Posts by author Audrey Sykes

About the author: Audrey Sykes hopped across the pond from the US eight years ago for a Masters degree in global journalism. Since then, she’s lived all over Europe, reporting and editing for music sites, snowboard mags, and travel media. She’s also the Amsterdam author for Party Earth, a guide to nightlife across Europe.

Face the Oktoberfest crowds with confidence. Photo by Joachin S. Müller.
Six million people rush to Munich for Oktoberfest each year to guzzle beer out of giant mugs. This cultural experience known for delicious brew can easily bring confusion or headaches (or both) for tourists attending the event for the first time. I’ve spent the past two weeks in Munich watching the city prepare for, and » Read more
A group drifts through Amsterdam canal on red boat
A budget-savvy group drifts through Amsterdam; photo by Audrey Sykes
Boat rides in Amsterdam are a must for anyone looking to experience an authentic view from the city’s romantic waterways and cozy canals. If the typical €15-euro option offered by mainstream tourism companies is off-putting, here are some low-budget alternatives offering a more personal, intimate, and customized touch. Happy cruising. Self-operated boat tours If you » Read more
A statue of the Dutch author Multatuli. Photo: Mark.
Amsterdam is bursting with arts and entertainment, and The Netherlands itself boasts over 400 museums to marvel at. Although viewing the work of Van Gogh and Rembrandt can often be pricey, there are still ways to satisfy a museum craving free of charge. Here are five hotspots that offer a complimentary dose of Amsterdam culture. » Read more
band performing in bar
Live music at Maloe Melo. Photo: Simon Groenewolt
Looking to groove to some live music in Amsterdam on a weekday? The city’s got you covered with bands performing nightly across town. And there’s no need to dish out funds from your “miscellaneous” pile: Here are some hot music venues that are free (or nearly)! Sunday: Mulligan’s Irish Bar Amstel 100 Website: www.mulligans.nl Cost: » Read more
Amsterdam's Brouwerij ‘t Ij offers free tours on Fridays. Photos by Audrey Sykes.
Amsterdam’s “Brouwerij ‘t Ij” brewery has been serving up a selection of Belgian-style organic brews since 1985. Located in an eastern corner of the city, the brewery is worth the trip for those seeking flavorful, fresh beer at a surprisingly low cost. Plus, if you swing by Brouwerij ‘t Ij on Fridays, you can take a » Read more
Camping Zeeburg
Camping Zeeburg offers one of the cheapest sleeps around Amsterdam. Photo: Camping Zeeburg in Amsterdam
Travelers who prefer a tent to a hotel room are in luck when visiting green, camping-friendly Amsterdam. Cheap, clean, safe, and relaxing, the city’s campsites serve as a haven for those who wish to indulge in Amsterdam’s city life by day, but retreat to a peaceful, natural setting by night. Here are my top four picks for » Read more