Amsterdam is one of the greatest small cities in the world. From Amsterdam canals to world-famous Amsterdam museums and historical Amsterdam sights, it is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in Europe. Canal cruises are a popular way to see the city from the perspective of its canals.
Amsterdam is also a city of tolerance and diversity. It has all the advantages of a big city: rich culture, lively Amsterdam nightlife, international restaurants, good transport - but is quiet, and largely thanks to its extensive canals, has a little road traffic. In this city your destination is never far away, but get a bike for an authentic local experience.
Luckily, with a little bit of planning and know how, a tourist can
easily keep to a budget. Here are 10 ways to make that happen :
Avoid taxis if you can
Amsterdam is small and walkable, and public transport covers all areas of the city. A cab ride that costs you €20 to Museum Square is a quick and cheap €2.80 on the tram. The city is not car-friendly, so time is rarely saved when cabbing it. If you must take a taxi, you can also try a private cab company like Driveugo or Uber. Or go like a local and hop on a bike.
Wheels of Dutch cheese at the Saturday farmer’s market on Noordermarkt
Shop the markets before the stores
This applies to food, clothes, trinkets, souvenirs, books and even wine. Waterlooplein's flea market is daily (except on Sundays) until 5 PM, while Nieuwmarkt and Noorderkerk have weekend markets with organic and locally grown produce and natural food products. Mondays at Noorderkerk hold a vintage clothing market, while the Dappermarkt and Albert Cuypmarkt sell food, flowers, fresh fish stands, clothes, souvenirs and more. The flower market, however, is tourist priced
Get an unlimited ticket for the trams
Instead of buying your tram tickets one by one at €2.80 each ride, think about an option that gives you unlimited access over one, two, three or seven days. If you plan to use the tram three times or more during a full day of sightseeing, go for a 24-hour ticket (€2.50 for children, €7.50 for adults).
Not only will you save money, but it's just easier to hop on and off with this type of ticket. A 48-hour ticket is only €12, 72 hours will cost you €16.50 and a week goes for €32. Tickets can be purchased sometimes on the tram itself, but try to buy at the metro area under Amsterdam Central Station if you can. Here are more tips for riding the tram in Amsterdam.
Think before paying for audio guides at museums
At the museums, most descriptions of artworks and artist biographies are in both Dutch and English. Most likely the free info pamphlets are also in Dutch and English, so before reaching for an audio guide that costs extra, make sure it’s worth it. Van Gogh is worth a splurge, but think twice with Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House, as you might be fine without it.[next]
Try a bakery for breakfast
Amsterdammers aren't big on breakfast. Brunch on the weekends has recently caught on, but the usual morning starts with a simple combination of a baked good paired with fresh orange juice or coffee. The city is stocked with bakeries on every corner, selling whole-grain croissants, freshly baked bread rolls and cheese-filled pastries. It's a cheaper option than any café that serves a typical American-style breakfast, and it might just be a tastier option as well.
Get breakfast like a local and visit one of the many bakeries for a pastry and coffee
Hydrate at grocery stores
A normal bottle of water will cost about €2.50 at a snack stand or kiosk in the center of town. At a grocery store, the same bottle will be less than a euro-even the fanciest mineral water. That savings can really add up over the course of a week. With a lack of drinking fountains and free tap water, consider buying your daily source of H2O at the nearest grocery store.
For cheaper hotels, think outside the center
Hotels outside the city center are usually newer, renovated and slightly larger than hotels in the Red Light District and around Dam Square. Although you can find some good deals in the center, venturing to neighborhoods like De Pijp, Plantagebuurt, or Jordaan will offer refreshing alternatives not that far from the big attractions. Purchase an unlimited tram ticket (see above), and you’ll still be able to explore the city to your heart's content.
Avoid the Argentinian steakhouses
You’ll see them all over town, but there is really nothing Dutch or cultural about them. Argentinean steakhouses are just here for tourists. Most offer daily specials of steak and fries for about €12 to €15. Not too costly, but if you're looking to spend your dime on quality food, try something else and use these tips to save when dining out.
Opt for beer and wine at the bar
If drinks are on the nightlife agenda, stick to beer and wine. Cocktails, mixed drinks, and anything bubbly is going to cost €6 or more. The alternatives are more impressive and half the price: house wine is usually something tasty from France or Spain, while the brews can be a classic pils or even a strong Belgian beer.
Renting a bike is a great way to explore Amsterdam on the cheap
Quantity over quality for bike rentals
To blend in like a local, hop on a bike to see the city. Timewise, it's always cheaper to rent a bike for a long period of time, compared to just a few hours. Since bicycles are the main mode of transport in Amsterdam, it's the most useful way to get around for natives and visitors alike. And rentals encourage this via their prices: a one-day rental could be anywhere from €7.50 to €15, but a three-day rental could be also €15.
