Luckily, with a little bit of planning and know-how, a visitor can easily keep to a budget in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam on a budget: 10 simple ways to save

Here are 10 ways to make that happen:

1. Avoid taxis if you can

Amsterdam is small and walkable, and public transport covers all areas of the city. A cab ride that costs you €20 to Museum Square is a quick and cheap €1-€3 on the tram.

Please note: The city is not car-friendly, so time is rarely saved when cabbing it. If you must take a taxi, you can also try a private cab company, like Uber. But a better solution is to go like a local and hop on a bike.

Wheels of Dutch cheese at the Saturday farmer’s market on Noordermarkt. Free samples are available! Photo: Craig Nelson

2. Shop the markets before the stores

This applies to food, clothes, trinkets, souvenirs, books and even wine. Waterlooplein’s flea market is open daily (except on Sundays) until 6 p.m., while Nieuwmarkt and Noorderkerk have weekend markets with organic and locally grown produce and natural food products.

Mondays at Noorderkerk hold a vintage clothing market, while the Dappermarkt and Albert Cuypmarkt sell food, flowers, fresh fish stands, clothes, souvenirs and more. The flower market, however, is tourist priced. Here’s a list of our favorite outdoor markets in Amsterdam.

Related: 5 cheapo souvenir ideas to bring home from Amsterdam

3. Get an unlimited ticket for the trams

Instead of buying your tram tickets one by one at €1.12 (plus 20.7 cents/km) each ride, think about an option that gives you unlimited access over several days. The rates are quite reasonable:

• One day ticket: €18
• Two day: €24
• Three day: €30

Not only will you save money, but it’s just easier to hop on and off with this type of ticket. Tickets can be purchased sometimes on the tram itself, but try to buy at the metro area under Amsterdam Central Station if you can. (You can also purchase them online through the official transportation website.)

4. Think before paying for audio guides at museums

Now, we do love audio guides, so nobody take offense here. But at most museums in Amsterdam, many (if not most) descriptions of artwork and artist biographies are posted in both Dutch and English. Most likely, the free info pamphlets will also be in Dutch and English.

So, before reaching for an audio guide that costs extra, make sure it’s worth it — or that you’re really into the subject. We think the Van Gogh museum’s audio guide is worth a splurge, but think twice with Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House, as you might be fine without it.

5. Skip the hotel breakfast and head to a bakery

Amsterdammers aren’t big on breakfast. Brunch on the weekends has recently caught on, but the usual morning starts with a simple combination of a baked good paired with fresh orange juice or coffee. The city is stocked with bakeries on every corner, selling whole-grain croissants, freshly baked bread rolls and cheese-filled pastries. It’s a cheaper option than any café that serves a typical American-style breakfast, and it might just be a tastier option as well.

It’s also probably a more affordable option than what’s being served at your hotel. As we mention in our Amsterdam hotel guide, ask when checking into your hotel about the breakfast menu. Before committing to pay for it, know what’s being served. A nearby bakery is probably a better deal.

6. Buy water at grocery stores

All that walking (and maybe biking!) is going to work up a thirst. With a lack of drinking fountains and free tap water, you should try to always buy your daily water at the nearest grocery store.

A normal bottle of water will cost about €2-€5 at a snack stand or kiosk in the center of town. And you’ll see tourists lined up to buy them. However, at a grocery store, that same bottle will cost less than a euro—even for the fanciest mineral water. In fact, you’ll be able to buy an entire liter for less than a euro.

It might sound small, but the savings can really add up over the course of a week.

Bicycle Hotel in De Pijp neighborhood offers rooms starting at $50. Photo: EuroCheapo

7. For cheaper hotels, think outside the center

Hotels outside the city center are usually newer, renovated and slightly larger than hotels in the Red Light District and around Dam Square. Although you can find some good deals in the center, venturing to neighborhoods like De Pijp, Plantagebuurt, or Jordaan will offer refreshing alternatives not that far from the big attractions.

Plus, if you purchase an unlimited tram ticket (see above), you’ll still be able to explore the city to your heart’s content. See all of our recommended hotels in Amsterdam here and read our round up of our favorite budget hotels in Amsterdam.

8. Avoid the Argentinian steakhouses

You’ll see them all over town, but there is really nothing Dutch or cultural about them. Argentinean steakhouses are just here for tourists. Most offer daily specials of steak and fries for about €20. Not too costly, but if you’re looking to spend your dime on quality food, try something else and use these tips to save when dining out.

