There are many ways to enjoy Amsterdam on a budget

12.06.2024 - 20:17 / lonelyplanet.com

Jun 12, 2024 • 8 min read

With its small size and immense popularity, you should be prepared for high prices when visiting Amsterdam, one of Europe's favorite city break destinations.

However, with some advance planning and some inside know-how, Amsterdam can be surprisingly affordable. Visiting at quieter times, scouting out bargain fares (whether you come by air, boat, bus or train) and snapping up accommodation deals can reap big rewards. Once you're in the city, finding cheap eats and discounts on attractions, and figuring out the best transport options will also keep costs down.

Here are some tips, along with a guide to daily costs, to make your budget stretch further in Amsterdam.

Accommodation is likely to be one of the biggest-ticket items of your trip. Depending on when you're traveling, it may be a good idea to lock in your bed for the night before booking your transport, so you're not caught out by sky-high prices and limited availability. Dynamic pricing means rates can vary wildly according to demand; generally, the further in advance you book, the lower the cost.

Late fall (October/November) to early spring (February/March) is invariably the cheapest time to travel as the weather turns cold and wet. Accommodation prices jump in tulip season (around mid-March to May) and throughout the warmer months (April to September), and soar during major holidays.

Book well ahead for peak times, particularly Easter (March/April) and King's Day (the Netherlands' national day), which falls on April 27 (or April 26 if the 27th falls on a Sunday). Even in winter, booking rooms at Christmas and New Year attracts a premium.

Amsterdam also fills up during high-profile festivals and events, so it pays to keep an eye on the tourist authority's calendar to find out what's on during your trip. Rooms and apartments booked through Airbnb and other home-rental websites can offer savings, but real bargains are rare thanks to government restrictions on private lets.

Here's what you need to know about the daily tourist tax in Amsterdam

Any time of year, Amsterdam is a hugely popular destination for weekend breaks, thanks to its easy international connections, superb cultural attractions and legendary nightlife, making Friday and Saturday the most expensive nights to stay at hostels, hotels or rental apartments.

Sunday nights are typically the cheapest of all, followed by bookings for the first few days of the week. The cost of transport to/from Amsterdam is also typically cheaper midweek. Visiting outside of weekends also means fewer crowds at major attractions and popular restaurants, giving you more flexibility with your schedule.

While accommodation prices are generally highest within Amsterdam's central,