Amsterdam is the mini cruise capital and it never looked better than it does in winter. If you’re planning a cruise to Amsterdam, give these seven free things to do a go whilst you’re there.

GET ON BOARD

Take the free Amsterdam public transport ferry from behind Centraal Station to the north of the city, enjoying some panoramic views of the Amsterdam waterfront along the way.

Typical canal in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

SAMPLE SOME FREE FROMAGE

What is a visit to Holland without sampling a cheese or two? De Reypenaer is Amsterdam’s best cheese shop and they are far from stingy with the free samples. If you do fancy splashing the cash, you can indulge in cheese and wine galore at in De Reypenaer’s Cheese Tasting Room.

SEE A PICASSO WITHOUT PAYING A PENNY

Amsterdam’s galleries and museums are some of the best in the world but if you head to the Vondelpark, you can see work by Picasso without paying a penny. His ‘Figure découpée l’Oiseau’ sculpture has stood in the park since it was gifted to the city in 1965.

GET YOUR SKATES ON

Feeling brave? Amsterdam’s free Friday Night Skate is a city tour with a difference. Since 1997, more than 3,000 people have hired skates and taken to the streets each Friday night at 8.15pm, seeing a whole new side to the city on ever-changing routes.

GET ON YOUR BIKE

Amsterdam has more bikes than people, so it seems fitting to see the city on two wheels at least once. The Original Free Amsterdam Bike Tour meets every Friday to Sunday at 11.00am in front of Café Roast. It’s free if you happen to have your own bike, say if you’re on an Amsterdam river cruise with a company like APT or AmaWaterways who offer free cycle hire. Alternatively, you can rent one from the tour company for a fiver.

Bikes by the Canal in Amsterdam

MEET PUSS ON BOATS

Closet cat ladies (and gents) can mingle with Amsterdam’s felines at the Poezenboot or Catboat floating cat sanctuary. It houses the city’s stray and abandoned cats and whilst it is free to visit, donations are always appreciated.

SHOP FOR DIAMONDS

Okay, window shop at least. Amsterdam has been known as the ‘City of Diamonds’ for hundreds of years and you can see sparkles galore on a free guided tour at Gassan Diamonds. Learn all about carats, colours, clarity and cuts, watch the diamond cutters at work and round things off with a complimentary drink in the coffee shop. No freebies here though, sadly.

Are you headed for Amsterdam this winter? Check out our cruises to Amsterdam here.

Diamonds

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