9. Opt for beer and wine at the bar

If drinks are on the nightlife agenda, stick to beer and wine. Cocktails, mixed drinks, and anything bubbly is going to cost you. The alternatives are more impressive and half the price: house wine is usually something tasty from France or Spain, while the brews can be a classic pils or even a strong Belgian beer. Here’s a list of our favorite bars for beer.

Related: Navigating the exciting Amsterdam nightlife scene on a budget

10. Quantity over quality for bike rentals

To blend in like a local, hop on a bike to see the city. Timewise, it’s always cheaper to rent a bike for a long period of time, compared to just a few hours. Since bicycles are the main mode of transport in Amsterdam, it’s the most useful way to get around for natives and visitors alike. And rentals encourage this via their prices: a one-day rental could be anywhere from €7.50 to  €15, but a three-day rental could be also €15.

More ways to visit Amsterdam on a budget

Be sure to check out more of our articles about ways to save on your trip to Amsterdam here.

The post Amsterdam on a Budget: 10 simple ways to save on your trip appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Amsterdam locals know the ins and outs of Amsterdam dining on the cheap. Here are our top tips for Amsterdam budget dining.

From our budget guide to Amsterdam:

• Top budget hotels in Amsterdam
• Hotel advice: Read this first
• How to avoid the crowds at Amsterdam’s biggest attractions

Amsterdam budget dining tips

1. When and where to eat

First off, lunch in Amsterdam usually runs from noon to 4 p.m. and dinner begins around 6 p.m. Between lunch and dinner, many cafes will have small fried snacks, nuts or cheese, and meat plates to nibble on. And late at night, you’ll see snacks a-plenty catering to the bar crowd.

When it comes to finding the best local eats, the more off the beaten path you hunt, the better. If your accommodation is outside the city center, that’s great — check out the nearby dining digs there first before heading into the central tourist areas. And if you’re eating in the center, keep your eyes (and ears!) open for locals. Find a place packed with Dutch diners? Check out the menu, and take a chance — even if it’s not in your guide!

Related: 8 Affordable restaurants that Amsterdam locals love

2. Lunch is cheaper than dinner. Always.

First, there are many typical Dutch “brown cafes” that double as gastropubs. Just ask to see their list of cheapo-friendly lunch sandwiches. These are usually a hearty, open-face affair with fresh, melted, or toasted toppings. Sandwiches range between €4 to €6, but come evening, the menu shifts to dinner with plates at twice the price.

Tip: To save big, consider eating bigger at lunchtime and having a more modest dinner to end your day. It’s probably healthier, too!

Related: Coffeeshop? Cafe? Understanding coffee in Amsterdam

3. Lunch at the upscale restaurants

If you’re looking to dive into a plate of fine French, Mediterranean, and Euro-fusion decadence on a budget, check your dream restaurant’s lunch menu. There are many Michelin-star restaurants, upscale set-course menus, and white tablecloth dining establishments that offer a delicious gourmet meal during lunch for a third of the dinner price, or sometimes even cheaper.

Dutch bakeries offer flaky treats for €1 to €2 a piece. Photo: uncle leo

4. Consider skipping the hotel breakfast

If breakfast isn’t included in your stay, don’t pay more than €5 for it – anything more would be overpriced, unless it’s a huge spread of hot and cold catering smorgasbord. There is always a bakery nearby to duck into for flaky croissants, savory and whole grain rolls, quiches, and coffees for cheap.

Related: Where to have a traditional Dutch breakfast | Top 10 budget hotels in Amsterdam

5. Avoid Argentinian steakhouses in the tourist center

Sure, they might seem like a good deal with their “lunch specials” of steak, fries, and salad. Plus, they’re all over the city center. However, beware of Argentinian steakhouses around Dam Square, Rembrandtplein, and Leidseplein nightlife areas — these places just serve thawed-out, packaged dinners to rooms full of tourists. If you’re looking for a steak, it’s best to splurge on a real-deal steakhouse.

6. Get thee to the grocery store

Amsterdam is overrun with Albert Heijn grocery stores, and they’re very convenient for anyone looking for a lunch “to go” or to eat al fresco in the park. Check the refrigerators around the produce sections for sandwiches, salads, and fruit smoothies, and also the cheese and meat counters for tapas-size portions of tasty take-away nibbles, including dips like guacamole, hummus, tapenade, and pesto.

Top it all off with a chilled bottle of white or a Belgian beer sold by the bottle, and you’re set for a perfect Dutch picnic!

