Amsterdam lives and breathes entertainment in all forms, from erotic Red Light District shows to live music and theater performances. Here are some choices for indulging on the cheap.

Tickets to concerts, comedy clubs, operas and theater shows can be purchased at half price day of show. Check out Last Minute Ticket Shop at Leidseplein after 12:00 p.m. for a fresh list of entertainment for the evening with a 50 percent slash.

A list of small cafes and bars offer free music nights during the week and weekend. Mulligan’s Irish Bar is located just off Rembrandtplein and has live Irish folk sessions throughout the weekend. Leidseplein’s Jazz Café Alto has local jazz cats playing nightly with a free entrance most nights.  Just across the plaza is The Last Waterhole, another nightly live music bar and dance venue with a modest one-euro entry fee suitable for any budget.

Head to the parks during summer to catch dozens of free and entertaining performances during the day and night. Vondepark’s open air stage hosts a number of gigs from acting to live bands. Oosterpark is big on cultural festivals with endless stands of locally made products and tasty snacks. Other park happenings include outdoor cinema nights, sport games and an endless array of picnics and al frescos.

Boat rides along the canals can even come at a low cost. When spring comes along St. Nicolaas Boat Club of Amsterdam offers an exciting chance to view Amsterdam from large historic iron boats. This non-profit organization carries no fee for an afternoon outing, though tips are largely encouraged. Come alone or in groups at the northeast corner of Leidseplein in front of Boom Chicago Comedy Club.

The true experience of Amsterdam comes in the low-cost form of live concerts to dance, fun cafes to explore, luscious parks to relax, and carefree canal cruises to enjoy.