The Best Things to Do in Amsterdam: How I Visit on a Budget

It’s only natural that the first stop on my first international trip post-covid was Amsterdam.

After falling in love with the beautiful city during my study abroad trip & it becoming the first city I visited solo about a year 1/2 later, it’s safe to say that Amsterdam is special to me.

Fortunately, thanks to the personal upgrade I went through during the pandemic that included me becoming much more financially responsible, I wasn’t on as tight of a budget as my previous trip. Still, I didn’t want to spend a ton of money, which is easy to do in Amsterdam if you aren’t careful.

Amsterdam is many things, but “budget friendly” isn’t exactly one of them… HOWEVER, I do think with some proper planning, it is *possible* to visit Amsterdam without burning a hole in your wallet.. here’s how:

1. Visit Amsterdam During the Low OR Shoulder seasons

Amsterdam is expensive in summer, especially accommodation. If you are willing to deal with the cold/higher chance of rain, I strongly recommend staying in the off season (late September-early May). Summer is not only pricier, it’s CROWDED. Amsterdam isn’t that big of a city… the crowds are very noticeable and can definitely take away from your experience.

my 2nd trip to Amsterdam was in December and my 3rd trip was in October. Neither were super ideal weather-wise (pretty cold, sometimes rain but not too bad), but fewer crowds and more reasonable prices made it worth it for me.

2. Opt for Public Transportation

You can spend 40-50 euros on an uber from the airport OR you can take the train for 5.20 euros if you book ahead HERE.

If you’re staying in the main area of Amsterdam, I see no reason why you shouldn’t just take the train from the airport to central station. Once you get to the station, you can either walk to your accommodation or you can take the metro to wherever you need to go. I always have an esim downloaded & I use Google Maps to navigate. You can also download the Amsterdam map on Google Maps before you arrive so you can navigate without using data.

The metro is excellent for getting around the city, but Amsterdam is also SO walkable. It’s one of my favorite cities to explore by foot! You can also rent a bike but I would only recommend this if you know what you’re doing. Honestly, bike culture scares me a bit simply because of the volume of bikes and how quickly they move. I fear I would hold people back or make a local mad if I tried to ride around on one. Oh, since we’re on the topic of bikes: if you’re walking, STAY OUT OF THE BIKE LANES. I made the mistake of walking in one without realizing it this past visit & I received some very nasty comments.

3. Stay in a Hostel

Hotels & Airbnbs in Amsterdam are expensive. Well, at least in the areas you would want to stay in. I strongly recommend staying in a hostel if you’re on a tight budget! It’s possible to find hotel deals so I won’t discourage you from looking if hostels aren’t your thing, but I wouldn’t get your hopes up if you’re trying to spend as little as possible.

My favorite hostel in Amsterdam is Flying Pig Downtown. Not only is it in a great location in the heart of everything, it’s a FUN hostel filled with travelers from all walks of life. I met people fresh out of High School and people in their 60s, and everyone talked to everyone. No clique-y vibes I’ve gotten from some other hostels. My only critique is that some areas could stand to be updated, but nothing took away from the experience. I think the vibes alone make it worth it!

There are plenty of other hostels in Amsterdam to choose from, so do some research to figure out the right choice/location for you! I’ve also stayed at this hosel near Vondelpark and it’s a great option if you want a more laid-back stay!

My Short but Strong List of Food Recommendations

Amsterdam isn’t the culinary apex of Europe. It just isn’t. Still, there’s some places I really enjoy.

For breakfast, I am OBSESSED with The Pancake Bakery. It’s in the Jordaan neighborhood and they have a large menu full of sweet & savory options. You can’t go wrong with anything, but I love the dutch pancake. It has cinnamon ice cream and stroopwaffel chunks. Definitely an indulgence, but somehow still feels really light (food in Europe is just different).

Another spots I really enjoyed is Rainbowls. I always find myself craving some fruit while I’m traveling & this acai shop makes BEAUTIFUL bowls that taste as great as they look!

Another recommendation is to try an Indonesian restaurant! Because Indonesia was colonized by the Dutch, there’s a really great Indonesian presence.

Cheap Eats Recommendations:

Go try some street food at Albert Cuyp market. This a great way to get the famous raw herring (not for me, but do you!), seafood, stroopwaffels (they’re the best here!), poffertjes, bitterballen, and other popular Dutch food

All around Amsterdam there are places that sell fries in the cone, and you gotta try it! You can choose a variety of toppings. My personal fave is mayo & nacho cheese (just trust me… it’s good)

FREE Things to do in Amsterdam

1. Take a walk around Vondelpark. It’s SO beautiful
2. Walk around Rembrandt Square
3. Walk around Red Light District
4. Go to Techno Tuesday at Melkweg
5. Walk around Albert Cuyp market (thought you’re probably going to want to buy food or a souvenir)
6. Visit Bloemenmarkt- the floating flower market!
7. Walk around the Jordaan neighborhood and take lots of photos

Not Free, But Worthwhile Things to do in Amsterdam

1. Visit Anne Frank Haus. This is my favorite thing to do in the city. BOOK AHEAD!!!!!!!
2. Go to the Heineken Experience
3. Take a Canal boat tour
4. Visit Rijksmueum or Van Gogh museum (both if you’re really into art)
5. Go to the Museum of Prostitution (I know.. but it’s an interesting way to learn about a big part of Amsterdam’s history and culture
6. Visit a coffee shop if you feel so inclined
7. Go to STRAAT- the largest street art museum in the world
8. A’DAM LOOKOUT if you want to go on a swing up in the air
9. Take a walking or bike tour (some walking tours are free)

Things to Do If You Have Time

1. Day trip to The Hague
2. Go see the windmills
3. Day trip to the village of Giethoorn
4. Go see the tulips if you’re there in Spring- I really want to do this one day!

I repeat: Amsterdam is not the most budget friendly destination. That doesn’t mean it can’t be done at a reasonable price. How much $$$ you’ll end up spending will depend entirely on what you like to do & how comfortable of a trip you’re open to. I know many people will prefer to just take an Uber to/from the airport & stay in a more expensive hotel… totally fair but expect to spend a lot more.

In my opinion, the best thing to do in Amsterdam is wander. I typically walk 10+ miles daily! Get up early, walk along the canals and enjoy. The energy of Amsterdam is unlike any other. I get why it’s so expensive & touristy… it’s a special place and special places often come with a price tag.

It’s been a few years since my last visit, which means I am VERY overdue. Once I return, I will get more in-depth on all the things this amazing city has to offer!