Here is one of the stars of Europe: Amsterdam! Amsterdam has always been a dream city to experience with its unique ambiance and freedom mindset. The town has many fascinating museums, bars, and delicious food. If you are looking for a compact travel experience where you can experience different travel themes, you are in the right place 🙂
In addition to being the capital of the Netherlands, this wonderful city is also the capital of cultural and artistic activities. The critical question here is how many days are required to not miss the beauties in Amsterdam. Ofc, it depends but the average 3-4 days will be enough for an intermediate-level Amsterdam experience.
Here is our guide for you to explore Amsterdam on a budget!
Foods & Drinks
If you are seeking a budget-friendly Amsterdam trip, try the street food!
The city has one of the best street foods, and it is impossible to stay hungry while wandering around the cute streets of the city. Street foods usually consist of different cultural foods due to the diverse population of Amsterdam. You will easily find falafels, Turkish kebabs, and pizzas around the streets.
But, while being in Amsterdam, why not try the local foods? (Btw, if you can find a local to explore the city, it will be easier to find the delicious one. So, get early access 😉). If you try one Dutch sweet treat, make it a stroopwafel. Dutch pancakes, kibbeling, croquettes, jenever, oliebollen, and raw herring are just a few delicious examples.
You can look at Skek, Hap-Hmm, De Blauwe Pan, Goodies, Restaurant ‘t Zwaantje, and Tijger & de Vis, La Perla, for delicious and budget-friendly Dutch meals. On average, the prices for one person will be 10-15 EUR.
Also, we must mention the local beers while talking about the local food! Amsterdam is a beer city, and you can find cheap beer all around the city. But, if you are looking for even more budget-friendly options, try Heineken and Amstel. Here are the other places where you can find good and cheap beer in Amsterdam:
- Brouwerij ‘t IJ: Amsterdam’s Brouwerij ‘t IJ is in the city’s center. They feature a wide variety of beers, including their seasonal, special, and year-round selections. They list 73 different kinds of beer on their website. They provide a distinctive experience with their accompanied tastings and lovely terrace outside. Additionally, for €6.50 per person, guests can take a brief tour of the brewery and sample one beer of their choice.
- Walhalla Craft Beer: This establishment proudly advertises that it “brews the gods’ favorite ales.” It is an Amsterdam-based microbrewery and taproom. Walhalla Craft Beer features good beer, limitless music, and a welcoming atmosphere. Local Amsterdam residents favor their beer because of its high quality.
- Butcher’s Tears: In Amsterdam, Butcher’s Tears is a charming brewery and taproom with a lovely canal view. While sipping their pale ales, pilsners, and APAs and watching the entire brewing process, and receiving service, visitors may take in the atmosphere and live music. For €15 per person, a beer tasting includes five carefully chosen beers and information about their past.
Another tip for your budget-friendly Amsterdam trip, try the other restaurants out of the center and enjoy the high-quality food for lower prices.
To avoid tourist traps, you need to do deep research about Amsterdam or a local. Locals will help you to find the best places to eat and the traditional food. As Citory, we create a marketplace where travelers can find a local who will level up their experience and show them how locals see the city. If you are searching for a local and personalized travel experience, “Get Early Access” and join us.
Accommodation
We cannot say it is hard to find budget-friendly options in Amsterdam. Many hotels and hostels around the city do not require tons of money to spend. Ofc, hostels are clearly cheaper than hotels, and you can save money for other activities in this dynamic city.
Hostels are usually excellent and suitable for budget-friendly trips but staying with strangers is not for everyone. Maybe sometimes safety issues can occur and ruin your trip. Of course, the probability of such an issue is low, but keep this in mind. Plus, while meeting new people, you can level up your Amsterdam trip and live once in life experiences. Hotels are also good options if you can save a little bit more money on accommodation. For good accommodation options, you can look at Old City Amsterdam Bed And Breakfast, Rho Hotel, and Roni Apartment.
You can save the expense of your journey by using services that link you up with locals and give you their perspectives on the place. Perhaps you can locate a host for a reasonable cost or even for nothing!
