Amsterdam has this easy, magnetic attraction.
One minute you’re wandering cobblestone streets alongside a canal, the subsequent you’re ducking right into a bakery for a heat stroopwafel or biking previous Seventeenth-century row homes. It’s a metropolis that pulls you in. But it could possibly additionally pull at your pockets in the event you’re not cautious.
I traveled with three shut associates (one being my spouse Liz), and we have been decided to do it on a funds. Not in a “sleep-in-the-airport” type of means, however in a wise, intentional means that gave us all the pieces we wished: good meals, cool neighborhoods, native tradition, and one completely unforgettable day journey.
Here’s precisely how we made Amsterdam wonderful on a modest funds:
How We Got There for Less
Flights from the U.S. to Amsterdam are sometimes the largest expense, however in the event you’re versatile, there are offers to be discovered. We booked about three months upfront and truly started this explicit journey in London. We saved a watch on Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo.
We ended up flying WOW Air (now PLAY Airlines) with a layover in Reykjavik. Nothing fancy, however it bought us there for underneath $400 round-trip every. Once you might be in Europe, you could find low cost flights galore. We took the Chunnel to Paris, and Amsterdam was our subsequent cease.
We flew to Amsterdam from Paris for like 70 euros with Transavia.
Tips I swear by:
Travel within the shoulder season (go in early fall. Fewer crowds, cheaper all the pieces).
Fly midweek (Tuesdays and Wednesdays have been means cheaper).
Use worth alerts and examine throughout a number of airports.
Look into funds carriers like Norse Atlantic, Icelandair, or TAP Portugal.
One of our first pics in Amsterdam, in fact it needed to be a canal…
Our Stay at ClinkNOORD (aka Budget Perfection)
We primarily based ourselves at ClinkNOORD Hostel, simply throughout the IJ River from Centraal Station. The free ferry trip over (which runs 24/7) was a kind of little touches that made day-after-day really feel a bit like an journey.
The 4 of us booked a personal room with 4 beds, which gave us house to sit back however saved our prices means decrease than any lodge. It had its personal rest room, comfortable beds, and a energetic widespread space downstairs with low cost drinks and nice power.
We’d fill up on snacks and drinks at a close-by Albert Heijn, convey beers again to the room earlier than going out, and even cooked pasta one evening within the shared kitchen. Honestly, the vibes have been nice, and the financial savings have been even higher.
If you’re not into hostels, funds lodges like MEININGER or ibis Budget are respectable choices in the event you keep simply outdoors the middle.
Airbnb? We skipped it. Amsterdam has strict laws, and authorized listings have been both too dear or too far out.
The ferry was a enjoyable technique to get from our hostel to the primary areas within the metropolis, and there’s a actually cool membership that’s underground subsequent to the hostel referred to as Shelter. Definitely not free so does not fairly match the budget-centric tone of this text however all of us need to splurge each from time to time proper?!
How We Got Around: Mostly, We Walked
Amsterdam is without doubt one of the most walkable cities I’ve ever been to. We made a aware choice to stroll nearly in every single place, and I’m so glad we did. From Centraal to Jordaan, via De Pijp and across the canals, we in all probability walked 8+ miles a day with out even realizing it (thanks stroopwafels for the power).
If you actually really feel you want a carry, you may snag a GVB day move (you may get one at GVB.nl). They’re tremendous reasonably priced, beginning at €9.50/day for limitless tram, bus, and metro rides.
We additionally rented bikes from Black Bikes for a day. It value us about €16 and was price each cent. We rode via Vondelpark, down tree-lined streets, and bought to really feel somewhat bit like locals for a day.
If you get the prospect, cease by the Amsterdam Cheese Museum. It is free they usually additionally give out free samples so you may make a snack cease out of it.
Our Favorite Experience: Windmills, Bikes, and Zaanse Schans
One of absolutely the highlights of our journey (and I imply like, trip-defining stage of nice) was our day journey to Zaanse Schans, a small historic village about half-hour from Amsterdam. You’ve in all probability seen the pictures (there’s one beneath if you have not): inexperienced wood homes, traditional Dutch windmills, cows grazing close by, and extra cheese samples than I may hold observe of.
