Here’s our quick guide to introducing yourself to Amsterdam — without paying too much for the experience!

Friday night

Get saucy

You’ve arrived at Amsterdam Centraal station with just enough time to check in and have a night out. Do not take the taxi to your hotel unless you’re ready to spend €20 on the ride. At €2.75 for a one-hour ticket, trams are a better option in general for Amsterdam transit.

Note: If you haven’t yet found a place to stay in the city, swing by our guide to central budget hotels in Amsterdam. We’ve inspected, reviewed and chosen our favorite hotels that are all within walking distance of the sights mentioned in this itinerary. (Read more in our Amsterdam guide.)

Amsterdam’s Red Light District at dusk. Photo: Qiou87

Amsterdam Friday nights as a first timer basically demands a visit to the Red Light District. Take in all the eye candy by wandering through the oldest part of the city. Aim for streets like “Oudezijds Voorburgwal” and “Oudezijds Achterburgwal,” and all the alleyways in between. The Red Light District is safe and secure, more of an attraction than seedy streets. (Still, here’s a quick guide to scams to avoid when visiting.)

Enjoy a night cap at one of the many old sailor Dutch “brown cafes” off Nieuwmarkt or Zeedijk, the oldest street in the city. I’d recommend a micro brew at De Prael, a local brewery where each beer is named after a late great Dutch celebrity. A midnight stroll through the romantic Jordaan canal district is a top-notch way to end a first night out (for free!).

NOTE: For cannabis smokers, try to refrain from coffeeshops in the Red Light District. They’re all over priced and geared towards the uneducated pot smoker. Save your “down time” for later in the visit when you’ve got all the “must sees” checked off the list. (Coffee confusion? Read our article on the difference between coffeeshops and cafes.)

Pedal off on a bike tour. Photo: Hans S

Saturday

Bike it, and build around one idea

The best way to see Amsterdam is by bike, so rent one at least for a day. These bikes are easy going, fun and simple to use. Even the less-coordinated pedal pushers will love it. The streets were made for biking here. It’s healthy, it’s safe, and it beats being dragged around in a tram all day. Get to know the local bike safety rules, and pedal off!

For a daily dose of history, go for a guided bike tour. There are many to choose at competitive prices (€15 to €25 for a few hours).

If you do decide to ditch the bike idea, at least check out a walking tour. Tours are great for wrapping your head around new cultures and getting your bearings in a new city. Check out New Amsterdam Free Tours for stellar guides working on a tips only basis (tours at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm daily from Dam Square).

By afternoon you’ve seen the city life, and it’s time to step indoors. You can’t see the Anne Frank Huis, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt Huis and Heineken Experience all in one day. So pick one that tickles your fancy most, and build your afternoon around it.

Anne Frank and free activities in the Jordaan

Since we’re strapped for time and in a Cheapo frame of mind, let’s say your pick is Anne Frank House, located on Prinsengracht just next to the magnificent Westerkerk (West Church). Don’t go right in the middle of the day, as it will be far too crowded. Instead, first spend some time walking down the canal towards Noorderkerk (North Church).

Between these two churches are a plethora of (free) pit stops. The Cheese Museum has an endless supply of free samples fresh from the farms. Next door, the Tulip Museum is an adorably quaint look-see of everything tulip.

Another block down is the Go Gallery, a fun and creative look at the city’s latest urban artists. And music and photography lovers will dig the Rock Archive’s collection of stunning black and white posters of rock legends.

Coffee breaks on the canal are best on the P96 café boat, but authentic and cozy brown cafes dot the Prinsengracht with charm and character. By the time you’ve arrived at Noorderkerk you’ll be in the thick of Saturday’s organic food market. Look for fresh oysters, baked goods, exotic herbs and pressed juices. It’s also a good spot for trinkets and postcards.

When it’s time to hit the Anne Frank Huis, make sure you buy your Anne Frank House tickets online. It’s the only way to get in now.  Here are some more time-saving tips for visiting Amsterdam.)

Give yourself at least an hour inside to get the full experience of this incredible and emotional piece of important history.

Cheap music and drinks at Mulligans Irish Bar. Photo: Illustir

Free music for the night out

Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are the hotspots for going out at night. This is when your wallet can run amok, so keep it cheap by finding quick eats. Places like Wok 2 Walk for Asian food, Maoz Falafel, and pizza joints are everywhere. Choose these over burgers and fries for a healthy meal, satisfying for both your tummy and wallet. (Read more about cheap eats in Amsterdam.)