Transportation
Amsterdam is one of the perfect places for a budget-friendly trip plan. Many spots travelers visit during their Amsterdam trip are usually close to each other, so transportation doesn’t turn into a problem. Honestly, gathering around the city on walking is not a bad idea.
The city has a well-established transportation system. You can use the bus, tram, or subway for a budget-friendly route. A multi-day transportation ticket enables you to have unlimited passes on transportation systems. It is also a good alternative because the working hours of transportation are very vast. You can use them between 06.00 am to 12.30 am. Trains should also be considered a good and budget-friendly way to transport the city.
While saying Amsterdam, ofc we will mention bikes! The city is bike heaven, and plenty of streets are designed according to better bike routes for the people. There is no possible danger issue for bikers. The renting prices change according to the number of days you rent, but usually, daily prices vary between 10-15 EUR. Due to the popularity and usage of bikes in Amsterdam, there are many different companies for renting bikes. You can check Bikecity.nl, RentaBike.nl, and MacBike.nl. Bikes also enable you to see all the beautiful streets and experience this lovely city more!
Cultural Activities
Anne Frank’s House
Anne Frank’s House is definitely top of the list of places you HAVE to see in Amsterdam with its amazing ambiance. The place is inspirational and makes you drown in your thoughts. Escaping from city life and just thinking about her bravery, motivation, and story is a must-do experience in Amsterdam.
Van Gogh Museum
Van Gogh is probably one of the most known artists in history. He had a unique soul and unquestionable art sense. Visiting his hometown and trying to understand his thoughts is an unforgettable experience whether you are an art lover or not.
Sex Museum
Sex Museum is a place you can probably find just in Amsterdam. The city has a unique understanding of norms, and I think this museum is one of the biggest proof. Sex Museum is also an erotic museum that typically includes porn and the development of porn throughout the ages.
Museum of Netherlands
The Rijksmuseum is a beautiful institution that covers Dutch art and history from the Middle Ages to the current day. The entry prices are an average of 20 EUR. You can visit their website for more information.
Museum of Lord in The Attic
One of Amsterdam’s most beloved museums, Museum Our Lord in the Attic, has a unique atmosphere. When Catholics lost their freedom to practice their religion as they saw fit in 1663, they established a covert Catholic church in the attic of this affluent home. In 1888, the building’s lower floors were converted into a museum. The entry prices are, on average, 10-15 EUR. You can visit their website for more information.
Fun To-Do
Cafe de Prins
This lovely old-style cozy cafe/restaurant is close to Anne Frank’s house. Friendly service and good food are always available. A very nice place to have dinner with family or friends. The food, especially the breakfasts, is delicious. A little out of the center but definitely worth a visit.
Jordaan
A must-see neighborhood. In Jordaan, which consists of quiet, peaceful, and magnificent buildings, you can lose yourself in sweet boutiques while wandering the streets. It will be a pleasant experience to relax and see that this place is a part of the natural life of the city. The houses by the canal are very stylish, and there are shabby restaurants. It is very nice for walking both day and night. You can capture great photos.
Vondelpark
A huge park in the middle of the city. Within walking distance of the museum area. You can ride a bike, have a picnic, or even sunbathe. There is a cafe and restaurant in the park, but you can also have a picnic. As soon as you enter the park, it is impossible not to be enchanted by it.
De Negen Straatjes (Nine Little Streets)
Numerous independent shops are charming and diverse, as well as a small playground right in the neighborhood. There are actually nine tiny streets that connect the canals. When visiting Amsterdam, it’s a beautiful spot to go real shopping or window shop.
Red Light District
Prostitution and sexuality-related establishments, including sex stores, strip clubs, and adult movie theaters, are concentrated in the city’s Red Light District. The red lights used in brothels are where the phrase originated. The Red Light District is now much less unsafe and has a very welcoming attitude. After peeking through the windows—which there seem to be more than a hundred of—you can choose to attend a sex show or get a drink at one of the several bars. You might also pay 8 EUR to see the Museum of Prostitution.