10 ways to experience the Netherlands on a budget

15.05.2024 - 11:13 / lonelyplanet.com

The Netherlands is known for many things – sublime art, sustainability initiatives, glorious countryside – but low prices isn’t typically one of them (especially not in Amsterdam, with the capital ranking as one of Europe’s most expensive cities).

Still, there are plenty of opportunities to minimize costs. Here’s the lowdown on alternative ways of traveling to, and around, the Netherlands, snapping up the best accommodation deals, and finding cheap options for meals, museums and other attractions to save money and maximize your travel budget. 

Average total daily cost: €100–180 (Amsterdam from €140)

As a small, compact country, traveling around the Netherlands is quick and efficient, which makes it easy to visit a variety of destinations and enjoy a break from the crowds.

Prices can vary substantially depending where in the country you travel. Budget travelers should also be aware that busier, popular municipalities levy significantly higher tourist taxes (aka city taxes, paid per person, per night at your accommodation, either as a percentage of your accommodation cost or a flat rate) while some don’t charge any at all. For instance, Amsterdam’s 2024 tourist tax is 12.5% (Europe’s highest, as part of its efforts to balance overtourism), while the Netherlands’ next-biggest city, Rotterdam, is virtually half that at 6.5%. The beach-fringed island of Texel charges €2.40 per person, per night. Pretty Meppel, in the northeastern province of Drenthe, is among the municipalities with no tourist tax.

Places that attract weekend visitors such as Amsterdam often have lower accommodation rates earlier in the week.

Sticking to Amsterdam? Check out our budget guide for the capital

Long-haul travelers will likely fly into the Netherlands’ main airport, Schiphol, 18km (11 miles) southwest of Amsterdam’s city center.

If you’re flying from within Europe, you could also check for low-cost fares into Rotterdam The Hague Airport, 75km (46 miles) southwest of Amsterdam, and Eindhoven Airport, 120km (75 miles) southeast of Amsterdam, which may work out to be more convenient, depending on where you’re heading in the Netherlands. Airports are well connected by public transport.

For short-haul travelers, trains are not only more sustainable but can often be cheaper than flying (and avoid travel to and from the airport). Trains run to neighboring Belgium and Germany (and beyond), with Eurostar services linking Amsterdam and Rotterdam with London. The Trainline website often has discounted international tickets.

Ferries between the UK and the Netherlands often have discount deals. Services include overnight DFDS ferries between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and IJMuiden, near Amsterdam; overnight P&O ferries between Hull and Rotterdam; and