Get a taste of nightlife on the cheap by checking out live music spots. Mulligan’s Irish bar has nightly live music at Rembrandtplein, but my pick is Jazz Café Alto at Leidseplein. It’s exciting, energetic, small and intimate; well worth the €5 for a Saturday night.

Other places like Bourbon Street Blues (€5) and the Last Waterhole (€1) keep the party going with live tunes until 4 am! But if relaxing is your forte, a brown bar on Nieuwmarkt can dish out a cold Heineken as you people watch from one of the many outdoor terraces overlooking the square.

Sunday

Wrap up with a canal cruise, coffeeshop, and cultural cuisine

It’s your last day in Amsterdam, and you’re exhausted from a busy Saturday. Take it easy this morning by opting for a lazy canal cruise (€12 to €16+) to float you around the center. Boat tours really give visitors a chance to step back and marvel at the funny facades of Amsterdam’s buildings. And it’s a way to be active while giving your body a rest!

Lunchtime is the best time to dine out on the cheap, menus offer lower prices and restaurants aren’t as busy. Thai Bird on Zeedijk has excellent lunch deals, while Burgermeester spots are great for healthy, hearty burgers. Outdoor markets like Albert Cuypmarkt, and Albert Heijn grocery stores have many options to go, and all-you-can-eat sushi is best at Sumo on Leidseplein and Vijzelstraat.

Or you could grabs a coffee or tea and experience one of Amsterdam’s fine “coffeeshops.” Stay out of the Red Light District or pay too much for bad quality. If you’re looking for the classic setting and decent cannabis, you’ll love places like De Dampkring. The more experienced smokers will want to try Grey Area. Whatever you decide, be responsible, and never mix cannabis with alcohol.

Early dinner?

Café Klos on Kerkstraat has the best ribs in town with a cozy brown bar ambiance. Not far is Café de Zotte, a Belgian beer bar that locals love for their selection and steak. Be ready to pay about €20 for a plate, but it will always include a salad and frites!

Those curious about Dutch cuisine should try stamppot at Moeders, down the Rozengracht West from Westerkerk. Crazy for pancakes? I’d say the Pancake Bakery on the Prinsengracht has the best setting and selection (although I recommend two additional pancake joints here). And spice lovers who want to turn up the heat can find Indonesian, Thai and Chinese dishes along Zeedijk, Amsterdam’s Chinatown. Dishes at these spots can range from €10 up.

Come back!

End your weekend with a bird’s eye view of the city from OBA, the free public library just by Amsterdam Centraal station. Soak it in, grab your bags, and hop on the train. We’ll see you again!

The post Weekend in Amsterdam: The perfect first trip for budget travelers appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here are my five picks for city parks in and around Amsterdam:

Vondelpark

Located just behind the Leidseplein entertainment square is Vondelpark, the city’s most visited park: Its leafy green design draws 10 million guests per year. Concerts and live performances take place for free in its open air stage, while cute and leafy cafes like the Blauwe Theehuis are perfect places to pass the afternoon and soak up some rays. Between the perfectly trimmed rosebushes and romantic gazebo, the soothing creeks and the running track, there have got to be a hundred more reasons why Vondelpark must be visited, especially in nice weather.

(Looking to stay near Vondelpark? Check out our reviews of budget hotels nearby.)

Westerpark

There is a lot going on at this wide and vast park just west of the canal belt. While the shady tree areas can be great for barbeques, the open field is ideal for throwing a Frisbee and other sports. Families love the Westerpark because it offers one of the few shallow pool fountains young kids can splash around in. And by night, the surrounding old factory buildings that make up Westergasfabriek light up with outdoor salsa, live music and a fun bar atmosphere.

(We also have a few choices for places to stay near Westerpark in our guide.)

Oosterpark

Oosterpark is a great “local’s park,” and an ideal pit stop when wandering around the Tropenmuseum and Plantage neighborhood. A lively population of ducks and water foul hang around and wait to munch on bread crumbs, and the open field here is surrounded by beautiful tall trees. Amsterdam’s green parrots like to congregate here around sunset, and many brown cafés are located just across the street and have lively terraces and a fun, young crowd.

Sarphatipark

While the Sarphatipark is one of the smallest of the city’s parks, it offers a great break while wandering around the Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp. Packed with everything a park needs to be beautiful and calm, Sarphatipark draws a trendy crowd of the neighborhood’s young professionals. It’s a perfect spot for pre-drinks before hitting the nearby bars.

