There are numerous ways to experience Amsterdam without breaking the bank.

Given its compact size and widespread appeal, be ready for elevated prices when exploring Amsterdam, one of Europe’s top city getaway spots.

Yet, with a bit of foresight and insider tips, you can find Amsterdam to be quite budget-friendly. Traveling during off-peak times, hunting for great deals (whether you arrive by plane, boat, bus, or train), and scoring accommodation discounts can lead to significant savings. Once in the city, discovering affordable dining options, taking advantage of attraction discounts, and choosing the best transportation methods will help keep expenses low.

Here are some helpful tips along with a daily cost guide to stretch your budget in Amsterdam.

Cost of living in Amsterdam on a daily basis

• Hostel dorm bed: from €12–85

• Standard hotel room for two (shared bathroom): from €70

• Standard hotel room for two (ensuite bathroom): from €120

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from €150

• Public transport ticket (one hour/daily): €3.40/9

• Train from Schiphol airport to Centraal Station (one way): €5.90

• Coffee: €2–0

• Sandwich: €6–11

Save on accommodation by steering clear of peak periods.

Accommodation will likely be one of your largest expenses. Depending on your travel dates, it’s wise to secure your lodging before booking transportation to avoid inflated prices and limited options. Prices fluctuate based on demand; generally, the sooner you book, the better the rates you'll find.

Late fall (October/November) to early spring (February/March) is typically the most affordable time to visit, as the weather becomes chilly and rainy. Prices for accommodations spike during tulip season (around mid-March to May) and rise significantly in the warmer months (April to September), especially during major holidays.

Make sure to book well in advance for peak periods, especially around Easter (March/April) and King's Day (the Netherlands' national day) on April 27 (or April 26 if it falls on a Sunday). Even in winter, accommodation costs during Christmas and New Year are higher.

Amsterdam becomes crowded during prominent festivals and events, so it’s wise to check the tourist authority's calendar for activities during your visit. While Airbnb and similar rental platforms can provide savings, genuine bargains are hard to come by due to government regulations on private rentals.

Important information about the daily tourist tax in Amsterdam

For the best deals, try to visit mid-week.

Year-round, Amsterdam remains a top choice for weekend getaways, thanks to its convenient international connections, incredible cultural sites, and vibrant nightlife. This popularity makes Friday and Saturday the priciest nights for hostels, hotels, and rental apartments.

Sunday nights are usually the most affordable, followed by the early part of the week. Additionally, transport to and from Amsterdam tends to be cheaper midweek. Visiting outside weekends also means smaller crowds at major attractions and popular eateries, allowing for greater scheduling flexibility.

Select the most cost-effective area for your stay.

While accommodation tends to be most expensive in Amsterdam's central, UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, options farther out may not save you money once you consider transport costs and travel time.

Neighborhoods bordering the center, such as Jordaan, the western area, Plantage, the Eastern Islands, Oosterpark, the eastern side of the Amstel river, and areas south of Vondelpark provide good value and convenient transport links.

An exciting, often overlooked area is the emerging Amsterdam Noord, located on the north side of the IJ river, easily accessible from Amsterdam Centraal Station via a quick, free ferry ride (the metro also services this area).

If you're pondering where to stay in Amsterdam, explore our guide to the key neighborhoods

Think about getting a discount card or museum pass for additional savings.

If you're planning to visit multiple museums, consider getting a discount card or museum pass to save money. Before buying, check for any eligibility for reduced entry fees. Many attractions provide discounts for students (bring your ID), seniors over 65 and their partners over 60 (passport required), and specific professions (such as artists, journalists, museum conservators, and teachers) with valid accreditation.

For travelers under 30, the digital EYC (European Youth Card), known in the Netherlands as the CJP (Cultural Youth Passport), is a fantastic investment. It offers discounts on transportation, attractions, lodging, shopping, and various travel benefits in 36 European countries (age limits may vary). It costs €14 and is valid for a year; you don’t need to be European or a student to qualify.

For older travelers, the I amsterdam City Card grants access to numerous museums (with some notable exceptions, such as the Anne Frank Huis, so check museum websites carefully). It also includes a GVB transit pass, a canal cruise, and discounts at shops, entertainment venues, and restaurants, along with a useful planning app. Prices range from €60 for 24 hours to €125 for five days.

