Amsterdam is one of those cities that looks like it costs a lot of money. And yes, if you don’t plan, it can quickly drain your wallet. No worry, I went to Amsterdam on a budget and had a great time.
In this guide, I’ll share what I have learned: real prices, practical tips, and honest advice. No unnecessary fluff. This guide is for students, backpackers, and anyone who wants to enjoy Amsterdam without overspending.
Table of Contents
How Much Does Amsterdam Really Cost?
To be honest, Amsterdam is not a cheap city.
- A beer at a bar: €6 – €8
- Simple hotel in the city center: €150+ per night
- Sit-down restaurant meal: €20 – €35 per person
The good news is that with smart planning, you can visit Amsterdam for €50–€80 per day. I did it myself and still had a great experience.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam on a Budget
Finding a place to stay will probably eat up the most of your travel funds, so it’s worth doing some research.
Hostels (Best for Budget Travelers)
Hostels are often the cheapest way to go. Expect to pay around €25 to €45 per night for a dorm bed, though prices fluctuate based on when you visit and where you are
Recommended budget hostels:
- The Flying Pig Downtown
Close to Centraal Station with a social atmosphere and clean rooms. Dorm beds usually cost €30–€40 per night. - ClinkNOORD
Located across the river from Centraal Station (reachable via a free ferry). A converted office building with a lively bar. Dorm beds cost €25–€35. - Stayokay Amsterdam Oost
Located outside the city center but easy to reach by tram. Quieter environment and good facilities. Prices start around €25 per night.
Cheap Hotels and Private Rooms
If you prefer privacy, search in neighborhoods like Amsterdam Oost, Amsterdam Noord, and De Pijp. These areas are well connected by tram and metro, but are significantly cheaper than the Canal Ring or Dam Square.
Is it Cheaper to Stay Outside of Amsterdam?
Some people who travel try to save money by staying in cities close by, like Utrecht. However, Train from Utrecht to Amsterdam: about €10 each way. Which means, it’s about €20 for a round trip every day, if your hotel only saves you €20–30 a night, the cost of getting there may make up for the savings.
Pro Tip
Book 2–3 months in advance, especially during peak season (April – September). Prices increase dramatically during major events such as: King’s Day (April 27), Amsterdam Pride (early August) and Other large festivals.
How to Get Around Amsterdam Without Spending Too Much
Walk Whenever Possible
Amsterdam is a compact and flat city.
- Centraal Station → Rijksmuseum: about 25 minutes walking
- Most major attractions are within 3–4 km
Walking along the canals is also one of the best experiences in the city.
Rent a Bike
Cycling is the most authentic way to move around Amsterdam. Locals use bikes for almost everything. Bike rentals cost €8 – €12 per day from places like MacBike, Yellow Bike, or local shops.
Important cycling tips:
- Always lock your bike
- Use hand signals when turning
- Stay in the red bike lanes
- Never stop in a bike lane to take photos
Public Transportation
Amsterdam Public Transport has an excellent tram, bus, and metro system operated by GVB.
Typical prices:
- Single ticket (1 hour): €3.40
- Day pass: €9
- Multi-day passes available
You can also tap in and out using a contactless debit or credit card, which is often cheaper than buying single tickets.
Important: The OVpay system is replacing the OV-chipkaart. You can now tap your bank card — no separate transit card needed.
Free Ferry to Amsterdam Noord
Ferries departing from Centraal Station are completely free. They connect you to Amsterdam Noord, where you’ll find:
- A’DAM Lookout observation tower
- NDSM Wharf (creative district)
- Many bars and restaurants are cheaper than in the city center
Free and Cheap Things to Do in Amsterdam
You don’t need a big budget to enjoy the city.
Completely Free Activities
- Walk the Canal Ring: a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful parts of the city.
- Vondelpark: Amsterdam’s largest park, perfect for picnics or relaxing.
- Albert Cuyp Market: a lively street market in De Pijp.
- NDSM Wharf: creative district with street art and industrial vibes.
- Begijnhof: peaceful historic courtyard dating back to the 14th century.
- EYE Film Museum: free entry; the café offers great views of the IJ River.
- Bloemenmarkt: the famous floating flower market on the Singel canal.
Attractions Under €20
- Rijksmuseum: €22.50 for adults (free for under 18). You can still walk around the gardens for free.
- Anne Frank House: €16. Tickets must be booked online in advance.
- Van Gogh Museum: €20 for adults (free for under 18).
- Heineken Experience: about €23 including two drinks.
- A’DAM Lookout: around €14.50 for panoramic city views.
Museumkaart (Museum Card)
If you plan to visit three or more museums, the Museumkaart can save money.
- Price: €67.90
- Under 18: €39.95
- Valid for 31 days
- Access to 400+ museums across the Netherlands
After visiting three major museums, the card usually pays for itself.
I amsterdam City Card
The I amsterdam City Card includes:
- Free public transportation
- Canal cruise
- Entry to many museums
Price starts at about €67 for one day.
It can be good value if you plan a very busy itinerary, but budget travelers should calculate carefully before buying. You can try the Amsterdam Trip Cost Calculator here, so you can decide whethere you should have a card or not.
Where to Find Cheap Food in Amsterdam
Eating out can be expensive, but there are good budget options.