Flevopark

Flevopark is a giant nature park that’s great for swimming and for experiencing a bit of the Dutch countryside style. The outdoor public swimming pool is one of the few in the city, and the park’s large lake draws many boaters, jet skiers and water skiers that can cruise far out of the area. There’s a great Genever distillery house that serves up some excellent liquors and fresh Czech beer at a cheap price. Along one side of the park runs a Zeeburg Cemetery, where around 100,000 Jews were buried between the 18th century and 1942 (burials here were discontinued during Amsterdam’s Nazi occupation).

Your favorite park in Amsterdam?

What is your favorite park in Amsterdam? Tell us about where to “park it” in our comments section.

The post Amsterdam: Top 5 parks offering an escape to nature appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Anne Frank House Museum

You and everyone visiting Holland knows the tragic and inspiring story of Anne Frank. Even in the heaviest of rain, the line for the Anne Frank House Museum is a constant feature of the building’s exterior. Luckily, the museum has a few tricks up their sleeve to help curb this well-known issue.

One big win is the option to buy tickets beforehand on the museum’s website, and bring a print copy along to skip the line and head straight to the “special entrance.” Visitors can order up to 14 tickets online, and the payment system is credit-card friendly (but not student-discount friendly!).

On top of that, the museum’s opening hours stretch into the evening. Spring and summer closing time isn’t until 9 p.m., and high season closing (July and August) is 10 p.m. Try your luck after 7 p.m. for the lowest waiting time. If you plan to visit during the low season, stroll by around 5 p.m. to scope out the stand by scene.

Amsterdam’s Jood Historisch Museum offers an interesting alternative to the Anne Frank Haus. Photo: Museumnacht

Skip it and head to the Jewish Historic Museum

Amsterdam’s Joods Historisch (Jewish Historical) Museum is a great alternative if lines look hopelessly long at the Anne Frank House, especially if your interest lies within Jewish culture and history in Amsterdam. About 11,000 art and historic artifacts are housed here, and the museum offers deep insight into Nazi occupation in Holland from 1940 to 1945.

The museum entry is €12, but it includes admission to the Portuguese Synagogue next door, and the nearby Holandsche Shouwburg.

Van Gogh Museum

Situated in the middle of Museumplein, the Van Gogh Museum is the most visited art museum in Amsterdam. And after paying a not-so-cheapo fee to see Van Gogh’s work, it’s all the more frustrating when the charge includes a wait in the rain.

From September 2012 to late April 2013 the museum’s collection is being temporarily housed in the Hermitage Amsterdam museum, which might diminish the number of visitors, simply due to the inconvenience. If that’s not the case, timing is of the essence. While Anne Frank Huis is a better visit in the evening, Van Gogh is roomiest right at the opening.

Give yourself about an hour at the Van Gogh once you’re inside. If things get busy, take a break at the cafe and try the packed areas again later. The museum is good at keeping people moving. It’s easy to wait out the waves of large groups by just stepping aside for a few minutes.

Skip it and head to the Stedelijk Museum

The more die-hard art lovers might prefer the newly-renovated Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, full of modern and contemporary art and design from the 20th and 21st Centuries. Late Greats like Andy Warhol and Henri Matisse are exhibited there, along with even a smaller Vincent van Gogh collection.

The Stedelijk is located just around the corner from the Van Gogh, and well worth the admission if Vinny’s “Sunflowers” are taking forever to get to.

The Red Light District attracts tourist throngs most nights. Photo: Jburgin

Red Light District

As early on in the week as Wednesday evening, Amsterdam’s Red Light District looks more like a maze of wall-to-wall tourists ogling and snickering as they shuffle by beautiful blondes in moodily lit windows. By weekend things are packed, people get pushy, and drunk bachelor parties are downright ugly. The last place you want to be is between a prostitute hurling a bottle at some idiot taking her photo (which, it goes without saying, you should never, ever, do!).

Still, the Red Light District offers a big barrel of traditional Dutch charm. It’s the oldest part of the city with buildings dating from the 14th and 15th Centuries, and it’s should most definitely not be overlooked. Stroll early afternoon. Even by 10 a.m. a few brown bar cafes are open and ladies are running the “morning shift.” The canals are just as dazzling by day, and the mood is quiet.

