Tips for saving money in Amsterdam
After saving up for a trip to Amsterdam, you want to spend that money on the important things: a few fantastic meals and memorable experiences. The little expenses can really add up, though, so keep your budget in check with a few tips to save money and spend wisely in Amsterdam.
Go beyond the city centre
There’s more to Amsterdam than the city centre – and that means more culture to experience, things to see and places to explore. Walk along the paths of Westerpark in Amsterdam West to see where the locals hang out or hop on the free ferry to Amsterdam Noord for brunch along the water. You’ll find a greater variety of shops, cafés and restaurants that are frequented by discerning locals, and get more of a taste of the ‘real’ Amsterdam. Explore our curated guide to all of the Amsterdam neighbourhoods.
Opt for a high-end hostel or budget hotel
As a city of history and art, Amsterdam has some of the most jaw-dropping accommodation in the world, but not all of them command jaw-dropping price tags. Some of the best places to stay are actually some of the most economical, with design hostels and budget hotels in Amsterdam upping their game to compete with the big names in the city. Check out our where-to-stay pages for some of the best tips to suit your budget.
See the musts for less money in less time
No matter your personal interests, there are certain things you just have to see in Amsterdam: the canals and the museums, for starters. Instead of waiting in line and purchasing tickets at each location, use the I amsterdam City Card to fast-track your trip. Not only will you get into sights such as the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum and Rembrandt House Museum for free or at a discount, but you’ll also be able to get to them much more easily – the card offers unlimited access to the public transport system for up to 96 hours. Read more about the I amsterdam City Card.
Check out the wallet-friendly eateries
Amsterdam’s burgeoning food scene has something to cater to every type of diner, and every travel budget. If you have any appetite left after all the tasty market treats, try these stylish budget restaurants that definitely do not skimp on flavour. It’s also well worth saving up for one celebratory blowout meal at one of the city’s top-rated restaurants where innovative chefs are putting Dutch cuisine on the map. Or for more low-cost foodie tips, from burger joints and ramen bars to the cities best pizzerias, check out our dedicated eating and drinking guides.
Spend an evening outdoors
Not every night needs to be spent in the hottest club, the swankiest wine bar or a newly opened rooftop terrace – some nights can and should be spent outside. During the summer, get some free entertainment under the stars at the Vondelpark Open-Air Theatre, which hosts a selection of concerts, dance and theatre performances, or snuggle up with your family for a film screening at one of the many open-air cinemas in Amsterdam. Read our guide to the best free things to do in the city for more cultural tips.
Picnic in the park
To save a little on your food budget, do as the locals do and take your lunch to one of the parks in Amsterdam. Amsterdam has loads of green spaces that make the perfect place for a picnic, including Oosterpark, Flevopark and, of course, the famous Vondelpark, and each park has nearby supermarkets with all the fixings for sandwiches that can be eaten just as well on a blanket. Just remember to throw your rubbish in the bin!
Make your stay eventful
There’s no reason to sit in your hotel room late at night or book expensive events simply off the recommendation of the hotel’s front desk. Use the power of the Internet to search for events, exhibitions and festivals in our cultural agenda, or refer to our lovingly curated Weekend Guide to find out what’s happening that weekend in the city. With the help of real local experts, you can have the experience of a lifetime in Amsterdam without spending your life savings.
Fill your suitcase with mementos from the market
You’ll naturally need to bring something home for friends and family – as well as some souvenirs for yourself – but shopping doesn’t need to put a big dent in your wallet. Sure, you can stroll down Amsterdam’s most high-end shopping streets to peer in the windows and try on a few things, but save your cents for one of the many markets in Amsterdam. Squares turn into bustling shopping centres, where you can browse through huge collections of vintage clothes and accessories as well as antique fineries and rare items.