Best Budget Food Options
- Febo
Dutch fast-food chain with vending-machine style snack walls. Croquettes and frikandel cost €2–€3. - Albert Heijn (AH)
Popular supermarket with sandwiches, salads, and meal deals for €3–€5. AH To Go stores near stations are especially convenient. - HEMA
Dutch department store famous for rookworst (smoked sausage) around €2.50, plus cheap pastries and hot dogs. - Fresh stroopwafels at Albert Cuyp Market
Warm and freshly made for €3–€4. - Turkish and Surinamese restaurants
Large portions of roti, nasi, or kebab for €8–€12. Good areas include De Pijp, Oost, and Dappermarkt. - Wok to Walk
Build-your-own noodle or rice box for €8–€10. - Manneken Pis
Famous for thick-cut Dutch fries with sauces like mayonnaise or peanut sauce. A cone costs €4–€5.
Dappermarkt: One of the Cheapest Food Markets
Dappermarkt in Amsterdam Oost is the place to go for cheap street food. You will find:
- Food from Indonesia
- Kebabs from Turkey
- Food from Suriname
- Snacks that don’t cost much
Prices are usually lower here than at Albert Cuyp Market.
Cook Your Own Meals
If your hostel has a kitchen, buy groceries at Albert Heijn, Jumbo, or Lidl. Cooking your own meals can keep your daily food budget under €15.
Stay Away from Food Traps on Social Media
Because of TikTok or Instagram hype, a lot of viral food spots in Amsterdam have long lines and high prices. Instead of waiting 40 minutes for “viral fries” or cookies, people in the area usually go to smaller snack bars or neighborhood restaurants where the food is cheaper and often tastes better.
Visit Kringloop Stores (Dutch thrift shops)
Kringloop stores are great places to find vintage clothes or cheap souvenirs. These are Dutch thrift stores where you can find books, clothes, old-fashioned decorations, and other random things for very low prices. Good options in nearby areas: Kinkerstraat, Amsterdam West, areas outside of the city center.
Tipping Culture in Amsterdam
In the Netherlands, tipping isn’t required because service charges are typically included. However, leaving 5–10% for good service in sit-down restaurants is common.
Real Ways to Save Money in Amsterdam
Here are some practical tips that helped me reduce expenses.
- Bring a reusable water bottle. Tap water in Amsterdam is safe to drink.
- Avoid restaurants near Dam Square and Leidseplein, where prices can be 30–50% higher.
- Check museum websites for free or discounted entry days.
- Travel during the shoulder seasons (March–April or September–October).
- Join free walking tours such as FreeDam Tours or Sandeman’s (tip-based).
- Skip expensive canal cruises — walk along the canals or use the free ferry instead.
- Avoid currency exchange at the airport; use ATMs or card payments.
- Pick up a free city map at the I amsterdam Visitor Centre inside Centraal Station.
A Typical Budget Day in Amsterdam
Here’s an example of a real budget day.
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hostel (dorm bed) | €35 |
| Supermarket breakfast | €3 |
| Bike rental | €10 |
| Rijksmuseum ticket | €22.50 |
| Turkish lunch | €10 |
| Walk through Vondelpark | Free |
| Stroopwafel at market | €3.50 |
| Dinner (groceries cooked) | €7 |
| Beer at local bar | €6 |
| Total | ~€97 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much money do I need per day in Amsterdam on a budget?
A reasonable budget is €50–€80 per day, including hostel accommodation, food, transport, and one or two attractions. You can spend less if you cook your own meals and focus on free activities.
Is eating in Amsterdam expensive?
Restaurant meals typically cost €15–€35. Budget travelers can eat for €5–€10 using supermarkets, Turkish or Surinamese restaurants, or quick snacks from places like Febo and HEMA.
What is the cheapest way to get from Schiphol Airport to the city center?
The train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal takes about 15 minutes and costs around €5.80 when using OVpay (tap your bank card). A taxi usually costs €40–€50, so the train is much cheaper.
Do I still need an OV-chipkaart?
Not necessarily. With OVpay, you can tap your credit or debit card directly on trams, buses, metros, and trains across the Netherlands.
Is cycling safe for tourists in Amsterdam?
Yes, but you must stay alert. Always ride in bike lanes, signal when turning, and avoid riding side-by-side on busy streets. And always lock your bike.
When is the cheapest time to visit Amsterdam?
The shoulder seasons (March–April and September–October) usually have lower accommodation prices, fewer tourists, and still decent weather. Avoid King’s Day weekend unless you book far in advance.
Are credit cards widely accepted in Amsterdam?
Yes. Most places accept Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Some smaller shops may only accept Dutch debit cards (Maestro / V PAY) or cash, so it’s useful to carry a small amount of cash.
Are free walking tours really free?
You can join them for free, but they operate on a tip-based system. Most people tip €5–€10, which is still much cheaper than traditional guided tours.
Is tap water safe to drink in Amsterdam?
Yes. Amsterdam’s tap water is clean, safe, and high quality. Bring a reusable bottle and refill it throughout the day.
Should I book museum tickets in advance?
Yes, especially for the Anne Frank House, where tickets sell out weeks ahead. Booking online for the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum also helps you skip long lines and sometimes get small discounts.