Avoid getting sucked into tourist streets like Warmoestraat and Damstraat. These streets make up the borders of the Red Light District, offering a mess of low-quality coffeeshops and tourist bars. Stick to the main veins of Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal for the ultimate Red Light District view (but remember, snap pics at the canals and clearly away from any windows with women in them!).

Skip it and head to the Jordaan

The Red Light District isn’t the only area in Amsterdam with woman selling services under red-lit windows. An area near the Singel canal, just before the Jordaan, exhibits the same setting on a smaller scale. Plus the Jordaan offers just as much character in its buildings as the Red Light, with impressive canals, churches, gardens and alleyways.

The post Amsterdam: How to avoid crowds at the city’s biggest attractions and smart alternatives appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here are five reasons for Cheapos to be excited about visiting Amsterdam in 2013:

1. The 400th anniversary of the canal belt

During Amsterdam’s 17-century Golden Age, building grand canal rings around the city proved better for business and easier for commerce, given that boats were the country’s main form of transportation. (Bicycles came later.) The need for practical trade routes led to the creation of the Canal Belt, one of Amsterdam’s most recognizable features, and scenic spots for romantic views and photo ops followed.

Winning a UNESCO World Heritage title in 2010, these brick buildings, bridges and breathtaking waterways are still standing after 400 years. To celebrate along these dazzling canals, expect a cheery jumble of live music, outdoor multimedia projects and art festivities throughout the year.

The Rijksmuseum is set to reopen in the spring of 2013. Photo: Ben Kempner

2. The revealing of the new Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum

The Rijksmusem is one of the largest buildings in the city center, and for a decade the art museum’s external scaffolding has been a constant eyesore. But come spring 2013 its newly renovated 1.5 kilometers of space will hold over 8,000 pieces, revealing 800 years of Dutch history and culture – including Rembrandt’s “Night Watch.”

Nearby at the Museumplein, the neighboring Van Gogh Museum will also reopen entirely in April 2013. Just in time for Mr. Gogh’s 160th birthday. (Until then, visit the Hermitage Amsterdam to see a wide collection of Van Goghs.)

3. 125 years of a music masterpiece.

Amsterdam’s famous concert hall, the Concertgebow, celebrates 125 years of performances by filling the city’s streets with music. Plans are in the works to project live concerts throughout Amsterdam onto giant screens for free public viewing pleasure.

Throughout 2013, the grand and glamorous concert hall will live stream a selection of the 700+ performances scheduled for 2013. In addition, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and its 120 musicians take off for a world tour around the world, and a home performance is expected in August.

Happy 175, Artis Zoo! Photo: Nigel Swales

4. Oldest zoo in the country turns 175.

Set in the heart of the leafy Plantage neighborhood, Amsterdam’s old Jewish quarter, the Artis Zoo turns 175 in 2013. Artis houses an impressive collection of more than 6,000 animals, plus some gorgeous tulip-filled gardens, and a relaxing café atmosphere just next to the flamingo sanctuary. Expect some family-friendly events at this cultural oasis throughout the year.

5. 150 years of equality.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of abolishing slavery in the Netherlands and its former colonies in the Dutch Antilles and Surinam. To celebrate, the Foundation for the Commemoration of Slavery is planning to hold events July 1.

Throw in Queen’s Day April 31 and Liberation Day on May 5, and the dozens of arts and music fests stringing the weeks together prove that summer in Amsterdam is going to be hopping with celebration in 2013.

Coming to Amsterdam in 2013?

If you’re planning to visit Amsterdam in 2013, be sure to stop by our guide to budget hotels in Amsterdam to find a good, central and cheap sleep for your stay. All of our editor’s picks have been inspected and approved. Read more in our Amsterdam guide.

The post Amsterdam in 2013: Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh reopen, canals turn 400, and more. appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here are 10 ways to get into Holland’s holiday spirit, EuroCheapo-style:

1. Ice skating
Through January 13, 2013

Head to Leidseplein and Museumplein and glide around the real ice rink set up until January 13, 2013. The best time to go is at night, as the holiday lights swirl around as you skate, or hold on to the railing and try not to slip on the little ones (or the locals; Dutch are great ice skaters!). Afterwards, head to the cafes or Christmas stands nearby for powdered sugar poffertjes and hot chocolate.

2. Christmas markets

Unlike Germany, Christmas markets in Amsterdam are a one-day thing. Here are some dates that might coincide with your Holland holiday:

• December 22 and 23: Funky Christmas Market: Everything Christmas to help spread the season spirit at Westergasfabriek.

