Tips for saving money (and time) when visiting Amsterdam on a budget (2018 update)

---

Text by Rafael Fraga
​(last update October 2018)

Visiting Amsterdam soon and wanting to make sure
​you make the best of your trip?

​This is the ultimate guide to save money (and time) in Amsterdam for 2019.
And let me be clear - it’s not a “easy going list” of my favourite spots.

Instead, you’ll get information that will prove really useful.

Let’s go for it!

CONTENTS

Chapter 1. To whom this guide is for
Chapter 2. "Amsterdam mindset & the locals"
Chapter 3. The PAR solution
Chapter 4. Seasonality
Chapter 5. Your Trip 
Chapter 5: Mobility
Chapter 6. Accommodation 
Chapter 7. Food and drinks
Chapter ​8. Attractions
BONUS Tips

Chapter 1. To whom this guide is for

This guide is dedicated to what I consider to be the “average” traveller: someone interested in a bit of Amsterdam’s history, culture and lifestyle, willing to experience some of the nice things the city has to offer (indulging on the occasional “luxury”) but keeping expenses under control. 
Also, someone who will stay for about 2 to 4 days.

If you broadly fit this description, then I’m sure you’ll benefit from this guide helpful.

So, let’s start!


Chapter 2. "Amsterdam mindset & the locals"

There’s three things you should REALLY know and keep in mind when planning your trip:

The first: Amsterdam is a merchant city since it’s beginning, about 9 centuries ago. Therefore, people are practical, pragmatical and business-oriented. 
This means Amsterdammers are very to the point, a bit (!) blunt and make little concessions regarding money-issues. They will not accept bargaining, will have little time for drama, etc. Get it done and move on!

The second: The Netherlands (and Holland) is small and densely populated, and always struggling with lack of space and water management. Therefore, people are extremely organised (every kid gets a personal agenda notebook since age 5!). 
They will judge a lot of issues as “lack of organization” from your side, and therefore be less willing to help. 

The third: the generally called “locals” include a very broad and gentrified group of people - most of them not even from Amsterdam! For a large extent the city is a temporary hub for business makers and young ambitious professionals, who earn a lot of money at a young age.
Therefore, where the “locals” eat, drink or do whatever things, most likely will not correspond to what you do as a local in your own home. So, you’ll end up in over-priced, poorly served, hipster joints and tourist traps. 


Chapter 3. The PAR solution
Look:

On holidays, most people like to relax and enjoy, leaving some space for spontaneity. Check!

I do too! BUT: If you want to save time and money in Amsterdam, you need the PAR solution:

PLAN AHEAD - REALLY!
(ok, I made it up!)

What does this mean? Simple: you need to organize some BASIC issues to make sure you don’t end up sleeping under the bridge (fortunately there’s about 1200 to choose, if you’re really in trouble!) or paying €15 for a sandwich. 

If you are “oh no, such a hassle…” - well, see it as “fun starts now!”

So, where to start? 

Planing ahead might seem a complex task because everything is related: when you visit, where you stay, how to get there, where to eat, etc. 

Getting desperate?
Worry not. We’re here to help!

First, let’s break it into smaller pieces:

4. Seasonality
Independently of your traveling flexibility, the first thing you need in order to save time and money is “information”.

You need to be aware of:
- low/high season periods
- is it, say, tulip season? 
- expectable weather 
- the major events going on in the city 

Amsterdam is SMALL and some events bring in more than 300.000 people! - wanna pay €400/ night at some smelly hotel? So better dive in!

Very busy months / periods:
April, specially last week (King’s day). 
July, August
Christmas / New Year’s Eve 

Make sure you check sites such as:
https://santorinidave.com/best-time-to-visit-amsterdam
https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/see-and-do/whats-on/monthly-event-calendar


In order to save time and money, how you reach Amsterdam, where will you sleep and where to eat and drink are VERY dependent of each other. 

So, here we go:

5. Your trip 
You can reach Amsterdam by air, ground or water. 
ALWAYS search online for "how to reach Amsterdam from [your departure point]. You might be surprised. 

