Ways to Save when Visiting Amsterdam
Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Here are some suggestions for maximizing your budget, including information on museums, free sights and getting around this curvy city of canals.
Amsterdam is one of EuroCheapo’s “Top 10” most popular cities. Travelers from around the world flock here year ’round to take in the city’s art, party scene, and chill way of life. But all those tourists also drive up hotel rates, fill up restaurants and create lines at the museums. Below you’ll find tips for making your visit less harried and more affordable.
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Sleeping cheap
Amsterdam is a city of tourists — and they all need some place to sleep. Fortunately, the city has been on top of this for centuries, as the hundreds of hotels can attest. Amsterdam is small, so most hotels are pretty “central”, at least those in the neighborhoods we cover in our hotel guide: Old Center, Western Canal Ring, Southern Canal Ring, the Pijp, Jordaan, and Museumplein.
Expect to spend
You should expect to shell out at least €80-110 for a double room in a 1- or 2-star hotel during lower seasons, and at least €125 during the prime summer travel season and for special events. Beware of special events (like the Amsterdam marathon) that can unexpectedly drive up hotel rates.
Stay central, but not too central
As I mentioned in my post on Amsterdam hotel advice, you’ll want to book something central, but not too central, as the city’s absolute center can get a bit rowdy with nightlife action. You don’t need to sleep next to Dam Square.
Stair warning
You should also get ready to climb some stairs, as most small hotels still have their 100+ year old steep staircases intact. If you’re not able to climb these, you should look for a hotel with an elevator.
Nearby cities offer cheaper rates
If you’re finding things too expensive in Amsterdam (or nothing available at all, which has happened to me!), consider a night in nearby Utrecht or Haarlem. Both cities are about a half an hour by (very frequent and cheap) train, and can save you a bundle.
For more tips, read my Amsterdam hotel advice post, or browse through our recommended hotels.
Tourist Office
The VVV, the official Dutch tourism board, has three offices in town and one at the airport.
All VVV tourist offices offer brochures, maps, and tickets to events. The main office in Amsterdam is outside the front doors of Centraal Station. It is open from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily.
Saving on sightseeing
Consider buying the Museumjaarkaart
The Museumjaarkaart is a good investment for anyone interested in taking advantage of what locals term “Museum Land.” The card covers admission to more than 400 museums throughout the Netherlands, including biggies like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank Huis. The museum card is valid for one year and costs €39.95 for adults and €19.95 for those under 25.
Go to Anne Frank House… late
During high tourist season the Anne Frank House Museum is open until 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on Saturdays); and during the off season until 7 p.m. (9 p.m. on Saturday). In fact, during July and August the museum doesn’t close until 10 p.m. daily. So save time and avoid that long line by coming later, about an hour before close.
Free: See street art
A walk down Spuistraat will make you feel like you’ve entered a gritty and colorful street art exhibition. Art pieces can scale entire building faces, and much of the street is lined with different works side-by-side.
Free: Cross the Jordaan
Walking the streets of the Jordaan district is a must for every visitor in Amsterdam. It was once an area for blue-collar workers during the 1600s, but now the quaint and cute streets and alleys have been gentrified and host a number of small art galleries.
Free: Nieuwmarkt is neat-o
The giant weigh station in the center of Nieuwmarkt’s square, De Waag, is often mistaken for a castle. However, this was the main entrance to old Amsterdam before the Golden Ages, and it continued to attract locals interested in its main 17th-century attraction: public beheadings.
Saving on shopping
Pay in cash: Forget paying with a credit card in grocery stores, as they only accept cash or Dutch debit cards. And many authentic Amsterdam cafés (and coffeeshops) only take cash. Save time by always having cash on hand, and use your credit cards for the shops and ATMs.
Public transportation
Buy day tickets on public transportation
Yes, you can buy your ticket on the trams and buses, but save time (and annoying people behind you) and buy a day ticket if you’re taking public transport. This way, you can simply “punch” your ticket when getting on and off the tram or bus like everyone else. (Look for the round pads on the side of the doors that say “OV”.)
Bike around
Waiting around for trams and buses gets old fast – and Amsterdam’s public transportation doesn’t pass by as frequently as in other European capitals, especially on weekends. Save time (and money) by renting a bike during your stay. It’s fun and healthy, and once you learn the rules of the bike paths, it’s a breeze!
Book train tickets in advance and use kiosks
It might sound obvious, but it’s worth repeating: Book train tickets from Amsterdam in advance online. Whether you have a print-out on hand or you have to use a kiosk computer at the station, both methods are so much faster than waiting in line to buy tickets at the station. (Of course, checking in for flights in advance and using self-service check in at the airport will also save you loads of time.)
Free: Ferry rides
All ferries behind Centraal Station are free; pick one and see where it takes you (the average travel time is just five to 15 minutes).
Eating and drinking
Make dinner reservations
Since Amsterdam’s old city center is well preserved, it also means cafes and restaurants have a small capacity for patrons. Save time searching for an open table by simply reserving a place at a café or restaurant. Call ahead (or stop by) during the afternoon and you should be fine.
Get Dutch-y
Although everyone in Amsterdam speaks English and things are rather international, don’t spend time searching for your favorite Starbucks or smoothie chain. Suppress your cravings for tacos and hot dogs – you won’t find the real deal here, and you’ll waste valuable time. Instead, get Dutch. Head for the fries stands, falafel shops and fresh orange juice. Want to taste something exotic? Try Indonesian or Surinamese cuisine, the Mexican and Chinese food of the Netherlands.
Going out
Party outside the center
On weekends the city center is packed with people, mostly foreigners and Dutch people coming to the Dam for a big weekend. Save time and stay away from the bars and clubs at the big party squares – you’ll spend ages waiting for a drink or club entry. Instead, hit the surrounding ‘hoods like De Pijp, Jordaan, Oost or Westerpark. These areas are more fun, authentic and popular with locals.
Airport advice
Don’t bother getting to the airport too early
Be early for your flight, but don’t overdo it: It takes about 20 minutes to get from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Schiphol Airport. If you’re flying on a low-cost carrier to another EU destination, gate assignments don’t even appear on the departure screens until 40 minutes before takeoff, so if you only have a carry on, don’t overdo it. Two hours is just too long for an easyJet flight; 60 to 90 minutes is fine.
About the author
About the author: Tom Meyers created and launched EuroCheapo from his Berlin apartment in 2001. He returned to New York in 2002, set up office, and has led the EuroCheapo team from the Big Apple ever since. He travels to Europe several times a year to update EuroCheapo's hotel reviews. Tom is also a co-host of the New York City history podcast, The Bowery Boys. Email Tom. [Find Tom on Google Plus]
