How to Enjoy Amsterdam on a Budget
Therefore, without any further ado, let’s see how you can enjoy Amsterdam on a budget – explore the streets, eat well, have fun, and get your fair share of culture.
Walking Tours
We all know the hassle of walking tours – you have to get on their list and then be there at the right time, or you lose the chance to see the city and even some money in case you paid beforehand.However, you don’t have to worry about that in Amsterdam - you have to be in the right place at the right time. This is because Amsterdam has two free walking tours to help you discover the city.
One is the Original Amsterdam Alternative Tour, which starts every day at 2pm. You just have to head to Spuistraat and enjoy it – remember that this tour does not limit itself to only known areas and might even take you to hidden graffiti or places of street art squatter. The Sandemans New Amsterdam has two tours of three hours each day. If you join this tour, you’ll see the Red Light District, the courtyard that leads to the Civic Guards Gallery, the Begijnhof Convent, and many more.
Cheap Food
Of course, cheap food is not always bad – and we have Amsterdam’s pannenkoeken to prove that. They are crepes that come in a package as big as a pizza and can offer you most of your daily caloric intake.If you want to try these, you can head to Pancakes Amsterdam, Pancake Bakery, or Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs. But if you really want to try anything regarding crepes, then tell your Amsterdam airport taxi driver to take you to Pancake Bakery, because here you can have crepes with Indonesian peanut sauce or even Thai red curry – we think your accommodation can wait a bit when it comes to such pancakes.
Accommodation – Hostel or Hotel
You can choose between a hostel and a hotel depending on your company and your lifestyle. For example, you could spend your nights in the ClinkNOORD hostel, which has dorm rooms starting at 18 euros, and double rooms starting at 76 euros.However, ClinkNOORD is at a significant distance away from the historic centre. So, if you want to stay there, you could check in at Ecomama’s, which has dorms starting at 23 euros, and double rooms at 84 euros.
Amsterdam, known for its charming canals, vibrant culture, and rich history, can be a great city to explore even on a budget. Here are some tips to enjoy Amsterdam without breaking the bank:
1. Free Walking Tours
- Join a Free Walking Tour: Many companies offer free walking tours that give you insight into the city's history, architecture, and culture. While the tour is free, it's polite to tip your guide at the end.
- Self-Guided Tours: You can also download free apps or maps to explore Amsterdam on foot or by bike.
2. Explore Amsterdam’s Parks
- Vondelpark: This famous park is a beautiful, serene place for a picnic, bike ride, or people-watching.
- Amsterdamse Bos: Just outside the city, this massive forest area is ideal for a budget-friendly day trip.
3. Visit Free Attractions
- Amsterdam's Canals: Stroll around the picturesque canals and bridges, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Walking around and admiring the scenery costs nothing!
- NDSM Wharf: A former shipyard turned arts district, this area is full of cool street art, and the ferry ride there is free.
- Markets: For affordable street food and a glimpse into local life, check out Albert Cuyp Market, Noordermarkt, or Waterlooplein Flea Market.
- Public Libraries: The OBA (Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam) offers a stunning view of the city from its terrace, and entry is free.
4. Discounted or Free Museum Days
- Free Museums: The Amsterdam City Archives, Gallery of the Golden Age, and Het Schip Museum (on certain days) are free to visit.
- Museumkaart: If you plan to visit several museums, consider buying the Museumkaart. It provides access to many museums across the Netherlands, including popular spots in Amsterdam like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.
- I Amsterdam City Card: This card offers free or discounted entry to numerous attractions, plus unlimited public transport.
5. Eat Like a Local
- Street Food: Enjoy affordable Dutch treats like stroopwafels, herring, and fries with mayo from street vendors.
- Food Markets: Foodhallen offers a variety of street food from different cuisines in one place. Try small portions to keep your costs low.
- Supermarkets: Buy fresh bread, cheese, and fruits from local supermarkets like Albert Heijn or Lidl for a cheap meal.
6. Use Public Transport or Rent a Bike
- Public Transport: Amsterdam has an efficient tram, bus, and metro system. You can buy day or multi-day passes for unlimited travel.
- Rent a Bike: Amsterdam is a cyclist’s paradise. Renting a bike is an affordable and fun way to get around the city.
- Free Ferries: Amsterdam's ferries, like the one to NDSM, are free and offer great views of the city from the water.
7. Stay in Budget-Friendly Accommodation
- Hostels: Hostels like ClinkNOORD or Stayokay Amsterdam are budget-friendly and often offer communal areas and kitchens.
- Airbnb: Renting a room or apartment through Airbnb can be more affordable, especially if you're staying with friends.
- Camping: If you’re into camping, Camping Zeeburg offers cheap accommodation just a short tram ride from the city center.
8. Enjoy Festivals and Events
- Amsterdam hosts a variety of free or low-cost festivals, especially in the summer. Look out for events like King's Day, Amsterdam Light Festival, and Vondelpark's Open Air Theatre.
9. Plan Ahead for Museums
- Many major museums offer free or discounted entry at specific times. For example, Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk Museum sometimes offer free admission to young people or have evening discounts.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your trip to Amsterdam without spending a fortune!
Of course, there are plenty of places, one cheaper than the other, available throughout Amsterdam. Therefore, before calling the Amsterdam airport transfers company of your choice, you should research accommodations.
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