On A Budget
You’ve heard all about it – the city where drugs are tolerated, prostitution is legal and you may have some of the greatest experiences of your life. Amsterdam indeed is a really exciting place to be but it can also be an expensive one if you do not plan for it in advance!
Here is our ultimate guide to traveling to Amsterdam on a budget:
When to travel
The best time for travelers to visit Amsterdam is during the shoulder seasons, which are April-May and September-October. The weather is still pleasant during these months and there are fewer tourists, which means lower prices for accommodation and attractions.
If you can only travel during the summer, try to avoid peak season (July-August). Not only will prices be higher, but the city will be more crowded.
Getting there
There are a few budget airlines that fly into Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport from various European cities. Once you’re there, you can use the excellent public transportation system to get around. If you’re coming from further away, you may be able to find a cheaper flight into a nearby airport such as Brussels or Frankfurt and take a train or budget airline the rest of the way.
Accommodation
There are a number of ways to find affordable accommodation in Amsterdam. One option is to stay in a hostel. Hostels are a great way to meet other travelers and save money on accommodation. There are a number of hostels located in the city center, so you can be close to all the action.
Another option is to stay in an Airbnb. You can often find entire apartments for rent for less than the price of a hotel room. Just be sure to read the reviews and look at the location carefully before booking to avoid any surprises.
If you’re traveling with a group of friends, you may also want to consider renting an apartment or house. This can be a great way to save money and have more space than you would in a hotel or hostel.
Eating and drinking
One of the best ways to save money on food and drink in Amsterdam is to cook your own meals. This is especially easy if you’re staying in an apartment or house with a kitchen. There are also a number of budget supermarkets where you can buy groceries.
If you want to eat out, there are a number of budget-friendly options. For example, you can get a cheap meal at one of the many “eetcafes” which are casual Dutch restaurants. Another option is to get street food from one of the many vendors located around the city.
When it comes to drinking, Amsterdam is famous for its brown cafes. These are traditional Dutch pubs that serve beer and wine. They’re a great place to relax and have a few drinks without spending a lot of money.
Attractions
There are a number of free or low-cost attractions in Amsterdam. For example, you can visit the Anne Frank House, which is the former hiding place of Anne Frank and her family during the Holocaust. The entrance fee is €9 for adults and €4.50 for children ages 10-17.
Other cheap or free attractions include the Rijksmuseum, which is Amsterdam’s largest museum; the Van Gogh Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh; and the Amsterdam Canal cruise, which is a great way to see the city from the water.
Getting around
As mentioned earlier, Amsterdam has an excellent public transportation system. A single journey ticket on the bus, tram or metro costs €2.80. You can also buy a day pass for €7.50, which allows you to unlimited travel on all public transportation for one day.
If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking, Amsterdam is a very pedestrian-friendly city. Most of the major attractions are located within the city center and can easily be reached on foot.
Biking is another popular way to get around Amsterdam. There are a number of bike rental companies located around the city. Prices start at around €7 per day.
Final thoughts
Amsterdam is a great city to visit, but it can be expensive if you’re not careful. By following the tips in this guide, you can save money and still have a great time.
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