• December 23: Pure markt again at Park Frankendael.

• Until end of December: Maastricht and Valkenburg are home to ongoing Christmas markets where you can indulge in chestnuts, spiced wine, and Christmas entertainment à la Dutch style.

The big old tree in Dam Square. Photo: martin_vmorris

3. Oh, Christmas trees

Love standing under the glow of a gorgeous holiday tree? Dam Square holds an impressive, merry monster tree that’s great for photos. And the floating flower market will be packed with pretty, peculiar, petite or paunchy pines from start to finish. Shopping streets that surround the “Bloemenmarkt” are Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat – two safe bets for those looking for apparel.

4. Apres Amsterdam

Rembrandtplein hosts a maze of Austrian “apres-ski”-style huts blasting cheerful tunes and offering all the delicious seasonal staples with a Bavarian twist. Warm waffles, sausages, spiced wine and apple cider with a shot of schnapps. It’s got what you need for a fun night fill downtown.

5. Pink Christmas
December 19-31

Throughout Holland, Pink Christmas is the official program for events collectively known as the Winter Gay Pride. Anything and everything is on the agenda, from theater to clubs and ice skating, naked bars to Christmas bingo, erotic exhibitions to a winter Olmypics in drag. Get involved from December 19 to 31.

6. Winter Parade Dinner
December 22 to 26

Amsterdam’s Winter Parade in the Red Light District’s Oude Kerk hosts poets, musicians, actors and dancers who perform literally on a large and long dining table (while you eat!). The show is a three-hour interactive performance where guests get involved with the show as they dine, before leaving the church to begin the winter parade through Amsterdam. It wont’ be the cheapest night out, but for €35 per person you can be a part of a traditional Dutch experience.

7. Winter Parade Watching
December 22 to 26

Don’t want to dish out the dough? Grab some hot drinks to go and watch the parade from the sidelines. The parade itself can be viewed around the perimeter of the Red Light District and Old Center, on the southern end of Dam Square beginning around 8pm. (More information in Dutch, and the route in Dutch.)

All lit up for the Amsterdam Light Festival. Photo: Udo Geisler

8. More saving while shopping
December 23 (and ongoing)

Amsterdam has over 20 outdoor markets, and all hang up festive lights and shift to seasonal offerings of sweet almonds, gingerbread cakes and sugar raisin breads to name a few.

On Sunday, December 23, the popular Albert Cuypmarkt will host the one-day holiday market, but throughout the month you can find small ornaments and Christmas trinkets for a low price and that are easy to pack in your suitcase.

Aside from Albert, Dappermarkt in the East and Ten Katemarkt in the Old West neighborhoods will be your hidden gems for cheapo gifts, from clothes to cute souvenirs.

9. Classic Christmas
December 26

Churches like St. Nicolaas, Nieuwe Kerk and a dozen others offer classical music ensembles and performances throughout the holidays season. Paradiso, one of Amsterdam’s most famous concert venues, will host a holiday hangover cure December 26 with Christmas classics, sing-a-longs, and original music by Paradiso Orchestra.

10. Amsterdam Light Festival
Through January 20, 2013

No Amsterdam Christmas is complete without the Amsterdam Light Festival. Running until January 20, the Amstel River and it’s beautiful houseboats, bridges and canal cruises team up and deck the waterways with a glorious glow. The Boulevard of Light is an enchanting walk along historic buildings between Muntplein and Amstel Hotel.

The post Amsterdam: 10 ways to celebrate the holidays appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

And although “Tulipmania” (yes, that’s a real term) ended in the 1600s, the craze of experiencing fields of flowers is still an attraction for thousands of travelers to Holland, especially during tulip season, which spans from March to May. And if you’re one of the many dreaming of walking through an endless garden of flowers, the Keukenhof is your destiny.

Getting there: Keukenhof

Keukenhof is located just outside of Amsterdam, a short trip to a town called Lisse where nothing much goes on except for the yearly flock of flower lovers that happens every season. This means it’s not easy to get to unless you have a car, but it’s not impossible.

Your best bet is to get to the Amsterdam Schipol Airport via train and take bus No. 58 to Keukenhof. It runs Monday through Friday every 15 minutes, the last bus back to the airport leaving around 7:30 p.m. Local buses leave from the airport just outside the main entrance. The ride lasts a little over half and hour, and the bus drops you off right at the park’s entrance. A round trip ticket from Amsterdam to Keukenhof shouldn’t cost more than around €10.

