Amsterdam: Budget Travel Guide

Read about easy ways to save while visiting Amsterdam, including tips for saving on hotels, food, drinks and sightseeing.

More Amsterdam advice:

• The best cheap hotels in Amsterdam reviewed by our editors
• Articles about Amsterdam hotels
• Where to eat and drink on a budget
• How to save on sightseeing
• Practical information for saving on your trip
Cheap flights from Amsterdam Schiphol airport

Looking to book walking tours, activities, and sightseeing tickets in advance? Search for tickets here.

Amsterdam: Buying tickets to the Anne Frank House

Editor’s Note: We originally published this article in 2014 when visitors would have to line up (sometimes for several hours!) to get into the Anne Frank House. Now you can only visit with online tickets purchased in advance. We have updated the information to reflect the most recent changes to the ticketing system as of » Read more

Best budget hotels in Amsterdam for 2024

Looking for the best budget hotels in Amsterdam? We’re about to make your hunt a lot easier. We’ve recently updated our listings of recommended cheap hotels in Amsterdam, and have singled out the following seven as our best cheap hotels in Amsterdam. It was no easy task — Amsterdam fortunately still has a long list of » Read more

Tips for saving time and money at Amsterdam’s top attractions

In recent years, tourism in Amsterdam has swelled to new highs. Almost 20 million visitors per year flock to the city now, a situation that has even the tourists complaining there are too many tourists. The demand to get into the Anne Frank House found its rival in the Van Gogh Museum, and meanwhile, the Rijksmuseum » Read more

Amsterdam: 5 budget hotels that offer a unique sleep

Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most interesting and quirky cities, so why not opt for a hotel to match? Tourism keeps rising, but there are still plenty of hotel deals if you know where to look. Whether you want to sleep on a boat, immerse yourself in art, sleep in a futuristic neon cube or » Read more

Amsterdam: 5 easy and affordable day trips

Amsterdam is a no brainer when visiting The Netherlands. It has tons of old-world charm and plenty of excellent budget hotels. After a few days in this vibrant city, usually next on the list would be a day trip to Rotterdam, the Keukenhof flower garden or The Hague. But staying in Amsterdam offers a variety » Read more

Amsterdam Hotel Advice: Read this first

Planning a trip to Amsterdam and looking for the perfect place to stay? Navigating all of the accommodation choices can be a bit confusing. Which neighborhood? How many stars? What’s in the rooms? What’s a good deal? You may need our Amsterdam hotel advice! We’re here to help, with 14 things that you should understand » Read more

Amsterdam: New additions to our budget hotel guide

Whether you are looking for a vibrant nightlife and trendy restaurants or top-notch museums and bicycle rides past charming townhouses and tulips — or a little bit of both! — Amsterdam is the city for you. As such, it attracts many visitors all searching for affordable places to stay. We’ve scoured many of the city’s » Read more

Amsterdam: City’s new tourist tax aimed unfairly at budget travelers

There’s perplexing news for budget travelers heading to Amsterdam. In an effort to cut down on stag parties and budget travelers, Amsterdam is planning a higher tourist tax that would take effect in 2018 on travelers that stay at hotels and hostels in the city center. By targeting accommodations in central neighborhoods, Amsterdam hopes to » Read more

5 Super cheap hotels in Amsterdam

Boasting world-class museums, a lively and liberal spirit, and scenic canals around every corner, Amsterdam is a must for any European travel itinerary. But as such a popular destination, finding a really good deal on your hotel can be tricky. Sure, you can find rooms for around $100 with no problem. But what if you » Read more

Going out in Amsterdam is one of the highlights of any Euro trip, from the pubs and dance clubs to the coffeeshops and the sultry Red Light District, it’s easy to have a fun night on the town. But how do you do it on the cheap? Here are some suggestions to let the good » Read more

Amsterdam: 10 tips for dining on a budget

You’ve arrived in Amsterdam, checked into your hotel, and are hungry for some Dutch culinary delights. But where and how do the locals dine, and how do they do it on a budget? Amsterdam locals know the ins and outs of Amsterdam dining on the cheap. Here are some tips on how to save what » Read more

Amsterdam can be a breeze for first timers to Europe in many ways. Everyone speaks English, and the city is small enough to get around by foot. At the same time, the streets are curvy and confusing, taxis are expensive and the Dutch language is a mouthful. It’s also important to find a good location » Read more

5 cheapo souvenir ideas to bring home from Amsterdam

Forget Dutch slippers shaped like clogs, Red Light paraphernalia and typical shot glasses. Souvenirs in Holland’s capital need not be dorky or cheap—it’s all about finding the right store and clever idea. Here are five recommendations for good take away memorabilia from Amsterdam for yourself and your friends back home. 1. Cheap and sweet: the » Read more

Amsterdam: Simple tips for finding cheap hotels

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

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

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