We took a brief prepare trip from Centraal Station (about €4.50 every means), rented bikes as soon as we bought there, and spent the entire afternoon using round windmills, watching wood footwear being made, and simply soaking on this peaceable slice of the Netherlands. It felt like stepping right into a postcard.
If you’re going to Amsterdam and need a break from the thrill, don’t skip Zaanse Schans. It’s shut, low cost to achieve, and truthfully, it was my favourite a part of the journey.
Plenty of picture ops round Zaanse Schans, do not miss these large Dutch Clogs! 😂
Eating Well on a Budget
We didn’t eat out a lot, and we didn’t have to. Amsterdam’s supermarkets and road meals are a funds traveler’s dream.
Each morning we’d seize yogurt, fruit, or croissants from Albert Heijn or Lidl (their bakery part is elite). For lunch, we’d hit up a market or seize premade sandwiches (normally round €3–€4). One day we purchased contemporary bread, cheese, and fruit from Dappermarkt, had a picnic in a park, and it was higher than any sit-down meal we may’ve paid for.
Street meals wins:
Stroopwafels – heat, gooey, and life-changing. Rudi’s stall at Albert Cuyp Market is the go-to.
Fries (Patat) – with mayo or “patatje oorlog” (peanut sauce, mayo, onions). Just do it. I might fly to Amsterdam only for these.
Herring – in the event you’re adventurous, strive it with pickles and onions.
Kibbeling – battered fried fish bites. Addictive.
Poffertjes – tiny pancakes topped with butter and powdered sugar. You’ll by no means need common pancakes once more.
When we did eat out, we saved it informal. A Turkish döner spot one evening, Indonesian rice plates one other, and a stable burger place on our final night.
You can positively eat nicely right here with out going broke.
Free (and Almost-Free) Stuff We Loved
This is the place Amsterdam shines for funds vacationers.So a lot of the great things is free!
We spent hours simply strolling and wandering:
Through Jordaan, one of many prettiest neighborhoods I’ve ever seen
Around the canals at golden hour, truthfully, it felt like a film set
In Vondelpark, the place we people-watched over espresso and cheese from the market
Just a few different gems:
The Rijksmuseum gardens (completely free)
The high ground of the Amsterdam Public Library (OBA) for metropolis views
A free ferry trip to NDSM Wharf, the place we stumbled right into a road artwork gallery and had beers at a waterside café
Tips That Made a Big Difference
Here’s what actually helped us stretch our euros and nonetheless have a tremendous time:
Travel throughout shoulder season: Cheaper flights and fewer vacationers.
Walk and bike: We saved simply €50+ every by skipping most transport.
Use grocery shops: Way cheaper than consuming out consistently.
Bring your individual water bottle: Tap water is clear and scrumptious. It could be arduous to get eating places to offer you free faucet water, however here’s a map of locations across the metropolis the place you may refill your individual bottle.
Pre-game on the hostel: €1–€2 beers from the shop > €7 beers on the bar.
Book early: Especially for hostels like ClinkNOORD—they refill quick.
For one thing that’s positively touristy and never essentially funds oriented, try the Amsterdam Ice Bar! Honestly we did it largely as a result of we may get foolish footage like this one however we had enjoyable. Make positive you drink your drink sooner than your cup melts in your hand as a result of it is fabricated from ice!
Definitely Don’t Pass On Amsterdam
Amsterdam was all the pieces I hoped for and a lot extra. And I didn’t have to blow my funds to expertise it.
From our cozy bunk room at ClinkNOORD to contemporary stroopwafels on the road and biking via Zaanse Schans surrounded by windmills, it was the type of journey that sticks with you. Budget journey didn’t imply lacking out. It meant getting somewhat artistic, strolling somewhat farther, and discovering pleasure within the small, native moments.
If you are desirous about going, do it! Be versatile. Pack mild. Bring your strolling footwear and your sense of marvel. Amsterdam will handle the remaining.
Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No advertisements, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where vacationers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even discover like-minded journey buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.