Getting in and around

Keukenhof is a national landmark in Holland. Kodak deemed it one of the most photographed places in the world. Everyone knows about this place, and since it’s only open a few months out of the year it gets packed. Real packed. It might be tricky to get to on your own, but don’t forget about all the package tours that scoot to this picture perfect spot on an hourly basis.

Just get there early and make a day out of it. There are over 6 million flowers to see, but if you do it on time you’ll save yourself a lot of pushing and shoving. Keukenhof is open daily from 8 a.m to 7:30 p.m. daily, including Sundays and public holidays. If you make an effort and sight see early, you’ll be able to relax at the café or chill out on a bench and people watch the afternoon away.

What not to miss

It’s hard to pin point particular flowers as a “must see” when there are millions of them, so the best tip is to walk the 15 kilometers of footpaths and never blink, ever.

Just kidding. The best part about Keukenhof is that you don’t have to see everything. Grab a map and start by sections. The “Walk of Fame” is a popular one, and every year there are new tulip species with different celebrity names – from Hillary Clinton to Madonna. There is also a guide available, in different languages for €4.

If you’re in the mood to bike around the outskirts amongst the tulip farm fields, Keukenhof offer bicycle rentals and routes ranging from five-kilometer cruises to 25-kilometer day adventures. It’s €8.50 per day to rent a bike from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. – not a bad deal, and cheaper than some bike rental spots in Amsterdam.

There are also boat trips available through the countryside, and even photography courses are an option. In addition, check the Web site to find out about upcoming events and plan either on or around those dates. Either way, Keukenhof is a must for springtime visitors to Holland.

Keukenhof Fees
Adults and seniors: €14.50
Children 4 to 11 years: €7
Parking: €6 per vehicle

Also in our guide: If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam and looking for an affordable place to stay, be sure to stop by our guide to budget hotels in Amsterdam. Our editors visit, inspect and review only hotels that are central, clean and cheap. Read more in our Amsterdam hotel guide.

The post Keukenhof: A sweet-smelling daytrip from Amsterdam appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. Start with a free map

Free maps are available at the tourist information office, as well as the blue kiosks at Central Station.

2. Food Markets

Stroll along and fill your senses with sight, sound and smell at one of the many outdoor food markets like Albert Cuypstraat and Dapper markets. Go for free samples of cheeses and produce!

3. Free coffee

Some Albert Hein grocery stores have a coffee machine dispensing freshly-ground cups for shoppers; follow your nose!

4. Ferry rides

All ferries behind Central Station are free; pick one and see where it leads you (the average travel time is just five to 15 minutes).

5. See street art

A walk down Spuistraat will make you feel like you’ve entered a gritty and colorful street art exhibition. Art pieces can scale entire building faces, and much of the street is lined with different works side-by-side.

6. The Wave Game

My favorite game to play on a sunny afternoon. Dangle your legs on a canal that’s busy with touristy boats. When one putts along, wave at the boaters and count how many wave back (a good way to measure which boats are the most fun!).

7. Hang at the Dam

Spend time under the National Monument (you know, that tall, phallic-looking statue at Dam Square) and watch the many street performers and gathering crowds come and go.

8. Free jazz

There are quite a few free jazz nights at cafes like Jazz Café Alto and Chet’s. See what’s on when you’re in town. (Check out our previous post on free jazz performances for every night of the week.)

9. Free jigs

Mulligan’s Irish Bar, just off Rembrandtplein, hosts free live Irish music every night in its cozy and cheerful pub.

10. Flower power

Have you seen the floating flower market? It’s better to look and not buy the overly-priced souvenirs anyway, so have at it!

11. Jumping Jordaan

Walking the streets of the Jordaan district is a must for every visitor in Amsterdam. It was once an area for blue-collar workers during the 1600s, but now the quaint and cute streets and alleys have been gentrified and host a number of small art galleries.

12. Nose around Noordermarkt

On Saturdays there is a Farmers market, while Mondays are a mix of vintage clothing and antiques.

13. Nieuwmarkt is neat-o

The giant weigh station in the center of the square, De Waag, is often mistaken for a castle. However, this was the main entrance to old Amsterdam before the Golden Ages; then the square continued to lure locals interested in their main 17th-century attraction – public beheadings.

14. Free internet at the library

The public library (OBA) is right next to Central Station. It’s new and boasts a sleek modern look, with seven floors and the latest computers with free internet, free wireless, and even a free piano for tickling the ivory.

