Amsterdam draws a global audience, and many arrive on a tight budget. Captivating channels and avant – garde culture of the city make it a distinctive destination, but there is plenty to interest a more traditional travelers. Think world-class museums and fine restaurants. Whatever your search, keep in mind that although Amsterdam is associated with backpackers, it can be a very expensive stop.
When to visit
Amsterdam has a relatively mild climate for a place so far north, so even winter visits can be quite comfortable. Summer is the most popular season, so stay away at that time if crowds are a problem. Many seasoned travelers choose the “shoulder seasons” of late spring and early fall. Amsterdam’s status as an airline hub should do good airfare searches at all times of the year.
Where to eat
When the Dutch had a colonial empire, they brought home some exotic treasures that became staples of Amsterdam’s gastronomy. An example is the rijsttafel , literally “rice table.” It is a lazy susana setup offering 20 or more Indonesian dishes. The ones you enjoy the most are filled. If smoked herring is your thing, you’ll find street vendors serving it in style. In fact, it’s easy to find a variety of tasty foods served from the sidewalks. It is a light and inexpensive lunch.
As you search for inexpensive restaurants in Amsterdam, consider a staple of the local lunch scene. Broodjes is a Dutch word for sandwich, and it’s a distinctive item made with care that doesn’t look like the prepackaged versions so common in European markets and inexpensive grocery stores.
Where to stay
There are many hotels in Amsterdam, one of Europe’s champions for budget accommodation. Shills will approach you promoting their particular excavations. It is better to trust the recommendations of the useful VVV (pronounced Vay-Vay-Vay). It is the official tourist information office for the Netherlands, with 450 locations to cater for everyone from the most inexperienced newcomers to seasoned travel veterans. Timeout.com offers better B&B links from € 60. Book in advance if you are going during the tourist season.
Another affordable place to buy accommodation in Amsterdam is Airbnb.com, where a recent search revealed 95 tickets priced under $ 40 / night.
Move
Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest and finest in Europe. It is well connected by train to the center of Amsterdam. Buy tickets at the little yellow machines scattered around the Plaza area near the railroad platform. Amsterdam is a very difficult place to drive, so it is best to take public transport within the city, and that includes floating vehicles on the many canals. Car rentals are convenient for trips out of town.
Amsterdam Attractions
Few cities in the world have a better line of museums. You can spend a whole day wandering through the Rijksmuseum’s collections with the Dutch Masters, and then visit the nearby Van Gogh Museum. Beyond great art, there is the Anne Frank House. Anne was a Jewish teenager during the Nazi occupation who recounted her tragic experiences in a journal that became world famous. The place where his family hid has been carefully preserved and is a must-see.
Cultural sampling
I Amsterdam City Card (found on the VVV) offers 25% discounts at dozens of top attractions and restaurants. It’s a significant investment, so carefully consider how many attractions you’ll visit. A 24-hour pass costs € 57, 48 hours costs € 67, a 72-hour pass costs € 77 and a 96-hour pass costs € 87. The Jaarkart Museum is also available at the VVV and deserves a serious look for visitors who spend more than one day in the city. Ask about guided architecture walks, which offer impressive variety and insight into the area’s rich history.
More Amsterdam tips
Explore the diamond markets. This may sound like weird advice for budget travelers, but it’s actually a penny tip. Amsterdam is home to some of the best diamond cutters in the world, many of whom will give fascinating and free demonstrations. Looking at your finished creations is also free.
Explore the field. If you include Amsterdam in a number of European cities, this is a good place to leave the urban world behind and explore your surroundings. Beautiful flower farms, highly photographed windmills, and charming cities like Haarlem are just minutes away by bus, train, or car.
Rent a bicycle. The Dutch love to ride their bikes and that means there are quite a few places to rent some wheels for the day. Be sure to observe lane markings and common courtesy.
Watch out for steep stairs. There are turnstiles in many houses in Amsterdam for a reason: the stairs are too narrow and steep to move furniture. To a lesser extent, this also applies to luggage. Ask where your room is located and if luggage assistance is provided.
Shop Schiphol’s Duty Free carefully. The airport’s massive duty-free offer isn’t always the best deal in Delft China and other local favorites. The best advice if you are flying in and out of Schiphol is to check city prices before buying. You can always make a purchase when leaving the city if the airport offers are cheaper.
Make Amsterdam “Home Base”. The relatively cheap accommodations available in this city make it possible to settle here and explore the more expensive territories nearby. Rail connections in general are excellent.