Many low cost companies use Eindhoven airport > it’s FAR from Amsterdam, you’ll need a bus or the train to reach here. 

Since you can stay in the center, on the suburbs or at nearby villages, always make sure:
- that you know EXACTLY how to reach your FINAL destination (bus, tram?)
- plan delays 
- where you will eat / drink / rent a car / bike / etc. upon arrival

Double-check local connections using the Dutch transportation site: http://9292.nl
Don’t trust Google maps for this!

TIP: for Schiphol arrivals after 21h, just eat at the airport.

Chapter 5: Mobility
Here, there’s no doubt.

In order of preference:
- walk: Amsterdam is small, flat and safe. 
- use the Dutch public transportation system. 

Check connections on http://9292.nl, buy tickets at the stations or in the trains.
Check our BONUS tips at the end for some more info. 

- bike: will cost you around €10/day, but please beware: the center is dangerous to bike, due to bikers, traffic, pedestrians, etc. 

- use online platforms, starting with ViaVan and only then Uber. 

- car rental:
beware: parking in the center costs €4/h, at least. Check more info here.

- Taxi: take a deep breath and be prepared. It’s gonna hurt (at least €20 for a ride in the center, €50 center to airport or vice-versa). 

Chapter 6. Accommodation
Start with any online hospitality platform (Booking, AirBnB), and check locations with Google maps. 
Consider nearby locations which have excellent connections to Amsterdam, up to 30 min far, such as:

Haarlem
Uithoorn
Amstelveen
Aalsmeer
Purmerend

Check distances with Google maps and connections with 9292.nl 
Everything within 30 min. by public transportation is GOOD!
Believe me, this will save your (financial) life. 

Finally, take into consideration things like: if you can COOK on location, if breakfast is included, if you can use the fridge, etc. 
Don’t ASSUME anything (the Dutch are strict!). Ask, ask, ask! Plan, plan, plan!

Your potential hosts will be much more willing to help if you share your issues in advance. We don’t like improvisers here! :)

Chapter 7. Food and drinks
We could write an encyclopaedia about this one. But here’s the main tips:

The local supermarkets, namely the extensive “Albert Heijn” network will allow you to save a lot of money - also in their “to go” shops, you’ll find more budget-friendly coffee, snacks and sandwiches then in most cafés. 

Most items are superbly packaged - travellers’ eco-disastrous best friend): fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread, cookies, etc., in lavishing plastic packages!

Everything is sliced, chopped, mixed, cooked, baked - you name it! It’s literally “grab and use”. This is the downside of the Dutch lack of appeal for cooking, but a great advantage for the traveler. 

Another great place to save money is the HEMA shops - great sandwiches and some even have a canteen, where you can have soup, etc.

Drink tap water: Europe’s best!
Don't even think twice.

For the rest: 
Try an Indonesian restaurant: Kantjil en de Tijger
Try a Dutch café: De Orangerie
Try a Dutch Pancake
Try a Thai restaurant: Bird snackbard

Late night food: Turkish shoarma places, such as Sefa (Westermarkt)

Check Tripadvisor as much as possible, ask for the price list before ordering. 

Chapter 8: Attractions, tickets and reservations
Some people come to Amsterdam specifically to visit the Anne Frank house museum - imagine the disappointment when they realize it’s been sold out for 2 months!

Make sure you check in advance regarding tickets and availability. This goes for museum, restaurants and events. 
Try to get the tickets online (avoiding cues and hassles), reserve by phone, etc. 

Some touristic areas are covered by public transportation, so you can avoid crowded over-priced tours and services.  
We are suspect, but if you're planning to go for a countryside visit, really contact us. 

Again: plan, plan, plan. 

BONUS TIPS:
Two last tips: 

- check “city passes” such as the iAmsterdam city card or the Amsterdam Pass and decide if it’s something worth investing.
If you’re visiting more than 3 attractions and using public transportation systems, don’t hesitate!

- join our tours! :)

Kidding! (I mean, you should!) 

But, the last tip is:

Safety:
Keep your cell, documents wallet very safe! And your cards apart. 
Amsterdam is very safe, but pickpockets are clever and plenty!