Amsterdam on a Budget: 5 Ways to Save Money in the Dutch Capital

One of the many reasons Amsterdam is so popular with backpackers is because the city can be enjoyed on a budget. You don’t have to spend a fortune in the Dutch capital to experience it like a local. From eating at the city’s budget restaurants, staying in a hostel to making the most of the free things to do, Amsterdam is ideal for a cheap city break. We’ve devised some budget-friendly tips for you so that you know how to save some money in Amsterdam on your travels…

Need a hostel in Amsterdam? Check out St Christopher’s Inns

One of the best things about travelling is all the new food you get to try. But sometimes it can get pretty expensive. If you’re travelling on a budget, stick to the city’s cheap eats. Amsterdam has some amazing budget restaurants serving up some of the tastiest food in the city. And this means you can budget for one or two more expensive meals if you eat smart for most of the trip. Want some restaurant? recommendations Here are 9 Best Cheap Eats in Amsterdam. Find out more

Staying in hostels is a no brainer if you’re travelling on a budget. A bed in Amsterdam can cost as little as €35 a night. Hostels are also a great place to meet new people, get involved in hostel events and to really make the most of the city’s nightlife with bar crawls or on-site bars where you can hang out and party. Our favourite party hostels in Amsterdam are the award-winning Flying Pig hostels (there’s one located uptown near Vondelpark and one downtown right by the Red Light District).

Then there’s St Christopher’s At the Winston which boasts a real homely, family vibe and a fantastic hostel bar Belushi’s. Each of these hostels offer a free welcome drink to its guest if you book direct so you don’t have to worry about spending money on an extra meal.

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You can’t go to the Dam and not ride a bike. The locals do it, kids to do it, everyone does it. Amsterdam is a fairly small city so it’s easy to get to most places by foot or bike. Avoid public transport costs and save money (and the environment) by getting around on two wheels. You can rent a bike in Amsterdam from Black Bikes, a company that has a hop on, hop off system. You can hire a bike three hours for €6.50 or you can hire it for 24 hours for €9.

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We only recommend purchasing an iAmsterdam City Card if you plan on doing lots of sightseeing, museum hopping and cultural activities. Then, you’ll save quite a bit of money. With the card you can have unlimited access to Amsterdam’s public transport, free entry to so many of the city’s famous museums and attractions plus discounts at restaurants, galleries and museums. While the card itself seems quite pricey, you’ll end up saving a whole lotta money once your trip has come to an end with all of the discounts, free entries and cheap travel.

Here are 5 Reasons You Should Get an iAmsterdam City Guide

Make the most of the free things to do in Amsterdam while you’re in the city. At the St Christophers and Flying Pig you can book yourself onto the free walking tour of Amsterdam. The knowledgeable tour guides from Sandemans Free Walking Tours have the best city tips. Other free things to do in the city include the free museums, parks, street art, markets and rooftops. Here are the best free things to do in Amsterdam.

Article by Shereen Sagoo