Planning for Amsterdam: Budget Travel Guide

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

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 isn’t the most expensive city in Europe (we’re looking at you London!), but it’s certainly not the cheapest. When visiting Amsterdam, you can expect to pay a little bit more for all of the essentials than you would in a place like Italy or Spain. Luckily, with a little bit of planning and know-how, » Read more

Maybe it’s because I’m American, but I can spot our style from a mile away. I see it all over Amsterdam: The baseball cap, the oh-so-handy cargo pants, and a sporty, all-weather and near-fluorescent windbreaker. We stick out like sore thumbs in Euroland. Of course, standing out is not necessarily a bad thing, and it’s » Read more

To first timers in Amsterdam, it’s overwhelming to see a surplus of bicycles blanketing the city. Bicycles are leaning on everything, and transporting everyone, everywhere at all times of day and night. Questions that come to mind are: 1. Which one is the bike lane? 2. Why do all the bikes look so shabby? 3. » Read more

Amsterdam is often stereotyped in a sinful cliché of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. Family members always ask me, “So, you’re living in Amsterdam? How’s the pot (chuckle, chuckle)!?” Hardy, har, har. While the city undoubtedly has a “party” vibe around town, things have changed since the 1970s and ’80s. And most locals lead » 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

Parisians are rude, London is expensive and everyone in Barcelona washes down a huge paella with a liter of sangria. While European stereotypes live off of exaggeration, there’s always a hint of truth to them somewhere. As a global city with a long tradition of liberal policies, the Dutch capital is no exception. Travelers arrive » Read more

Amsterdam is a biking paradise, and there’s no better way to experience it than pedaling through the historic streets. Previously, we’ve shared some helpful tips on how to bicycle safely throughout the city, the best bike tours and how to navigate the roads in winter. Now it’s time to get local about it. In Amsterdam, » Read more

Here at EuroCheapo, we’re always looking at discounts and deals across the continent that help you save money. A frequent topic of conversation is the popular city tourist and museum cards. There are benefits (free admissions) and disadvantages (the sometimes high cost) to each, and opinions can be divided. But it always comes down to » Read more

Getting around Amsterdam sans bike can be pricey if you’re not hoofing it. One-way tram and bus fares are up to €2.80, and trains easily exceed the €10 mark on a round trip outside the capital. While the usual choices are 24-hour city transport cards and Euro rail passes, new to the scene is the » Read more

It’s always a surprise to hear people claim that Amsterdam is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. Between bicycles and local markets, free art galleries and outdoor hangouts, there’s plenty to do in this city that’s “on the house.” If you dodge the flying tourist bullets of waffle stands and keepsake boutiques, you’ll » Read more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tipping abroad can be confusing, especially when you’re on a whirl-winded European trip that takes you into and out of different countries with different customs. Often travelers tip too much, or to little, and rarely the right amount at the right time. How much should you tip in Amsterdam? Learn from the locals and follow » Read more

A day on less than €20 in Amsterdam? Can it be done? Why, yes it can! Amsterdam might not be the cheapest Euro destination, but thanks to its outdoor happenings and entertainment freebies, it’s certainly possible. • Related: Heading to Amsterdam? Be sure to swing by our guide to the best cheap hotels in Amsterdam. » Read more

Schipol Airport in Amsterdam gets its name from its former days as a large lake where ships easily sunk from bad weather – the translation literally means “ship hole” (insert joke here).  It’s the third largest airport in Europe and in the world for international passenger traffic. To help keep you afloat, here are some » Read more

Amsterdam by bike is the best way to see the city, hands down. The flat terrain guarantees a quick travel time, and there’s something special about the Holland breeze brushing your cheeks. Most importantly, as biking in this densely-populated city is the main form of transport, there are some important safety precautions you should take. » Read more

Those of us who drop by a city like Amsterdam for a short visit never really get to see each and every attraction. Nor do we want to in most occasions. Quite often, however, we try to stay in neighborhoods that offer our various interests and seem “right” for our trip. Choosing the right ‘hood, therefore, is » Read more