Eating in Amsterdam: Budget Travel Guide

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

Are you looking for a truly authentic Dutch meal when you visit Amsterdam? Truth be told (shhhh…), local Dutch cuisine in the Netherlands has a rather bland reputation, limited to such delicacies as root veggies, gouda cheese, meats, and deep fried potatoes. Go ahead and try it. Just don’t expect it to blow you away » Read more

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

The pancake is one of the most famous plates in Dutch cuisine. Short in stature but large in circumference, the Dutch pancake is served with mixed-in ingredients that can go sweet, savory, or quite experimental. Here are three Cheapo picks for my favorite pancake shops in Amsterdam: Pannekoekenboot (Pancake Boat) Web site (in Dutch) 4:30 » Read more

On the surface Amsterdam’s café culture seems a little confusing and intimidating. If cafes serve beer and coffeeshops serve the “green goods,” where does one go for just a cup of joe? Here are some pointers. Ordering coffee? Ditch the details! If you’re craving a large mocha latte with 2% milk and sugar-free syrup, you » Read more

The Dutch were never known for their exotic cuisine–bread, cheese and fries being the basics. Thankfully the Netherlands has a satisfying sweet tooth. When visiting Amsterdam, don’t hold back on indulging in these five sugary surprises that are simple, cheap, yet oh so tasty. 1. Appeltaart met slagroom Typical price: €3.75 Apple pie with whipped » Read more

As in many European countries, going out for breakfast in the Netherlands is a rare event. Yet some of us cherish the true enjoyment of a morning meal. Here’s how the Dutch do it on the go and on the cheap, along with a few tips for finding a nice a.m. sit-down spot in Amsterdam. » Read more

Editor’s Note: For our “Favorite Places” blog series, we’re asking our local correspondents to write about one of their favorite places in town. For an ultimate Dutch time out in Amsterdam, head to Café Koosje. From coffee to apple pie with whipped cream, the place warms its patrons with cups of culture and a charming » Read more

Who says that every type of fast food is bad for you? Maoz, a popular fast-food franchise in Amsterdam, breaks the norm with their delicious vegetarian on-the-go snacks. At the very least, Maoz offers Cheapos a healthy quick meal at a modest price. A bit of History Maoz is a chain of vegetarian eateries that started » Read more

It’s been a tiring day of sightseeing and you’re all set to grab a beer or two. Luckily, Amsterdam’s streets are sprinkled with cafés and bars that cater to the tastes of various travelers. Here are five pubs and cafés that offer drinks and snacks at attractive prices. 1. Cafe Belgique Gravenstraat 2 Located at » Read more

Say you’re on your way to catch the train out of Amsterdam and don’t have time to sit down for a meal. Maybe it’s a nice day and you just want to take in the city’s floating flower market while munching on something cheap. Or maybe you’re having trouble pronouncing those Dutch entrées when ordering » Read more

Mere leaving with pancake happiness! Today’s absurdly cold weather in New York – 17 degrees fahrenheit anyone? – makes us crave warm comfort food like nobody’s business.  Hot oatmeal, a Bauernfrühstück, heck, even the thought of a full English helps fuel us up and persevere through winter’s bite. One treat that we never, ever, turn down » Read more

Photo of Cafe In de Waag by Peterhoneyman Editor’s Note: Pete and Meredith just spent a long weekend in Amsterdam. This is a post from their recent journey. A little bit of history In 1488, St. Anthony’s Port – today a weigh house that stands in the center of Nieuwmarkt Square in Amsterdam – opened its doors » Read more