Posts by author Audrey Sykes
Winter in Amsterdam can bring peaceful streets and a few challenges. Photo: Unsplash
Winter is officially here, and that means Holland can get hit with a heavy punch of ice and snow that means slick city streets and challenging travel situations. Amsterdam was built for chilly weather, but it is not entirely foolproof. If you’re headed to Amsterdam for a Winter Wonderland, here are some tips to keep » Read more
The Magic Numbers performing at Melkweg in Amsterdam. Photo: Michell Zappa
Amsterdam has a thriving nightlife scene, with a “something for every Cheapo” mentality. There are hundreds of bars and coffeeshops, great nightclubs and music venues plus a long list of festivals in the summer. But if you’re not careful, charges can add up quickly for everything from drink prices and cover charges to taxi fares » Read more
Whichever tent (and beer) beckons, get there early! Photo by Audrey Sykes
One week down, one more to go at Bavaria’s Oktoberfest. My dispatch is here to help those still on the Munich mission find their place. No matter which tent you end up in, beer will be €10 a pop and people are bouncing off the walls in dirndls and lederhosen. But to get a grasp » Read more
Amsterdam's Bokbier festival in late October offers an "off the beaten beer path" experience. Photo: Tomer Gabel
The largest beer festival in the Netherlands takes place in Amsterdam every autumn and celebrates the release of bok beer, a dark seasonal lager. This year marks the 36th annual Bokbier Festival on October 25-27 at the Beurs van Berlage building in central Amsterdam — the world’s first stock exchange. Even if you’re a loyal » Read more
Head to brown bars for an authentic (and cheaper) coffee experience. Photo: jeffblum
It’s hard watching tourists coughing up too much cash when buying everyday items in (often the center of) Amsterdam. If only they knew what they should be paying! This isn’t a “in a perfect Amsterdam world” price list. These are, in fact, prices that you can expect to find when purchasing everyday travel items in » Read more
Grab a cheap cup of coffee and sit outside with the students at Trinity College. Photo: William Murphy
When it’s blue skies in Dublin everyone is out soaking up the precious rays of sunshine. Forcing yourself inside a museum will only make you feel awkward and guilty for not taking advantage of the situation. Here are five outdoor spots to stroll around, people watch or lounge about in Dublin, when weather permits. 1. » Read more
Hotels outside of center city, like the Zandbergen in Museumplein are the most likely to offer well-rounded accommodations at affordable rates. Photos: Eurocheapo.com
In Amsterdam, finding a comfortable hotel with all the trappings at a budget-friendly price can be tricky. The cozy capital of Holland is dripping with high tourist rates, but that doesn’t mean you necessarily need to shell out for a room. Here are some simple ways that you can find your dream accommodation on the » Read more
Follow our guide to an action-packed first weekend in Amsterdam! Photo: David Spender
Imagine that it’s your first time in Amsterdam. Like most travelers on a trip around Europe, you’ve only penciled in a short weekend to explore the Dutch capital. While this might not be our recommended way to see the city, it is doable… or at least we can pack the weekend with enough activities to » Read more
When you really have to go in Amsterdam, sometimes ducking into a McDonald's is the best option. Photo: Ben Sutherland
Over the course of many years living in Amsterdam I’ve developed a shyness about using the toilet. As a paying customer in a café there’s no problem; I’ll hit the head like any normal Jane. It’s the act of walking into an establishment from off the streets, bypassing servers and aiming straight for the loo, » Read more
Please don't call that a "pint." Photo: Dee Dee
No one likes being labeled the dumb tourist, but a lot of times we slide right into it with just one word. After seeing too many nice visitors to Amsterdam blush with embarrassment on the streets and in the shops, here are my top 10 phrases of what you shouldn’t say in Amsterdam (and why). » Read more
Even though the Vondelpark is Amsterdam's most popular park, you can still find places to relax. Photo: Amsterdam Tourist
Although a very densely-populated capital, Amsterdam is a very “parky” place. In the summertime locals flock to the city’s many green spaces to hang in the sun, picnic, and dabble in recreational games. All very Cheapo-friendly ways to spend the day, as none of them cost a euro-cent. Here are my five picks for city » Read more
In through the front, and out through the back on buses in Amsterdam. Photo: Vitalyzator
It might seem ridiculous to write a post on how to use a bus in Amsterdam. Most of us know how to ride a bus. But the particulars of riding public transportation in countries you’re visiting can be tricky enough to embarrass you with even the simplest task, like paying for your fare incorrectly, or » Read more
Burgermeester is a top burger spot in Amsterdam.
