Europe is often seen as an expensive location, especially when visiting the big tourist towns and capital cities. Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, etc.) has always been the most expensive region to visit in Europe, but that is because they did not change currency to the Euro and the exchange rates have been high for years. The other big tourist cities like London, Paris, Rome and all of Switzerland are slightly less expensive or at least have budget options. Amsterdam is like many of those expensive European capital cities, costs of accommodations, transportation, food & drink and tourist activities are high, but the locals know how to work around high costs.
The highest cost for Americans to get to Europe is the round trip flight to and from the States. Once in Europe, one-way flights can be found inexpensively (Ryanair, EasyJet & Eurowings) and train travel is wide-spread. Always run the numbers, train tickets have been getting more expensive, so they are not always less expensive than flying. Luggage costs and seat fees could make the cost of flying more, but you have to factor in time too. Flexibility is the best way to find budget flights overseas, check all carriers including European airlines like Iberia, Lufthansa, Aegean, Norwegian, Brussels Airlines and TAP Portugal. Additionally, we have found fantastic flight deals on Travel Pirates, an app that alerts me to deals during off peak and last minute availability. We have found that bundles with round-trip flights and a hotel room for a week or so in Amsterdam can be pennies on the dollar, for the same hotels or locations we would’ve booked regardless. I use the map feature to check my favorite neighborhoods and save thousands when you compare prices separately. Hubby and I booked a birthday trip for him last year and spent a week in January, but we just saw another deal available this year in April, during Tulip season and King’s Day.
Inexpensive Accommodations
Amsterdam will never be known for their inexpensive accommodations, but there are ways not to break the bank or be forced into bringing back bed bugs as a souvenir. First, book your Amsterdam flight and hotel early. If you are booking 6-12 months ahead of time, there will be lots more availability in less expensive places. As dates get closer, the deals are all gone and you will be left with the more expensive inventory. Also, being flexible with your dates and traveling during the off season is the best way to find inexpensive hotels or flat rentals. Spring Break through the summer months is the tourist season in Amsterdam and very expensive. Between the Spring Tulip Festival, King’s Day Celebrations and the warm outdoor weather summer brings, Amsterdam is a dream and understandable why everyone books this time of year. However, fall and winter are the cheapest times of year and a great time to find value properties.
The least epensive way to travel to Amsterdam is on points, because it is either free or only a local tax is charged and Amsterdam does have some good hotel options that are part of the points programs so you can earn by opening a card, spending on a travel points credit card or by booking loyally with the company. This is the easiest way to book mid-level and luxury hotels for free or cheap. Hyatt is known among ‘points travelers’ as the best hotel brand to book, because their per night costs are reasonable and range from only 6,000 points for a night in a Hyatt Place/House to 35,000 points to stay at category 7 hotel. In Amsterdam there are 4 Hyatt hotels to choose from including an airport hotel. The Hyatt Regency, Andaz Amsterdam Printzengrat and the adults only Canal House (which is a Mr. & Mrs. Smith property) are the three hotels in the city. I’ve heard amazing things about the Regency, but have not stayed there myself because it is not in the neighborhood hubby and I like to stay, however it is close to museumplein and many attractions that first time tourists like to see.
Our favorite points hotel that we’ve stayed at in Amsterdam is Park Plaza Hotel, it is directly across the street from Central Station, a great location. This is part of the Radisson collection, not one I frequent often in America, but great in Europe. The Doubletree by Hilton is also located right outside of Central Station and has an amazing rooftop bar with views of the city. Hilton has a few other Doubletree and Hampton Inn’s in the city and airport areas, plus access to the Waldorf Astoria and SLH hotels to dream of opulence. My second favorite points hotel group is IHG (International Hotel Group), the brand associated with Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Intercontinental and Staybridge Suites. My next Amsterdam hotel on points will be the Kimpton de Witt, because of the great location on the west side of Amsterdam. There are also 7 Holiday Inn properties in the city center and outside of Amsterdam to stay inexpensively on points or pay cash. It is much less money to book a €100 Holiday Inn in Sloterdijk and take the train for 10 minutes into the city, and it is RIGHT on the train line.
The Accor hotel group is the largest in Europe and offers many brands and luxury levels under its brand, but Ibis is the one synonymous with budget. Ibis hotels were my ‘go to’ choice for inexpensive accommodations when the hostel situation was sketchy. They have three different categories: Ibis, Ibis budget (least amount of amenities) and Ibis styles (slightly more themed hotel to the local area), but all are budget. Accor also has other brands like Mercure and Moevenpick that are often considered more high end or luxurious, but you can often find them compatible with Ibis depending on location. Give them a look… and when you want more luxury in the future, Swissotel & Sofitel are great options in the same Accor Group.
