Travelling on a budget in Amsterdam: tips for cheap stays
Uncategorized | Posted on 29 January 2024
Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, attracts millions of travellers from all over the world every year. With its picturesque canals, historic architecture and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder this city is a top destination for tourists. Travelling to Amsterdam can sometimes be challenging on the wallet, but luckily there are ways to keep costs under control so you can still enjoy all the beauty this beautiful city has to offer. In this blog, we share valuable tips for a budget-friendly trip to Amsterdam.
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Plan in advance and take advantage of seasonal offers
Plan your trip in advance and take advantage of seasonal offers and/or early bird discounts. Be flexible with your travel dates by planning your trip to Amsterdam outside the high season, for example, as this is when fares are lower. Browse the websites of various providers well in advance and grab your discount.
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Choose budget-friendly accommodation
Start your trip on the right foot by choosing budget-friendly accommodation. For instance, stay in a hostel, a guesthouse, an Airbnb, or budget hotel. Have you found suitable accommodation? Don’t forget to compare prices on the various online platforms offering the accommodation. Does the accommodation have its own website? Check the price there too, because on the accommodation’s own website, the price is often the lowest.
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Explore Amsterdam from the water
A visit to Amsterdam is not complete without a canal cruise. At Flagship Amsterdam, you can book a canal cruise from as little as €19.95 per person. On a canal boat, you get the best view of Amsterdam’s most famous sights and save both time and money because you don’t have to queue for an attraction ticket.
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Book a free city tour
In Amsterdam, you will find several organisations offering free city walks where a local guide takes you through different parts of the city. What’s great about this is that the guide knows how to tell you all the secrets of the city, so be prepared for an interactive walk. Don’t forget to tip the guide based on your satisfaction.
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Save on transport costs
Make use of Amsterdam’s public transport. On the website of the GVB, Municipal Transport Company, they offer different cards, such as day and multi-day passes. For example, choose a three-day card from the GVB for just €21. With this card, you can then use all GVB trams, (night) buses and metros in Amsterdam, Diemen, Duivendrecht, Amstelveen, Schiphol and Weesp for 72 hours. This way, you save on taxi fares and renting a bike if necessary.
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Eat like a local
Dining in restaurants can be expensive, but Amsterdam also has plenty of affordable eateries, such as food stalls and local markets. Try local dishes and snacks, such as herring, stroopwafels and, last but not least, FEBO’s snack wall, for an authentic experience without breaking your budget.
Amsterdam may be known as an expensive destination, but with the right tips and a smart approach, you can explore this beautiful city without raiding your bank account. Opt for budget accommodation, take advantage of excellent public transport, enjoy free sightseeing and discover affordable, local cuisine. Add an affordable canal cruise through Amsterdam’s canals for an unforgettable experience.
Go on an adventure now and discover Amsterdam in a budget-friendly way!