Posts by author Audrey Sykes
Waiting to enter the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. Photo: mattmangum
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
Tourism is booming in Amsterdam. Photo: Abir A
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
Yes, Amsterdam can be affordable! Photo: shepard4711
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
Explore Haarlem, a short day trip from Amsterdam. Photo: Nicolas Vigier
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
Inside a happy and packed tent at Oktoberfest. Photo:
Munich’s famous festival tradition, Oktoberfest, always begins the second-to-last weekend in September and ends the first weekend of October. This year’s dates run from September 21 to October 6, 2024. We prefer going in September before the masses start arriving from all over Europe and the world. But no matter what day you go, prepare » Read more
The Grand Place in Brussels. Photo: romanboed
Brussels is a bustling city in Belgium combining Euro cosmopolitan with old historic buildings and charm. Definitely a melting pot of people, cultures and styles, Brussels offers a lot to see and do, including the tradition of imbibing Belgian beer. But as the de facto capital of the European Union, this city can get expensive » Read more
Overlooking Munich. Photo: Steffen Flor
Munich may have the reputation of being one of the most expensive cities in Germany, but it still has a lot to offer as a budget destination. In fact, it’s very possible to do it on the cheap and still tick off all of the boxes on your must-do list. After you hit the beer garden » Read more
The classic cityscape of Munich. Photo: John Morgan
Bavaria is Germany’s wealthiest region, and Munich is known for its posh spots and expensive tabs. However, not everything is out of a Cheapo’s budget in this city. Munich is also home to wonderful traditions and scenery that won’t cost you even one euro to experience. Here are seven of our top free things to » Read more
No sweatshirts or sneakers on these locals. Photo: FacemePLS
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
Here's how to save after dark in Amsterdam. Photo: Cédric Bonhomme
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
Heading to Amsterdam? Here's how to save on eating out. Photo: Michael C
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
Only 30 minutes from Amsterdam, Utrecht is well worth the visit. Photo: Olivia Notter
A student town with a healthy dose of canals, cafes and character, Utrecht offers a look into life in Holland that’s laid-back and breezy. And at just 30 minutes from Amsterdam by train, it makes a great day trip or overnight getaway! The city is very walkable, so don’t stress about spending money on transport » Read more
Charming Haarlem. Photo: Nicolas Vigier
Haarlem is like the little sibling of Amsterdam: very similar in look, but smaller in size and population. It’s where couples from the big city come to settle down, and musicians come for the community vibe. It also makes an excellent destination for budget travelers. It has historic streets galore, impressive Gothic architecture, and plenty » Read more
When in Amsterdam, eat like (and with!) a local at these 8 restaurants. Photo: Manuel
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
Where can you pick up a good ride in Amsterdam? Read on! Photo: Orse
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
The Red Light District in Amsterdam. Photo: Jordi Alfonso
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
Looking for an affordable destination filled with European charm? Welcome to Bruges. Wolfgang S
Bruges has a hassle-free vibe, wrapping locals with a warm blanket of comfy taverns, bakeries and romantic wanders. Weekends pass slowly and satisfying as people embrace the feeling of this 14th century sleepy Flemish town. Plus, there’s no lack of affordable hotels and hostels in town starting at $47. But where do you begin to » Read more
Load up on German pastries in Munich for a cheap and tasty treat. Photo: Audrey Sykes
Deutschland is home to some of the best bakers in Europe, Bavarian being a doughy turf for fabulous cakes and gigantic pretzels. Even better are the deliciously-low prices for a big sweet treat: rarely are they over €1. Curious to try some of the best? Here are five top picks when searching for Bavarian baked » Read more
Before you hit the ground in Amsterdam, check out these tips to help you save time and money. Photo: Roman Kraft
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
You are more likely to see a tourist inside a clog then on a Dutch person's foot. Photo: Suedehead
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
Most bikes in Amsterdam are more old-fashioned and dependable than fancy. Photo: Audrey Sykes
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
Get ready to fight for you seat, as many budget carriers have general seating. Photo: rich_w
Low-cost airlines like Ryanair, WizzAir and easyJet have changed the way budget travelers crisscross Europe since they took flight more than a decade ago. They’re ideal for quick jaunts that would normally take a full day on the train—and often at prices that can be cheap as chips. However, there are a few key ways » Read more
The Amsterdam Region & Day Tickets gets you a lot of transport for a low price. Amsterdam Red Light
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
Look carefully and you'll find this beautiful canal city is filled with free things to do. Photo: crash71100
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
Sweet stroopwafels, a real Dutch treat, make a great (and tasty) souvenir. Photo: Orangesplaash
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