15. Priceless (and free) rooftop view

Also at the OBA is one of the best views of the Dam. Head to the top floor where café La Place is located, and outside there is a roof terrace overlooking the entire city.

16. Park it

Warm weather sends locals out to the parks. Spending the day in the sun with a good book and good company at hotspots like Vondelpark and Westerpark is one of the best ways to pass time in Amsterdam.

17. Naked ladies

Visiting the Red Light District is free, and safe! It’s the most visited part of the city, but hold off until dark when the red lights are glowing and swans gracefully float along the city’s oldest canals.

18. Free peace

In the heart of Spui square is the Begijnhof, a place where French nuns sought refuge from persecution in the 1600s. Inside this courtyard is a hidden Catholic church, a Protestant church (with services in English), and one of the two remaining wooden houses in Amsterdam.

19. Free art

Just next to Begijnhof on the left (from the exit facing the shopping street Kalverstraat ) is a hallway that’s part of the Amsterdam History Museum. It’s free to walk through, and the walls hold large portrait paintings of wealthy families and businessmen from the 1600s.

20. Beach it

A 20-minute train ride takes you to the North Sea coast town of Zandvoort. It’s the perfect place to soak up the sun with a good book.

Also in our guide: Planning a trip to Amsterdam right now? Check out our Amsterdam hotel guide, with reviews of budget hotels that have been visited and inspected by our editors. Read more in our Amsterdam hotel guide.

The post 20 free things to do in Amsterdam appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here’s our overview of the two main museum pass options for Amsterdam:

Museumcard
Website

The Museumcard (in Dutch, Museumkaart) is valid for admission at almost every museum in the country, and covers entrance fees for more than 30 venues in Amsterdam. From the Anne Frank House to the Filmmuseum and Jewish Historic Museum, the Museumcard has your back for all the big guys and more.

Is it expensive? It’s probably one of the best deals in the country. Adults pay €40, kids 18 and under pay €20, and the card is valid for one year. Cardholders can flash their cards and head straight into the museums, whether it’s passing through the Rijksmuseum for a five-minute check up on Rembrandt’s Nightwatch or stopping for a drink at the Van Gogh Museum’s cafe.

Ideally, this card is for the museum junkies who need a daily cultural, historical or art fix during their time in Amsterdam. And it’s perfect for those on a one-week stay or longer. (Obviously, the card is a no-brainer for residents.)

Some tourists on a short stay buy the card and then resell it when they leave. Note that this is against the rules, and that you have to write your name and birth date on the card (no photo is taken). Card checkers, however, are laid-back with this policy. However, we don’t recommend trying this.

The Museumcard’s Web site is in Dutch. Foreign tourists can purchase the card inside major Museums throughout the city.

“I amsterdam” City Card
Website

What was once known as the “Amsterdam pass” has evolved into the catchy “I amsterdam” hook that’s spread like wildfire throughout the city’s bustling tourist shops. It’s a more “all-in-one” package for visitors than the Museumcard, and is a great grab for those who want to see a lot of the main attractions.

The card will not only give you access to museums and free public transportation on trams and buses, it will also offer a free canal cruise and discounts at several gift shops, restaurants, bike rentals and other attractions.

Sounds like a deal? It is, mostly. The Anne Frank House is not included in the list of free museums, but the card covers Van Gogh, Rijks, and many of the smaller-size exhibitions.

The 25% discount on restaurants and rentals list many options, however, most businesses on the roster have a reputation for already offering inflated “tourist prices.” And 25% off an attraction might sound tempting, however “attraction” is synonymous with “waste of time” when it comes to places that are chains throughout Europe (the Dungeon and Ice Bar, for example).

Still, a free cup of coffee at bistro La Place, a free croquette roll at authentic Dutch food bar Van Dobben, 50% off parking and unlimited free public transport are all big pluses.

The prices are reasonable:

24 hours : €59

48 hours : €74

72 hours : €87

96 hours : €98

Read more about the perks of the I am Amsterdam Card.

Your choice?

So what will it be: diving into a sea of rich culture with the Museumcard or sampling the surface of Amsterdam’s fun zone with the City Card? The choice is yours, but remember to weigh time and cost when making your decision.

Have you purchased either pass? Tell us about your experience in the comments section.

The post Amsterdam’s Museum Pass Options: Which is a better deal? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

From beach cruises to picnic pedaling, here are my “top five” alternative bike tours that are offered in and around Amsterdam.