Hostels are also a great option, especially if you are young or a solo traveler, but there is an increasing number of family hostels too, especially in European cities. I stayed at the Hans Brinker Budget Hostel, 20+ years ago so it certainly wasn’t recent, but it was a great spot to stay inexpensively with a big group of friends! Try some of these other hostels I’ve heard great reviews about:
- ClinkNoord (take free ferry to Noord)
- Hans Brinker Budget Hostel (museum area)
- HI Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark (museum area)
- The Flying Pig (North & South locations)
- Cocomama (de Pijp)
- Hostelle (women only)
- The Bulldog (RLD & smoke friendly)
The final tip to finding inexpensive accommodations is to stay outside of the city. Hotels in Zaandam & Haarlem can be half the price or less than in the city center and you can be at Central Station in 10-15 minutes. I don’t recommend staying in lots of neighborhoods that are South of Amsterdam, unless you have rented a car to see the rest of the Netherlands. Zaandam & Haarlem are the closest towns to Amsterdam and will not take such a long train ride (40+ minutes from South) and they are both places you will want to visit anyway. Haarlem is what Harlem, NYC is named after when the Dutch first founded New York. It is a mini-Amsterdam and you can even ride your bike all the way there. Zaandam is where the closest windmills are located and is a great half-day trip, even if you aren’t staying out of town. Another great site is www.amsterdamstay.com, where you can look for rental and sublet apartments. Many offer great deals, located in less expensive neighborhoods and have kitchens to cook and prepare meals which is a huge savings in this city. Who doesn’t want to pretend they live in Amsterdam for a few days!
Transportation on the Cheap
The best way to save money on transportation costs is to never use taxis or uber for rides, they are ALWAYS more expensive than public transportation. That isn’t to say that there aren’t good times to choose a taxi for time sakes or mobility issues, but do the cost analysis. Since I lived in Europe for a few years, I have always had a public transportation mindset. For American travelers, this might be a more difficult transition because they are used to getting in the car rather than thinking about public transport. Like many European capitals and large cities, Amsterdam has great public transportation with a maze of trains, trams and buses leaving every few minutes. When looking at the transportation maps, don’t panic, it’s really not that confusing. Dutch words are similar to German, they are VERY long and have extra consonant letters just to intimidate you, don’t let it. If needed, just remember the beginning of the street or stop (chances are it will end in straat or gratcht) and learn the difference between a tram (rides the track in the middle of the streets), a train that runs underground and buses.
The most popular way of transportation for the Dutch is by bike, many have 2 or more bikes in the city and the biggest rule of Amsterdam is not to walk in the bike lane! Outside of train stations and transportation exchange areas you will see bike parking like you’ve never seen anywhere else! Thousands of bikes, chained up everywhere around the canals and city too. If you want to rent a bike for your stay, they have decent daily/weekly rates and it will be more expensive for an electric bike. Be prepared for the rain and cold with proper wind protection, waterproof shoes/boots (leave the Uggs in America) and all the essential accessories like gloves, hat, scarf, goggles, etc. knowing that children’s bike seating often comes with a plastic cover for rain. By far the best way to experience Amsterdam is by foot, even if you are young and a good bike rider. Pack your walking shoes and boots and waterproof them before the trip… chances are, they will get wet. You can easily walk 20,000 steps a day in Amsterdam, so pack bandaids and blister supplies and break in your shoes well before the trip. Google maps and your feet will get you anywhere in the city you want to go and you’ll see amazing architecture and canals along the way!
