architects come from Amsterdam? Where are Amsterdam’s most famous buildings? How tall are they and who built them? NEMO’s roof can be visited free of charge from Tuesday to Sunday between 10 AM and 5 PM.

The area around NEMO is developing rapidly. This is why NEMO wants to draw visitors’ attention to its own as well as the surrounding buildings. The Roof Panorama by city photographer Paul Fennis reveals Amsterdam’s architectural secrets to NEMO’s visitors. Fennis’ imposing photo, which is 7.5 metres wide, shows more than 120 buildings. The photo was the winning entry for the STARTGELD (seed money) competition organised by the Amsterdam City Council.

The floating flower market
The floating flower market is one of the most colorful and fragrant places of interest of Amsterdam in all four seasons. It is unique in that the merchandise is displayed on floating barges. This is a relic from the days when the flowers and plants sold at this market were shipped in from the horticultural areas around the city by barges. Fresh flowers are still brought in every day; by vans, however, and no longer by boat. 

Dutch tulips
This floating flower market on one of the oldest canals of Amsterdam, the Singel, was first held in 1862. It has since developed into the best-known flower market of Holland. Whatever your favorite flower, you are bound to find it here. Merchandise ranges from the traditional Dutch tulips and geraniums to delicate indoor cypresses and manobole plants from the Easter Islands. Typically Dutch souvenirs are sold too. In December the market colors green with masses of Christmas trees in all shapes and sizes. The market is open Mondays through Fridays from 9 AM - 6 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM - 5 PM.

The flower market is located on the corner of the Singel and the Koningsplein (square).

Free lunchtime concerts
Free lunchtime concerts (from 12.30 PM - 1 PM) at the Boekmanzaal every Tuesday from October to June. Location: City Hall/ Stopera Muziektheater, Amstel 3.

Free concerts at The Concertgebouw
The Concertgebouw offers a free concert every Wednesday from 12.30 PM till 1 PM. Often these concerts are rehearsals in front of public audiences by orchestras such as the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, performing "officially" that evening. Location: Concertgebouw, Concertgebouwplein 2-6

Free ferry rides across the IJ
The IJ separates downtown Amsterdam and Amsterdam-North. This is the oldest part of the Amsterdam harbor. It is a cove of the former Zuyderzee, now the IJsselmeer lake. You can cross the IJ free of charge by ferry.

The 'Java Ferry' travels to the north of the Java Island from jetty 8. Java Island is one of the 'new' islands in the Eastern Docklands/Harbor area. In a short period of time this area has developed into a must-see attraction for people who like eye-catching, modern architecture. The ferry takes you to the north of Java Island in approximately 10 minutes. From here you can also go to KNSM Island, Sporenburg and Borneo Island.

Visit www.trippist.com for more local & budget info on Amsterdam.