How to keep the price low on your travels to Amsterdam.

Skip the tourist traps and expensive canal cruises – Amsterdam doesn’t have to drain your wallet! After countless trips to the Dutch capital (and plenty of financial mistakes), I’ve cracked the code to enjoying this stunning city without going broke. Trust me, some of my best Amsterdam memories came from following these budget-friendly tricks.
1. Get around by foot, bike, or public transport
First things first: forget about taxis or rental cars. Like many cities in Europe, Amsterdam’s charm lies in its walkability, and there’s no better way to discover hidden gems than by wandering through its cobblestone streets. The Netherlands is famous for cycling, so rent a bike from a local shop (not the tourist-trap rentals near Central Station) and join the locals in the bike lanes. Pro tip: download the 9292 app for public transport. Those blue-and-white trams might look confusing at first, but they’re your best friend for longer trips, especially when it rains – and trust me, it will rain!
2. Pick a convenient neighborhood to stay in
Because of great public transport, a key factor for a trip on a budget is carefully choosing where to stay in Amsterdam. It is something many first-timers get wrong: they book a hotel in the city center without even considering other great – and cheaper– places.
Widen your horizon and try neighborhoods like De Pijp or Plantage. These areas aren’t just cheaper, they’re where real Amsterdammers live. Instead of a classic hotel, here you can choose a hostel, a B&B or even a houseboat for an inexpensive accommodation that will also give you a more authentic Dutch experience.
3. Visit food markets for your lunch
My favorite money-saving hack regards food. Forget about overpriced cafes: grab some fresh stroopwafels, Dutch cheese, and bread from the markets (Albert Cuypmarkt or Lindengracht), then head to Vondelpark for a picnic. Nothing beats munching on market-fresh goodies while watching locals walk their dogs and practice acrobatic yoga (yes, that’s a thing here). You even save time between a museum visit and the other.
4. Check out museums pass and age discounts
Speaking of museums, here luckily culture doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The I amsterdam City Card might seem pricey upfront, but do the math – it includes free entry to most major museums, public transport, and even a canal cruise. If you’re planning to hit up the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum anyway, it’s worth every cent. Can’t spring for the card? Many museums have free entry during the first Sunday of each month, and the Amsterdam Museum frequently offers “pay-what-you-wish” days. There are also discounts for people under 30 or over 65.
Remember, Amsterdam’s real magic isn’t in its tourist attractions – it’s in those unexpected moments when you’re cycling along a quiet canal at sunset, discovering a tiny cafe in a converted church, or chatting with locals at a neighborhood bar. So don’t subside to FOMO and enjoy the moment, these memories are truly priceless – and often free.
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About the Author: Other Voices
Other Voices has written 1187 posts on Vagabond Journey. Contact the author.