Culinary bike tour
Cost: €32.50 (all inclusive)

Brought to you by Orange Bike, this three-hour tour tickles your palate with authentic Dutch snacks. Food ranges from classic Dutch cheese to the traditional herring plate, with fine drinks to wash it down at old cafes along the way. The real question is: Are your taste-buds up for the ethnic challenge?

Countryside bike tour
Cost: €22 (€19 for students and seniors, €5 off if you have your own bike)

Get out of the city and take in the relaxed atmosphere along the Amstel riverside. You’ll pass scenic fields and houseboats as the Countryside tour makes its way to an authentic clog and cheese factory (free cheese tastings included). As a bonus, a pit stop is made at a traditional windmill, just to round out the overall Holland experience. Brought to you by Mike’s Bike Tours.

Amsterdam beach tour
Cost: €22.50

That’s right, Amsterdam has a beach. Orange Bike offers four-hour tours along the Ij River towards Ijburg, a fun and energetic man-made beach full of city dwellers sunbathing and swimming. The tour passes through neighborhoods that offer interesting old and new architecture, and pedals around spots that are ideal for a dip, or just relaxing to cycle around. The tour ends with a drink on the terrace overlooking the sparkling Ij Lake.

The eight-day two-country bike tour
Cost: €900 (including meals and lodging for eight days)

Feeling adventurous? This eight-day voyage by Bike Sherpa begins in Bruges, Belgium (also known as the “Venice of the north”), makes a stop in Ghent and reaches Amsterdam as its final destination. The 205-kilometer path goes through the wetlands of Zeeland in South Holland, and offers a scenic escape of windmills, castles, and beautiful pastures. If that wasn’t enough, accommodation is included on a canal barge.

The Beerbike tour
Cost: €350 for two hours, €430 for three (for 10-22 people)

Cycling through the city on a bike that holds 10 to 22 people along with a 30-liter beer keg? Only in Amsterdam. Beer Bike is a bar on wheels where everyone pedals together while sipping Dutch brew. (Luckily, the tour includes a non-sipping driver responsible for steering.) This fun and social bike tour lasts two to three hours, and turns heads throughout Amsterdam as it cycles forth.

The post Amsterdam Bike Tours: 5 tours with fun themes appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The scene at Zandvoort

Getting to a beach in Holland is a breeze, and time spent on the sleepy shores can be a relaxing alternative to a bustling day in the center of the city. Locals head to sandy venues in September not only because it’s prime mussel season, but also for the last taste of summertime fun.

Here are two top picks worth a visit:

Zandvoort aan Zee/Blomendaal aan Zee
Getting there: 30-minute direct train from Amsterdam Centraal
Venue: Woodstock 69

The Zandvoort and Blomendaal beaches make up a stretch of coastline dotted with cafés, fried fish stands and beachgoers. At the end of the boardwalk is Woodstock 69, a party house decorated like a hippie-style Caribbean tiki lounge. The vibe is relaxing by day and upbeat by night.

Seaside at Zandvoort

During the day, the spot is a café with decently priced meals and snacks. From Indonesian sate to fresh local seafood, plates cover all the bases at reasonable prices. While the sun is still up, you can also take a surfing or kite boarding lesson (or head over to one of Woodstock 69’s massage corners). By night, live music and parties take over.

The crowd at Woodstock is friendly, and all types of visitors are welcome. Local jam bands and reggae acts drift in on weekends and keep the place hot and happy. Cover charges hover at about €5 when it’s a party, but strolling in during the day is free.

Ijburg
Getting there: From Amsterdam Centraal, take tram 26 to Ruisrietstraat
Venue: Blijburg

Located in the residential neighborhood of IJburg on the east side of town, Blijburg is Amsterdam’s city beach. It’s a man-made oasis which locals can bike to when it’s time to cool off. The fresh water is murky but cool, the sand is semi-synthetic but soft, and the café is rustic but pleasant.

Hanging out at Blijburg beach. Photo by El Cabron.

Blijburg is a hot spot on summer days, and at times it can be tough to find a place to perch. The café boasts a selection of tapas, sizable sandwiches, pizzas and tasty barbeque meats.

When the evening rolls around and families pack up, the place adapts to the 20- to 30-somethings drinking beers in their beachwear. From funky jazz nights to theater, Blijburg provides solid entertainment options, and it’s a mere stone’s throw away from the city!

The post Amsterdam: Two beachside locales for end-of-summer fun appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.