10 free things to do in January

Updated 8 January 2026 at 12:10

The December festivities are behind us, and the new year lies ahead like a blank (and sometimes snowy) canvas. Check out our monthly free guide to Amsterdam. To save money, or simply because you don't feel like spending anything after the expensive festive season.

Take a free tour of the Bosshardt House

Image from Eric Hijweege

Book a free guided tour of the Majoor Bosshard House. The enthusiastic guides will tell you all about the Major, the building, and doing good in the 21st century. The Majoor Bosshard House is open for free every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; however, reservations are recommended in advance.

Every Thursday to Saturday, 10:00, 12:00 & 14:00 | Majoor Bosshardthuis, Oudezijds Armsteeg 19 | book a tour

Experience diamond cutting

Want to know how diamonds shine and sparkle? Book a free spot on the Gassan Diamond Experience Tour. During this fascinating guided visit, you’ll discover the craftsmanship behind diamond cutting and learn about the rich history of Gassan Diamonds. The tour is available daily and is suitable for everyone aged 12 and above.

Whole year, daily 09:00 - 17:00 | Gassan Diamonds, Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat 173 – 175 | reserve your time slot

Celebrate National Tulip Day

Every year in January, Amsterdam kicks off the tulip season during National Tulip Day. Dutch tulip growers invite everyone to pick a free bunch of tulips in a specially arranged pick-your-own garden among the more than 200,000 tulips on Museumplein. There are also many other (often free) flower-related activities around Amsterdam, so keep an eye on our guides for more floral splendour.

17 January, 13:00 | Museumplein | more information

Neapolis 2500. Ars Nova Napoli in concert

Ars Nova Napoli is a renowned band in the Neapolitan neo-folk scene, known for their original style that pushes the boundaries of traditional genres. Since 2009, the group, led by Marcello Squillante, has been exploring and reinterpreting the music of Southern Italy, with a unique sound that combines accordion, violin, trumpet, mandolin, gaita (a type of bagpipe), double bass, and various drums.

23 January, 19:30 - 21:00 | Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Keizersgracht 564 | more information

Enjoy Silvina Orozco & Hernán Ruiz's music

Silvina Orozco and Hernán Ruiz deliver an intense and captivating concert filled with Argentine passion and rhythm. Together, they create an atmospheric journey through Latin American traditions and contemporary interpretations at Café de Roode Remise.

25 January, 20:30 | Café de Roode Remise, Haarlemmerplein 11 | more information

Go to the solo exhibition about the Kolenkit neighbourhood

Image from Mounir Raji

In this Ode to Amsterdam West, Raji demonstrates what it is like to grow up between two worlds: the Dutch streets of his youth and the Moroccan stories that his family kept alive from afar. He knows better than anyone what it means to build a life somewhere while carrying the memories of another home with you.

Until 30 January, every Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 18:00 | MAQAM, Jan van Schaffelaarplantsoen 2 | more information

Chill out at the resort

Are you completely exhausted from exploring Amsterdam or trudging through the snow? No worries, you can reenergise every Sunday in Badplaats. Splash around in the hot tubs, or indulge in a massage. All while enjoying the view over Amsterdam. Enjoy this hidden oasis on the roof of Volkshotel, with plenty of space to unwind. Admission is free, but subject to availability.