Walking the Neighborhoods is one of the best ways to really see Amsterdam, especially outside of the Center. Make a daily itinerary by choosing a neighborhood to explore for the day and do everything in that area on foot instead of feeling the need to hop across town to the most popular attractions. Find out the days of the week each market is held and plan around those, this way you will have lots of inexpensive food and snacks to eat. In recent years apps and audio tours have become more popular and easy to get from many different locations. This summer, I got one for traveling in the Normandy Beach area and for our next Amsterdam trip, I have ordered two audio tours of de Pijp & the West neighborhood. Look up any parks, libraries, book stores, cafes or hofjes in the area. Hofjes are secluded courtyards and gardens that almshouses were built around. Begijnhof is the most famous, but they are still found around the city. If you do spend time in a hofjes you are welcome, it is a public space, as long as you do not disturb those living in the home and follow any signs. This little slice of green can be a haven in the sea of people and bicycles on the Amsterdam streets. Check out some of these Amsterdam neighborhoods:
- Centrum: Old Center, Dam Square, Nieuwmarked, De Wallen, Canal Belt, Spui Quarter
- IJ Waterfront, Noord, Westpoort
- Jordaan
- West/Oud-west
- Oost
- Spiegelkwartier
- Museumplein
- De Plantage
- Leiseplein
- Rembrandtplein
- Spaarndammer buurt
- Amsterdam Zuid, de Pijp, Oud-Zuid, Rivierenbuurt, Buiteneldert
Saving on Drinks & Meals
Amsterdam is a big brunch city, you’ll see signs for pancake restaurants and all day brunches all over the city. That being said, choosing accommodations with breakfast included is one of the best ways to save money. It is typical for hotels and hostels to offer an included buffet breakfast and this is no Comfort Inn continental breakfast. There are typically western and European choices with fresh juices and fruits, plus coffee, croissants and breads to be eaten with either jams or meats and cheeses. I always take fruit for a snack later, but now that I’m a mom I bring plastic bags for pastries, snacks and simple kid sandwiches made on rolls. So skip the big brunch meals and make your accommodations work for you.
Other great options in the warm weather are park picnics. Go to bakeries for quick and inexpensive bread, rolls and sandwiches and eat sitting by the canal or on a park bench. The Dutch do this all the time and it’s great for families to spread out and play, relax and eat on the cheap. Picnics are also great for large groups of friends traveling, solo travelers and romantic couples dates. Fries are a popular food with both the Dutch and tourists alike. I’ve been known to make a meal out of a cone of fries with some yummy truffle sauce. Another option is FEBO for lunch or dinner, it’s like a mix between fast food and a vending machine. These shops are known for croquettes, frikandekken (fried sausage), burgers and kaassouffles (like a grilled cheese hot pocket) as well as the automated process of getting the food without workers and even late at night. Go to the supermarkets like Jambo & Albert Heijn for drinks, snacks and candy instead of a convenience store, they are much cheaper. Groceries from outdoor markets or a grocery store are always less expensive, if you have a kitchen to prepare them, if not fruit, produce, bread & cheese (does not need to be refrigerated) and premade sandwiches or salads can all be kept in your hotel room. Treats like ice cream and stroopwafels are also a lot less money at Jambo & Albert Heijn, just pop in and out of them as you walk the city.
If you have been saving money on breakfast and lunch, then splurge on a good dinner, but even these don’t have to be expensive. Dine Dutch at places like a Herring stand or Dutch cafes, these traditional foods are often much less expensive, but tourists get intimidated by trying to read the descriptions. Ask your server to describe it or the ingredients, everyone speaks English so it will not be difficult to translate. Eating ethically is another great way to keep costs down, Indian, Indonesian, Surinmese, Chinese are all popular in Amsterdam. They offer diverse dining, typically made authentically as a family owned business in Dutch neighborhoods. Chinatown is located just a street east of the Red Light District, but has an array of asian options. Never eat in Dam Square & RLD all the food is overpriced and aimed at tourists who will never be back, one street really can make a difference. These places rely on a large number of drunk, hungry, visitors passing through, not returning patrons. There are also ways to save on alcohol, by buying beer and wine from stores and convenience shops rather than paying restaurant prices. Drinking by the canals or in the park is a typical part of Dutch life and not seen as being cheap. If you do get a beer out, order “a beer” and not a specific brand. This way you will get what’s on tap for a fraction of the price, typically Heineken. No better city to drink a Heineken in than Amsterdam!
Seeing the City on the Cheap
A canal cruise is an essential part of visiting Amsterdam and not the activity to skip in Amsterdam. On a canal boat ride you will get to see the city at its best, by the water. Marvel at the canal bridges and tunnels, study the architecture of the canal houses and get photos without the tourist to contend with, but don’t just book the cheapest tour. There are a bunch of cheap canal boat tours, including Lovers, Blueboat & Stromma that are offered on large covered boats with an audio guide in many languages. However, these are not the cruises or experiences I recommend. I like Flagship tours, with a captain and stew their ships tour for an hour out of Central Station, Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum areas and are narrated live by captains that speak 4+ languages themselves. They will answer any questions you have and tell you all about the country they grew up in and how it has changed (or not) over the years. It’s always best to get on a boat with a live tour and not a pre-recording.
