Top 5 Inexpensive Art Galleries in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is not only about canals, boats, bicycles, and coffee shops. The city is known to be a significant center for art – both historical and contemporary. If you're after some aesthetic treasure hunting, you're exactly where you should be. Let this short guide through the top five inexpensive (and sometimes even free) galleries be a source of useful knowledge during your stay in the Venice of the North.

Art display in the canals of Amsterdam

1. Mediamatic

Location: Vijzelstraat 68 Open: Monday to Friday, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. (may vary with exhibitions) Price: Varies depending on the event

Housed in a magnificent former bank building, Mediamatic offers a huge exhibition space perfect for admiring unique collections. From lighting installations to audio-video displays, gaming items, and photo collections, Mediamatic has featured diverse exhibitions, each offering a different take on art.

Visit Mediamatic's website for more information on their past and ongoing projects.

2. W139

Location: Warmoesstraat 139 Open: Monday to Sunday, usually 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Price: Some exhibitions are free; prices may vary depending on the event

Located on the border of the Red Light District, W139 offers a diverse range of exhibits in an industrial setting. With over 425 exhibitions organized so far, featuring works by about 1,700 artists, W139 is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

Check their website for the latest program information.

3. Upstream Gallery

Location: Van Ostadestraat 294 Open: Wednesday to Saturday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. (other times by appointment) Price: Free entry

Upstream Gallery, located in the 'uptown' district of De Pijp, is devoted to top-shelf contemporary art. It serves as a platform for both domestic and international artists to exhibit their often inventive works.

Visit their website for more information.

4. P/////akt

Location: Zeeburgerpad 53 Open: Thursday to Sunday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Price: Free entry

P/////akt focuses on contemporary art, encouraging artists to 'go solo' and deliver a broader spectrum of their creative output. The gallery provides art students and upcoming artists with a unique opportunity to reach a broader audience.

Check out the gallery's website for current exhibitions.

5. Radar

Location: Eerste Rozendwarsstraat 17hs Open: Friday to Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. during exhibitions (other times by appointment) Price: Free entry

Radar, founded in 2008, focuses on the 'urban' side of art. Video art, music, and photography coexist with sculptures and paintings in this dynamic space. The founders call Radar an 'avant-garde monitor' for real-time events.

Visit their website to learn more about the current program and explore their rich archives.

The 'Waterkant' is a nice terrace in Amsterdam, perfect for relaxing after your art gallery tour