The Dutch themselves are frugal making it easier for a visitor to keep their bills moderate. Remember the word gratis (GRAAH-tis), which to the Dutch as well as Americans means free. It is a popular word here. You need not feel grabby when using it.
|
|
 Begijnhof and the Wooden (oldest Amsterdam) House - Flowers, serenity and a medieval atmosphere in the heart of a modern city. A small rural square in the center of Amsterdam hidden behind the gables of the Spuisquare. A lawn with high trees, flanked by centuries-old houses and a little medieval church.
The Begijnhof was built in the 14th century as a place of residence for pious women. The oldest house of Amsterdam, with a wooden gable from approximately 1475, can be found at number 34. The entrance is the ‘Gedempte Begijnensloot’, a lane between the Spui and the Rozenboomsteeg.
The Begijnhof is open to the public daily from 9am until 5pm and entrance is free.
Location: Begijnhof/Spui
|
|
 Carillon Concerts - One of the most uplifting ‘free things’ in Amsterdam are the Carillon Concerts that chime from the local church towers four times a week.
The city's Carillons are quite popular and you sometimes see an office window, a kitchen shutter or a hatch open up to let in the sounds in of these glorious 17th-century bells. The music ranges from classic to folk to modern music. Programs are usually posted the day before at the foot of the tower.
To catch these concerts, be around the Church on the following times:
Westerkerk (Prinsengracht 281) Tuesday from 12 till 1 P.M.;
Zuiderkerk (Zandstraat) Thursday from 10 till 11 A.M.;
Munttoren (Muntplein) Friday from 12 till 1 P.M.;
Oude Kerk (Oudekerksplein 23) Saturday from 4 till 5 P.M.
|
|
 Boat trip from downtown to the North of Amsterdam - The IJ (pronounce as ‘Aye’) is the oldest part of the port of Amsterdam. You can make a trip across the water with the ferry, 24 hours per day, for free. There are three different ferry lines, giving you the chance of a splendid view over the water, the passing ships and the banks of the IJ.
The ferry on the far left brings you to the NDSM-area. The two ferry's in the middle bring you straight across the river and the one on the far right brings you to the IJ-square.
They leave daily, every 15 minutes, from behind Central Station. Tip: Real Italian ice cream on IJ-square with a spectacular view of the passengers terminal where international ocean liners dock.
Location: De Ruyterkade / (behind) Central Station
|
|
|
 Brouwerij 't IJ - If you like beer, you can’t leave Amsterdam without visiting this place. Housed in a former bathhouse and next to authentic Dutch windmill De Gooyer, this famous Amsterdam brewery offeres you a great variety of beers which are all brewed on the premises. All beers are presented in their own special glass.
Brouwerij 't IJ is actually a tasting room, but people from all over come here to hang out and enjoy the beer. On the terrace visitors sit together at large wooden tables. So you might pick up some new friends while enjoying one of their many very tasty beers. But watch out, some hover well above 8%.
Every friday at 4pm you can join a free guided tour through the brewery.
The brewery is located in the east side of Amsterdam close to the Dappermarkt, the Amsterdam Zoo Artis and the Tropenmuseum and will take up the nicer half of an afternoon out.
Location: Funenkade 7
|
|
 Chinatown - The Buddhist Temple in the heart of Amsterdam’s Chinatown is always worth a visit. The Fo Guang Shan He Hua Temple is the largest temple in Europe that has been built in traditional Chinese palace-style. Spend a few minutes of tranquillity in this colourful shrine.
Chinatown was established in 1911 and is therefor the second oldest Chinese district in Europe. It is located in the old city center between the Gelderskade and the Zeedijk. In 2005 various streets in the distric got street signs with the names translated into traditional Chinese on them.
Tip: Every year in the third weekend of August you can enjoy the Hartjesdagen (Heart Days). Men will dress as women and gallivant up and down the Zeedijk. This is a spectacle in itself. On saturday of this weekend you can also enjoy Opera'am, when opera singers will perform out of different windows or out on the street.
|
|
Hollandsche Manege (Royal Dutch Riding School) - Adjancent to the centre of Amsterdam you will find the truly beautiful stables of the Hollandsche Manege that are definitely worth a visit. It is the oldest riding school in The Netherlands and the design of the stables was inspired by the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. With an in-house bar on the balcony overlooking the training of riders and horses, you can have a coffee whilst enjoying some amazing moves.
The Riding School is located just around the corner of the wonderful Vondelpark.
The Hollandsche Manege is open to visitors from Monday till Saturday.
Location: Vondelstraat 140 |
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 Next > End >>
|
|
Page 1 of 3 |