There are a few companies that offer free walking tours in Amsterdam for experience and tips only (some do charge a small booking fee to hold your spot). These are great opportunities to get to go on a tour for almost nothing. Free Walking Tours Amsterdam has 5 different tours that run daily, please note that the Red Light Tour is no longer running (due to the Dutch government shutting down all guided tours of the neighborhood). Another company, Free Tour, indexes companies that offer free tours and 6 are currently listed as free. As for bike tours, there are none that are free, there is a cost of €20-€40 for the inexpensive tours and well worth the cost for experience. Typically there are two kinds of bike tours, either in the city or in the countryside to see tulips and windmills. If you are not a confident bike rider, I would suggest the countryside tours on bike. Amsterdam is an intense place to ride a bike and not for the novices.
Amsterdam is known for their famous museums like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh and the Rembrandt House. If you are planning to visit many of the museums in a week’s time or less, the i am amsterdam card is worth the purchase, but do the math and compare the museums you plan to visit. I never suggest filling up an itinerary with museums, unless you are escaping terrible weather. Pick 2 museums or split a group or family up to see their favorite and not see everybody’s choices. The hottest museum ticket in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House and it is only €7/€16. However, the only way to get the infamous ticket is to go on the official Anne Frank House Museum website and get your ticket on the first Tuesday of the month, 6 months before your desired date. They go quickly, so set an alarm even if you have to stay up late or get up in the middle of the night. The least expensive museum tickets in Amsterdam are under €10 and often a shorter experience that visitors tend to take away more from, while using their time efficiently. Budget museums include:
- Visit the Royal Palace (summer only)
- Houseboat Museum
- Tulip Museum
- ARCAM architecture center
- Luther Museum
- NEMO roof terrace and NEMO studio (temp exhibits for adults at a separate site)
- Torture Museum
- Sex Museum
- Hash, Marajuiana & Hemp Museum
- Fashion for Good Museum
- Cat Cabinet & Cat Houseboat
Additional inexpensive attractions include visits to libraries, book stores (English books at stores located in the Spui section of town), churches and rooftop cafe/bars. Window shopping in areas like the 9 Streets (boutique shopping in the Jordaan neighborhood), Bloemenmarkt (floating flower market), Waterlooplein Flower Market, Albert Cuyp Market, Noordermarkt or Westerstraat market. Another great activity that’s free is to find a bench and spend some time ‘people watching’. In the Jordaan neighborhood you’ll see true Dutch life-styles and beautiful flowers or in the RLD if you are wanting something more sexy to look at in the windows. In the winter, ice skating is a great activity on the cheap, especially if you have your own skates.
Day Trips on the Cheap
Zaanse Schans is just about a 15 minute train ride to see the windmills and enjoy the small town for cheese tasting and inexpensive meals for lunch. The Muiderslot Castle is another short ride from Amsterdam, but best to rent a bike to see. The town of Haarlem, Amsterdam’s little sister, is a short train or bike ride west of the Dutch capital. In the summer, take the train to Zandvoort for a beach day or stay in Zandvoort for access to less expensive accommodations. Taking the train to other Dutch cities is the cheapest way to explore more cities and only a few hours ride to anywhere in the small country. Renting a car and booking a few cheap nights at a guest house or Bed & Breakfast in the countryside will often save money too. Exploring areas like Giethoorn, Utrecht & Castle de Haar, Kinderdijk and the many other amazing locations in the Netherlands. It is also easy to drive to Belgium and visit some of their towns, eating waffles and chocolates along the way. Staying in a lesser populated city like Antwerp has inexpensive accommodations and food with all the beauty of the architecture. Word of warning, don’t drive into France if you are on a budget. France has one of the most elaborate and expensive toll systems in all of Europe and they charge you expensive speeding tickets through private speedtraping (we know from experience this summer). You won’t be charged in Belgium and the Netherlands, but stay out of their French neighbor if you don’t want to start racking up fees every 10 minutes… literally!
Not all European cities are as expensive, especially in categories like accommodations, transportation and food costs. Looking at the geography of Europe, generally speaking Eastern Europe is much more affordable than Western Europe. Places like Germany, Poland, Croatia and other countries on the Adriatic Sea will seem downright cheap when visiting, compared to places like London, Paris and Rome. Surprisingly, Spain and Portugal are less expensive to visit on the western side of Europe. Another way to cut costs on a longer European trip, mix expensive cities with cheaper locations on the same trip. This way you don’t have to keep flying over, the most expensive part of a European Vacation. You will also have the balance of budget meals in one location and eating like kings in the next. Do you have any additional tips for saving money in Amsterdam or the Netherlands? Share them with me, I always love a good money saving tip when it comes to travel.
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