A Museumkaart (or Netherlands Museum Pass) offers free and discounted entry to approximately 450 museums across the Netherlands for one year at a cost of €64.90. However, note that without a Dutch bank account, you’ll need to buy a temporary card at one of the participating museums. This temporary card is valid for 31 days (covering up to five museums) and can be registered online to receive your permanent card at a Dutch address (like your hotel) within five working days.

Get around affordably by walking, biking, or using public transport.

Walking is the ultimate way to discover central Amsterdam—the flat terrain and captivating canal views are a delight, and best of all, it’s free. Just be sure to keep an eye out for trams and cyclists while you explore.

To truly experience life like a local, hop on a bike. Fietsen (bicycles) outnumber cars in Amsterdam, with budget-friendly rental shops available everywhere and dedicated cycling lanes crisscrossing the city. If you want to practice before hitting the streets, take a ride around the scenic Vondelpark.

Amsterdam features a seamless ticketing system for its excellent public transport network, which includes the city’s iconic trams, metro, and most buses. Operated by the GVB, you can purchase hour-long and day tickets, as well as discount passes. The journey planner 9292.nl helps you navigate the most efficient routes easily.

Prepare your meals with ingredients from Amsterdam's abundant markets.

Staying in a place with self-catering options can significantly reduce your travel expenses in Amsterdam. Even without a kitchen, picnics are a fantastic alternative on pleasant days.

Fresh fruits, Dutch cheeses like Edam and Gouda, and ready-to-eat treats such as haring (herring with diced onion on a soft bread roll), stroopwafels (caramel syrup-filled wafers), and poffertjes (tiny pancakes dusted with powdered sugar) are all delightful snacks to enjoy by the scenic canals and parks of the city.

Amsterdam's largest street market, De Pijp's Albert Cuypmarkt, operates daily except Sundays; stock up on goodies before heading to nearby Sarphatipark. Other notable food markets include the Lindengracht Market, Noordermarkt, Ten Katemarkt, Nieuwmarkt's Boerenmarkt (farmers market), the multicultural Dappermarkt, and the mobile artisan Pure Markt.

Are you a food lover? Check out the best dining spots in Amsterdam!

Discover Amsterdam's amazing cheap eats.

Great news for budget travelers: Amsterdam is teeming with affordable, high-quality dining options featuring global cuisines as well as traditional Dutch fare. Look for local minichains like Stach (gourmet sandwiches and deli treats), SLA (organic salads), De Bakkerswinkel (baked goods), and The Butcher (exceptional burgers), among many others.

A must-try for budget dining in Amsterdam is Foodhallen, where local and international food stalls surround a spacious communal seating area in the converted tram depot De Hallen. Don’t leave Amsterdam without indulging in a cone of crispy, fluffy Vlaamse frites ('Flemish fries') topped with everything from classic mayonnaise to spicy Indonesian sambal. Be sure to visit the popular friterie Vleminckx.

Alternatives to flying can be quite affordable.

Flight comparison sites like Skyscanner and Kayak are useful for finding ticket deals to Amsterdam from all over the globe. However, for short-haul trips, trains can often be more economical, especially when you factor in travel time and the costs associated with getting to and from airports.

Amsterdam is well-linked to various destinations across mainland Europe, and Eurostar provides direct service from London to Amsterdam (note: these trains will terminate in Brussels from June to November 2024 due to upgrades at Amsterdam Centraal station) in about four hours.

Great discounts are available for overnight DFDS ferries that operate between Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the UK and the port of IJmuiden, located 27km (17 miles) northwest of Amsterdam. While the journey is slow, the ferries offer onboard amenities like restaurants, bars, and various cabin options, and the local 382 bus connects IJmuiden to Station Sloterdijk on the Amsterdam metro.

Buses are often the most budget-friendly option (though also the slowest, taking 12 to 14 hours) to reach Amsterdam. Major international provider FlixBus offers comfortable coaches equipped with power sockets and Wi-Fi.

Upon arrival, save on transport from the airport.

If you fly into Amsterdam, using public transport is much more economical than taking a taxi or rideshare to the city center. This also helps you avoid the heavy traffic in Amsterdam's intricate streets. Schiphol airport is 18km (11 miles) southwest of the city center and features excellent transport links, including airport buses and a train station that connects to Amsterdam Centraal Station via NS trains.

The convenient and cost-effective Amsterdam Travel Ticket covers airport transfers and unlimited use of all GVB public transport services throughout Amsterdam. Prices start at €18 for one day and go up to €30 for three days.