Perhaps you're a student, a freelancer, or someone who works minimal hours. Whatever it is, you've got spare time on the weekdays and want to get out and see this amazing city. It's true that like other major cities, Amsterdam really comes alive during the weekend. But there's plenty to do for the rest of the week. Here are some fun weekday activities in Amsterdam that you can do either solo or with some friends.
Museums in Amsterdam
There are around 75 museums in Amsterdam, so art buffs will love what the city has to offer. Residents can buy the Museumkaart; for a flat fee; this allows you unlimited access to over 500 museums across the country for a year. So, you can use it to visit museums in Amsterdam and all over the Netherlands. As of 2024, this card costs around €75.
Coffeeshops in Amsterdam
While they do serve coffee and tea at these places, it's worth it to note that the term “coffeeshop” specifies an establishment that sells marijuana. Whether you're a regular smoker or want to try it out, it's always an interesting experience going to one. Most have relaxing and ambient decor, as well as a few TVs on, usually showing nature shows.
While you're allowed to smoke in the shops you buy in, the only beverages you'll be able to enjoy are non-alcoholic. You can find some bars where they serve alcohol and let you smoke weed as well, but you'll never find any that sell/serve both at the same time; this is against the law.
Parks in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is home to over 30 parks, so you won't be short on incredible greenery. Many allow you to cycle through them, so you can even make it a day tour and bike through multiple parks.
Be sure to visit Vondelpark, which is the city's largest park. In the summer, there's the Open Air Theater, where you'll see tons of performances for free.
Renting a boat in Amsterdam
The Dutch love to take boats out on the canals whenever the weather's nice. You should follow suit! Load up a rental boat with food and snacks, then coast along the canals while enjoying the sun and some banter with friends.
Stroll through Albert Cuyp Markt
This is the largest, most famous street market in the Netherlands. It has around 260 stalls and is there six days a week from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm, rain or shine (it's closed on Sundays). So if you're hungry and are in the neighborhood (De Pijp), swing by and take a refreshing stroll down Albert Cuypstraat.
Attend a free classical concert in Amsterdam
From September to June, the Concertgebouw in Museum Square offers free lunchtime classical concerts from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm on Wednesdays most weeks. It's not technically a real concert; instead, it's a rehearsal for the official one later that night. But it's free, plus you can enjoy some outstanding performances. Do note that while the concert's "free", it'll cost €2.50 for the transaction fee.
Do an Escape Room in Amsterdam
You'll find many escape rooms in Amsterdam, including The Amsterdam Catacombs, which is one of the top-ranked escape rooms in the world. Since it's such an international city, you won't have any problems finding one in English.
Clubbing in Amsterdam
If you want the best clubbing experience, you should go on the weekends when people don't have work. But if you want to let down your hair during the week, you can still do that. On the weekends, clubs close at around 4:00 am; on the weekdays, at 3:00 am.
Get yourself down to Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, and you'll have plenty of clubs with different genres of music to choose from.
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