7. Munch in the markets

The Albert Cuypmarkt (open daily 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Sunday), the weekend markets at Noordermarkt and Nieuwmarkt, and the neighborhood markets like Dappermarkt and Ten Katemarkt are all great places to pick up fresh snacks and street food on the cheap. The markets have it all, from healthy kebabs (yes, they do exist) to fresh (or fried) fish, homemade baked goods, and exotic eats.

And check out the cafes that border the outdoor markets — you’ll see a lot of budget-friendly Indonesian, Surinamese, Turkish, or Chinese eats.

Related: Our favorite Amsterdam street markets

8. Thirsty? It never hurts to ask.

Yes, Amsterdam is one of those European cities where restaurant servers are known to refuse tap water to customers. But not always. When you sit down, ask for “water van de tap” or tap water. If the server says it is “not possible”, don’t take it personally — they’ve been saying this all day to disappointed customers.

When you’re forced to order a bottle of water, you should definitely take a quick look at the drink menu first and make sure it’s worth it. Quite often a beer, house wine, or coffee is the same price… or even cheaper!

Waiters and waitresses in Amsterdam make a good wage, so you don’t have to worry about leaving too big a tip. Photo: FH

9. Tipping is NOT a big thing here

Being a super generous tipper in Amsterdam is not seen as impressive, kind, or flattering. It’s actually more likely to be perceived as ridiculous and flashy.

Why? Because servers, baristas, bartenders, and others in the hospitality industry are paid a normal and healthy wage that isn’t heavily reliant upon tips. So, bartenders serving beers do not expect tips, and when paying for a round of drinks for table service, just leave some small change if service was exceptional. For dining, 10% is the norm unless the service was out of this world.

Related: How much should you tip in Amsterdam?

10. Going Dutch is a big thing here

Anyone going out for dinner with a local should know that splitting the bill and “going Dutch” is the norm. It’s definitely not rude to split the bill with your date (especially if your date is Dutch). If they’re not Dutch, then you might want to skip this advice and trust your own instincts.

Your Amsterdam budget dining advice

Have tips, advice or questions about dining on a budget in Amsterdam? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Amsterdam: 10 tips for dining on a budget appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But there’s good news for the budget traveler, because the city’s culinary culture has recently been undergoing a shift, as restaurants experiment with new food “fusions” and apply imported techniques to otherwise ordinary national dishes. Add in the colonial past of the exotic spice trade, and you’ve got an exciting new food scene.

Now the only thing missing is where to find the best deals at a local price. That’s where we come in.

We’ve written before about ways to save when dining out in Amsterdam and what to tip at a restaurant, and now we present eight of our favorite affordable restaurants where the locals eat. Almost all of these places offer dishes under €10, so not only will you enjoy a tasty meal, but your budget will be happy, too.

Latei is a cozy and tasty place to start your day in Amsterdam. Photo: Alper C.

Breakfast: Latei

Latei is a cute and quirky breakfast nook big on eggs over toast, homemade apple pie, coffee any way you like it, and the comforting combination of soup and sandwich. Serving up organic eats with a homey atmosphere and laid-back staff, it’s a “hidden in plain sight” kind of find. And all of the kitschy decor is for sale, from the retro furniture to the little vintage tables and DIY knickknacks.

Zeedijk 143
Tel. 020/6257485
Mon. – Wed., 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Thu. – Fri. 8 a.m. -10 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Meals around €7.50

Alternatively, for something more traditional in the morning, you can always hop aboard the Pancake Boat!

Dim Sum: Oriental City

Oriental City is the top choice of anyone with a hankering for affordable dim sum. The chefs are straight from Hong Kong, and there are dozens of options to choose from. Go for the prawn dumplings or the steamed Chinese buns with roast pork. Actually, go for anything: No matter what you choose, you really can’t lose here.

If you can, go with friends, as the larger the party, the more dishes you can try. Reservations suggested.

Oudezijds Voorburgwal 177-179, tel. 020/6268352
Daily 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Meals around €12

Dutch fusion: Skek

Skek offers a 30% discounts to students everyday, which is an amazing deal considering their menu is above average for a normal café located off Zeedijk. Run by students who embrace slow cooking (and at times slow service) and savory simmerings, the kitchen keeps up to date on food trends from juicy thick burgers to hearty seasonal Dutch plates. Add in live music nights, a decent local beer list, and the old brown café vibe, and it’s a great choice for visitors to get a sense of the local scene.

