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[title]Amsterdam, with its ridiculously picturesque canals, world-class museums and enviable nightlife scene, is something of a dream destination – the ‘Venice of the North’ is a very well deserved nickname. But for all that we love the Dutch capital for, there’s no denying a trip here can be (extremely) pricey.
But believe me: visiting Amsterdam on a budget is entirely possible, you just need to know where to look, and – sometimes more importantly – what to avoid like the plague. From affordable eats to free attractions, off-season travel perks to budget-friendly nightlife, here’s my local’s guide to how to make the most of this great city, without breaking the bank.
📍 Discover the best things to do in Amsterdam
Can Amsterdam be a cheap city break?
In a word (or two), hell yes. You just need a bit of pre-planning. Accommodation and dining out here in particular adds up quick, especially if you leave it to chance, but the Dutch are notoriously parsimonious – they love a bargain and demand value (‘Lekker gratis!’, as we like to say). So there are plenty of ways to make your holiday cash go further; walking or biking instead of using public transport, eating at local markets, and exploring free museums and parks can help keep costs low – but we’ll get into all that down below. Bare with us.
What is the cheapest month to visit Amsterdam?
There isn’t really a simple answer to this, but typically, a cheaper time to visit Amsterdam is during the winter months, from November to February. This is the city’s off-peak season, meaning flights and hotels are generally more affordable – great deals are there to be had, especially if you can be flexible with dates.
Even if the weather gets a bit miserable, Amsterdam is actually one of our top winter destinations in Europe, with cosy bars and festive winter markets a-plenty, as well as fewer crowds than in the boom months. Alternatively, early spring and late autumn can also offer lower prices while providing milder weather – and the chance for some al fresco eating and drinking.
Budget hotels & hostels in Amsterdam
1. ClinkNOORD
Ignore the backpacker scrum in the city centre and instead find a little more character and charm. Located in a 1920s Art Deco building, ClinkNOORD has various sized dorms – female-only and mixed – and private rooms, and is a great place to explore Noord, Amsterdam’s coolest area. Their café and bar are great too.
Like the look of Oost? Generator Amsterdam is an experience and design-led hostel that’s more boutique than budget. Overlooking the picturesque Oosterpark, they have numerous super cool social spaces, an amazing bar, and, aside from the standard dorms and great-value private rooms, have unique sleeping pods.
This one is pretty unique – part art gallery, part hotel, every room or sleeping space is a piece of art in its own right. This includes rooms hidden behind bookcases, ‘invisible rooms’, or even an old VW bus or Amsterdam Tram Cart.
📍 RECOMMENDED: The best budget hotels in Amsterdam
Cheap eats in Amsterdam
Breakfast: HEMA shops and Albert Heijn supermarkets
For breakfast, savoury baked goods rule the roost. Hit up a branch of one of these guys for super cheap – but freshly baked – sandwiches, rolls, and pastries. Or pick up a meal deal at Bakker Bart, a great bakery chain. Find these everywhere, in Kalverstraat, Centraal Station, Waterlooplein market and more.
Lunch: Leeman Döner
Peckish after all that walking? Grab a hearty, humungous kebab or durum from Leeman Döner, a legendary eatery that’s been serving up good, homemade food for decades. Find it at Van Woustraat 160, 1073 LW.
Dinner: Hap Hmm
Let one of our favourite restaurants in Amsterdam (which directly translates to ‘The Yummy Bite’) take care of dinner. Huge portions of wholesome Dutch grandma-style cooking will fill your stomach without emptying your wallet. Find it at Eerste Helmersstraat 33, 1054 CZ.
💡 Our top tip: For really cheap food, there are numerous restaurants housed in squats ran by volunteers serving fixed (often vegetarian or vegan) menus for under €10. Try Zaal 100, Moya, Molli, or Einde van de Werld.
Free things to do in Amsterdam
1. Rijksmuseum’s gardens
This might be an obvious Amsterdam must, but tickets can be pricey. Our top tip? Rijksmuseum’s gardens are equally as wondrous – and completely free. A beautiful, peaceful spot to admire sculpture, installations and water features, they also have temporary exhibits every summer.
2. Vondelpark
The city’s iconic green space is perfect for walking, biking, or having a picnic – particularly around the Rosarium or any of the water features.
3. NDSM Wharf
Check out Amsterdam’s cooler, grittier side at NDSM Wharf, a creative hub full of stunning street art and repurposed industrial spaces. There’s plenty to explore here, and many of the studios and art spaces are open to the public. As a bonus, the ferry ride from Centraal is also free.
Cheap bars & happy hours in Amsterdam
For cheap thrills, you could do worse than Café Soundgarden - located on a canal and with a great terrace, this cheap and cheerful pub is the city’s best music bar.
2. Belushi’s
Right in the heart of the Red Light District, this spot is boisterous and fun, and a good place for watching sports – prices are extremely reasonable. It’s also got a happy hour from 4-8pm on weekdays: two mixed drinks for €11, two coronas for €9, and Sourz for €2 each.
3. Canvas
Somewhat surprisingly, this uber-hip rooftop bar at the Volks Hotel has one of the city’s cheapest pints – an ice cold Grolsch is just €3.40 (other drinks are not extortionate either).
💡 Our top tip: If you really must do a city centre Happy Hour, Coco’s Outback is probably the best (and most raucous). Just heed my warning: wander around the centre proper and you’ll find numerous huge, soulless chain and theme pubs offering various deals and promotions – most aren’t worth it. Similarly, many smaller places might seem like a traditional brown bar, but have only bad Heineken and sky high prices. You’ve been warned!