You simply can’t leave Amsterdam without getting wet. While a traditional canal cruise that tours the lively and lovely harbor of Amsterdam will cost upwards of €14 depending on whether or not food is served, free ferry rides leave daily from the city center and go to some of its lesser known stopping grounds.

From either jetty 7 or 8 in Central Station, you can hop on one of three ferries: Java ferry, Adelaarsweg ferry, or the Buiksloterweg ferry. The most popular route is on Buiksloterweg (jetty 7 at Central Station); this ferry service travels to the oldest part of Amsterdam’s harbor and takes you from central Amsterdam to North-Amsterdam via IJsselmeer Lake, the body of water that separates the two areas.

We recommend taking all three boat trips, but if you only have time for one, get on the Buiksloterweg. This ride takes about five minutes, but offers a slew of photo opps and some of the best views of the canals and of the IJ shoreline.

Hey, turns out there is such a thing as a free ride! For more information, visit the Holland Tourism Board’s web site.

Join us again tomorrow, Cheapos, for another free tip. Next stop? Athens!

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