Zeedijk 4-8, tel. 020/4270551
Sun. – Thu. noon – 1 a.m., Fri. & Sat. noon – 3 a.m.
€13 before discount

Sandwiches: Small World Catering

Small World Catering is a lunch paradise for gourmands who prefer their sandwich stuffed beyond bite size. Choose from a list of mouthwatering options like meatloaf with honey mustard, pastrami and coleslaw, and avocado and bacon on ciabatta or focaccia. Small, quaint and friendly, this place is a gem. Small World Catering is the local’s “not so hidden secret” for brown bag lunches.

Binnen Oranjestraat 14
Tue. – Fri. 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sat. 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m.
Dishes around €7.50

Soup: Soup En Zo

Soup En Zo is a soup kitchen famous for its wide variety and freshness, from stews to chowders. Big simmering pots of daily soups are on offer, and are all listed on the wall menu along with a full list of ingredients. Pick from one of three sizes, plus your choice of a bread roll, and take a seat either at the inside bar our outside benches. Expect seasonal soups, vegan and veggie options, exotic spices and hearty picks.

Jodenbreestraat 94 and Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 54, tel. 020/3307781
Mon. – Fri. 11 am. – 8 p.m., Weekends noon – 7 p.m.
Dishes around €5

Surinamese & Indonesian: Toko Joyce

Toko Joyce is a fine example of a delicious Surinam-meets-Indonesian take-out joint serving up spice on the fly. And best of all, it’s cheap. Try the roti, green beans, hot meats and savory tofu – all fillings usually available as a sandwich or as mix-and-match specials. Toko Joyce is a scrumptious and authentic pick, right on the Nieuwmarkt.

Nieuwmarkt 38, tel. 020/4279091
Mon. 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Tue. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Dishes around €6

Thai: Thais Snackbar Bird

Thais Snackbar Bird is located across the street from its big brother restaurant, and offers dishes to go or eat in. The small, one-room lunch bar is cramped like a cozy tavern, and the small kitchen is quick with signature Thai green and red curry dishes (and of course Phad Thai). To-go orders are enjoyed best at nearby Nieuwmarkt square. Servings are big, include rice, and vary from mild to flaming spicy.

Zeedijk 77, tel. 020/4206289,
Daily 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Dishes around €8

Turkish: Bazar

When around Albert Cuypmarkt in De Pijp, duck into Bazar for tasty Turkish tapas (“mezas”), refreshing lunches and large portioned dinners. The place lights up after 6 p.m., where the affordable dinner menu is illuminated by strings of fairy lights around the floor and wraparound balconies. Open, colorful and bustling, it’s a sugary Turkish Delight with starters, mains, and even authentic specials on the cheap.

Albery Cuypstraat 182, tel. 020.6750544
Daily 10 a.m. – midnight
€12 mains

The post Amsterdam: 8 affordable restaurants where locals love to eat                                                 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

It’s also important to find a good location to stay and know how to navigate the city’s biggest attractions, so you don’t get stuck in long lines for half your trip. To help shrink your chances of starting an Amsterdam adventure on the wrong foot, here are five rookie mistakes to avoid.

1. Sleeping in the Red Light District

No, we don’t mean literally on the streets or benches of course, because there are a handful of hotels that offer acceptable rooms in the Red Light District. But many accommodations here can be a grim experience. The stairs to your room are small and steep. Some staircases have handles on the walls to pull up with. Add the mission of carrying your suitcase, and it becomes a fearful climb up Jacob’s ladder. Rooms in the Red Light District can be cramped, damp and in need of serious renovation. Why? This is the oldest part of Amsterdam, and there are strict laws on modernizing historic sites from 500 years ago.

Check our hotel list for some great finds inside and outside the Red Light District. Don’t be afraid to venture outside the center for comfort and contemporary; neighborhoods like Museumplein, the Jordaan and De Pijp are just as scenic and enjoyable.

Related: Simple tips for finding affordable hotels in Amsterdam

2. Long waits in the Anne Frank House line

As a guide in the summer, most of my tours ask to end at the Anne Frank House. Like clockwork, as soon as we arrive at the entrance a disappointing sigh falls among the group. Their eyes set upon the long line, and I hear startled mumbles of “Oh no!” and “I can’t believe it!” It’s so bad, people actually post YouTube clips about this line. By summertime it’s a crazy wait that averages about 2 to 3 hours, and that’s on a weekday.

My advice: don’t do it. I know that’s a taboo tip, and Anne Frank’s diary is an important WWII story, but there’s more than the Anne Frank House that commemorates Jewish culture in Amsterdam. The Jewish Historic Museum, The Dutch Resistance Museum, the National Holocaust Memorial, the Portuguese Synagogue and even a Children’s Jewish Historic Museum are all located in the Jewish Quarter of the city. These museums exhibit in English and are brimming with educational experiences. They are worth a visit and probably a better use of your time if you’re only in town for a short time.

