Free Things to do On Vacation in Holland

This information is excerpted from http://www.freeineurope.com

The Jordaan
The Jordaan was built at the large expansion of Amsterdam in early 17th century. The Jordaan is the artistic centre of Amsterdam.

Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans - Just outside Amsterdam, the Zaanse Schans is a delightful old hamlet on the banks of the river Zaan with characteristic green wooden houses. Open daily from 9am to 5pm it is located at Schansend 1, 1509 AW Zaandam you can also call them on +31 (0)75 616 82 18. This site is true picturesque holland. The site is free but there are a few little museums with in the area that do charge admission.

The Alkmaar Cheese Markets
More renowned now a days as a major tourist attraction back in 1916 it was a vital centre of trade where on average 300 tonnes of cheese was traded. A tradition which has only been continued in Alkmaar since 1939. These days the Alkmaar Cheese markets are held on 22 Fridays of the year from mid April to mid September on the Waagplein in the centre of Alkmaar.

Before 1901 buildings covered the Waagplein it was enlarged on several occasions but now it is only about 10% of it’s original size. and it is surrounded by many little bars and restaurants.

The moving and weighing of cheese is carried out by the Alkmaar Cheese Carriers Guild. The guild consists of four groups of seven men each. They each a (veem) for carrying the cheese. The veem is carried by two of the carriers with straps over there shoulders.

Get in early because the Waagplein get crowded very early.

The Flower Markets (Bloemenmarkt)
The Flower Markets in Amsterdam is the only floating flower markets in the world. The scent of fresh flowers and bulbs are welcoming and the surrounding terraces.

Vondel Park - Amsterdam
The Vondel Park is located in the centre of Amsterdam. A 120 acres of gardens. Definetly worth a visit in the summer months with regular free concerts and street entertainers.

Kerringhuis - The Barrier
Kerringhuis is a massive man made barrier the dutch built to aid their fight against rising water. A master piece of modern engineering. Entry is free but a guided tour will set you back a few euros. The Keringhuis, Water Information Centre is next to the Maeslantkering Nieuw Oranjekanaal 139 3151 XL HOEK VAN HOLLAND telephone: 0031 (0)174 – 511222.

Parade of Flags
Parade of Flags boasts 230 flags. Located between the Erasmus bridge and the Verlengde Willems bridge. Also quite spectacular at night.

Rotterdam Walk of Fame
Rotterdam Walk of Fame, the European Walk of Fame is one of the fastest growing tourist attractions in Rotterdam. Following the example of Hollywoods famous Walk of Fame. The Walk of Fame Starboulevard is situated on SCHIEDAMSEDIJK nearby Maritiem Museum Rotterdam and Buitenmuseum. The starboulevard can be reached by foot, metro (stop Leuvehaven), trams 6 and 20.

Windmills at Kinderdijk - Rotterdam
The Windmills at Kinderdijk, just outside Rotterdam, is an area where there are 19 beautifully maintained windmills. The windmills are listed on the World Heritage List of. UNESCO. See the link for information where it located.

The Begijnhof - Amsterdam
The Begijnhof is an enclosed courtyard dating from the early 14th century. Built for a sisterhood of Nuns called the begijntjes. A very piecefull place to sit, think and relax. Located at Begijnhof 30 Amsterdam. You can also reach them via the telephone on +31 (0)20-6221918.

The Skinny Bridge - Amsterdam
The famous skinny bridge across the river Amstel and opposite of the Carré theatre in Amsterdam, is an Old Dutch design wooden bridge known as a double-swipe.

Gassan Diamonds - Amsterdam
Gassan Diamonds offers a unique look inside this diamond factory. The tour takes around 90 minutes and offcourse you are welcome to make a purchase. Located at Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat 173 - 175 1011 LN Amsterdam. You can reach them via the telephone as well on +31(0)20 - 622 5333. Well worth a visit. You will be encouraged to purchase but it is not compulsary.

Let us know about your own experiences visiting these places and/or any other free things that you have found for this destination. Include a comment in the comments section below so that others may learn from your experience.