The burger craze has hit Amsterdam hard, and specialty burger joints seem to be lighting up across the city (no pun intended). Luckily, my American burger taste buds and my fellow burger-loving buddies have found some of the cheapest hubs that really have the good stuff in Amsterdam’s center. Burger Bar Kolksteeg 6 Warmoestraat 21 » Read more
Amsterdam's Burgermeester chain serves up food that can be quite a handful. Photo: Alper.
Amsterdam is not known to hold many chain businesses (besides Bulldog coffeeshop franchise). The city prides itself on supporting small business owners, “mom and pop” cafes, and one-man (and one-woman) services. Still, a few chain restaurants have begun to pop up. Here are a few that are wallet friendly, fun, flavorful, and worth a look-see. » Read more
Head to the Van Gogh museum early to avoid the crowds. Photo: Olivier Bruchez
The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Almost 17 million people live in an area about the size of the Maryland, and Amsterdam has a constant “pile up” atmosphere. Mass crowds and long lines are regular features of the most touristy spots, so here are some tips to avoid » Read more
Follow these tips to save on dining in Amsterdam. Photo: Dutchgrub
Culturally, going out to eat in Holland is always due to a special occasion and isn’t simply an every day activity. That means that dining in Amsterdam can be pricey compared to North America’s restaurant culture. Here are five ways to still eat out in Amsterdam without getting caught in pricey pancake pad, or worse, » Read more
Celebrate 400 years of the canal ring in 2013. Photo: Gforbes
The city of Amsterdam is abuzz with the planning of celebrations for 2013, as the year is studded with anniversaries marking great milestones in Dutch culture. From the reopening of the city’s top museums, to celebrations marking the founding of concert halls (and even canal systems), the year promises to attract visitors for a wide » Read more
Ice skate on the Leidseplein through January 13. Photo: Dutchamsterdam.nl
Compared to the shop-til-you-drop chaos that surrounds North American come Christmas, Amsterdam’s holiday habits are easygoing, painless, and mellow. But while the Dutch stay modest with the wrapping paper, they still indulge in outdoor illuminating settings and sounds. Here are 10 ways to get into Holland’s holiday spirit, EuroCheapo-style: 1. Ice skating Through January 13, » Read more
Catch tulip-mania at the Keukenhof, a short trip from Amsterdam. Photo: IMBiblio
If you want to know the true meaning of “flower power,” head to the Netherlands for tulip season. Over 900 million Dutch flowers are destined for the United States each year, and Holland is easily the world’s largest exporter of tulips. And although “Tulipmania” (yes, that’s a real term) ended in the 1600s, the craze » Read more
In Amsterdam, it's tulips, tulips, everywhere! Photo: Audrey Sykes
The world’s first stock market crash took place in Holland because of tulips. During the 1600s people were obsessed with buying the rarest tulip and, well, displaying it in a vase at home. The most sought-after varietals had fanatics dishing out 2,000 florins a bulb (in context, a skilled laborer might earn 150 florins a year, and “eight » Read more
Buy a day ticket for the tram, or bike around Amsterdam to save time. Photo: Malingering
By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam— Even during the off season Amsterdam is a busy place. Lines for museums are common, stuffy buses are all too familiar, and traveling in and out of the city can take some time. Here are 10 ways to keep you from playing the waiting game and make the most out » Read more
Walking the streets of the Jordaan is always free ... unless you stop for a drink. Photo: Nicolas Vollmer
Amsterdam isn’t the cheapest destination in Europe, but there are ways to get around the tourist prices. In fact, it’s easy to find freebies left and right in the city. Here’s a checklist of 20 great ideas for a free day in Amsterdam: 1. Start with a free map Free maps are available at the » Read more
Nothing satisfies late-night cravings quite like bitterballen Photo: Min Zhou
There is so much nightlife in Amsterdam that “sightseeing” bars and coffeeshops can lead to late hours wandering the streets in search of cheap eats. You should know your options before ducking into a take-away joint or pizza bar. Here is my advice for Amsterdam’s best late-night cheapo snacks: King of fries: Chipsy King Chipsy » Read more
Stay safe and save money by avoiding these tourist scamsin Amsterdam. Photo: Oleksandr Kravchuk
Avoiding tourist scams is part of traveling, and Amsterdam, like any major city, has its fair share of rip offs. There are situations that feel like a scam because they’re simply disappointing (“tourist traps”), and then there are the ones that are downright scandalous (“scams”). We’re focusing on the latter here, those situations that leave » Read more
Amsterdam's t'Arendsnest bar only serves Dutch beer. Photo: Bernt Rostad
In a city drenched with every conceivable vice, the one sin that pulls me in is good beer. I’m a sucker for a freshly-poured brew that’s flavorful, cold and tasty. And I don’t mean mainstream pilsners. If you like the satisfaction of enjoying a well-crafted beer at a good price, here are my top beer » Read more