If you can’t be persuaded, or if Anne Frank is your only chance for a famous WWII monument, there are ways to avoid the wait. Buying your tickets online will send you to a shorter line. Otherwise get there an hour or two before closing. In July and August the museum stays open until 10 PM and until 9 PM in April to June, September to October.

3. Taking a bus tour

Amsterdam, Brussels and Bruges are the most walkable cities in Europe. They’re small, quaint and impossible to sightsee by bus. Okay, maybe not impossible, but definitely unnecessary and incongruent to the city layout. The Amsterdam center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, mostly intact from the 1600s and 1700s. Trying to absorb this vibe via a 21^st century tour bus just doesn’t mesh. The buses don’t fit, and you’ll end up sightseeing in circles around Amsterdam.

Opt for renting a bicycle before a bus. If you are into the “hop on hop off” strategy, there are boat tours that offer the same service as a bus would, but by beautiful canal cruises. Need to take a seat for a while? The electric tram system here runs all throughout scenic routes. And for €2.80, the tram is a lot cheaper.

Related: The perfect weekend trip for the first-time visitor in Amsterdam

Grocery stores don’t take credit or debit cards in Amsterdam, but Albert Hein stores do have ATMs. Photo: Alix G

4. Using a credit card for groceries

It sounds crazy but it’s true: you can’t pay by credit or debit in supermarkets here. If you’re from the EU, your Maestro debit card works fine, but North Americans have a different debit system that won’t match. Luckily most Albert Hein supermarkets (our main grocery chain) stock an ATM or two inside. Withdrawal before you shop: the best exchange rates are via ATMs anyway.

5. Going to the Amsterdam Dungeon Museum for the kids

This attraction isn’t really special to Amsterdam, nor is it cheap. And yet families wait for hours because they can’t think of another “kid friendly” destination. Try NEMO, the hands-on science museum that’s doubles as a playground of interactive stands. In addition, the Artis Zoo is a huge deal for kids in The Netherlands. Equipped with a planetarium, insectarium and aquarium, it’s not the average zoo. (Not to mention the unusual additions of black spider monkeys, penguins and zebras.)

The post Visiting Amsterdam: 5 first-time mistakes to avoid appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

In Amsterdam we’ve taken a close look at the two major cards—the Museum Card and I amsterdam Card—in the past to find out which is a better deal. We’ve also given you the inside scoop on the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket. In recent years, the I amsterdam City Card has expanded their geographic coverage with a few more attractions in Haarlem, Enkhuizen and the mills and museums in Zaanse Schans and Volendam/Marken. In other words, if you plan on venturing outside of the city center during your stay, the I amsterdam City Card now has even greater appeal.

The long list of existing benefits for the 24, 48, 72 and 96-hour cards include everything from free admission to the Van Gogh Museum to a free 760-minute canal cruise. Study the rest of the offers, and see if you already had a handful of these attractions on your checklist. The prices are not exactly cheap (€59 for the 24 hours, €74 for 48 hours, €87 for 72 hours and €98 for 96 hours), but you also get unlimited travel on city buses, trams and metro, so if you like to get around the city by public transportation, consider that factor too.

New for 2018: Admission for the Rijksmuseum and the possibility to book time slot tickets for the Van Gogh Museum.

Haarlem

Benefits include free admission to two museums in Haarlem: Frans Hals Museum, featuring an impressive collection of Haarlem Old Masters of the Golden Age including the 17th-century collection by Frans Hals, and Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in Holland with a fascinating collection that has remain unchanged since the 18th and 19th centuries.

Enkhuizen

Fans of maritime history will enjoy The Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen that features a large collection of wooden boats as well as an outdoor village that captures life in rural Holland during the late 19th century.

Zaanse Schans

To get a taste of traditional Dutch life, a visit to Zaanse Schans, about 20 km north of Amsterdam, offers windmills, museums and a slower slice of life. The I Amsterdam City Card now offers free admission to many of the mills and museums in Zaanse Schans including a windmill museum, a clock museum, and even a ferry from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schaans (only in summertime).

Bottom line: If you’re planning on seeing a lot of the top sites in and around Amsterdam, Haarlem and Zaanse Schans, take a good look at the I amsterdam City Card. It might be just what you need to save big on your next trip to Amsterdam. You can order the card online here.

The post I amsterdam City Card: Expanded savings within the metropolitan area appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.