Amsterdam on a Budget: How My Broke Friends Do It

My friend Jake came to Amsterdam with what he called a "responsible budget" of about 80 euros a day. He lasted five days, ate well, went out, and even bought souvenirs. Here is how he did it — and how you can too.

Accommodation

This is where most of your money goes, so getting it right matters.

Stay outside the canal ring. Neighborhoods like Noord, Oud-West, and even parts of De Pijp have much better rates than anything in Centrum. My coworker stayed at Hotel Not Hotel in Oud-West for around 90 euros a night — each room is basically an art installation and the location is great.

If you are really counting euros, look at hostels in Noord. The ferry from Centraal is free and runs all night. My friend Daan says staying in Noord feels like you unlocked a secret level of Amsterdam.

Book midweek if you can. Friday and Saturday rates can be double what you pay on a Tuesday. I have seen friends save 40 percent just by arriving on a Wednesday instead of a Friday.

Getting Around

Walk. Seriously. Amsterdam is small. My roommate walks from the Jordaan to De Pijp in 25 minutes and calls it exercise.

If walking is not your thing, rent a bike. Swapfiets does monthly rentals, but for a short visit you can get day rentals for about 10-12 euros. OV-fiets (at any train station) is 4.25 euros for 24 hours if you have an OV-chipkaart.

The tram is great for longer distances. Get an anonymous OV-chipkaart at any station and load it up. Single rides are about 3.50 euros. Never take a taxi unless it is 3 AM and you are in Noord. Even then, consider the night bus.

Eating Well for Less

Amsterdam food has gotten expensive, but there are tricks.

My number one budget hack: Albert Cuyp Market. Fresh stroopwafels for 3 euros, Vietnamese spring rolls for 4, kibbeling (fried fish) for 5. My neighbor goes every Tuesday morning and comes back with a week's worth of snacks.

Brunch spots are expensive. Instead, grab a tosti (Dutch grilled cheese) and coffee at any brown cafe for about 6-7 euros. Cafe Papeneiland does this perfectly.

For dinner, Cafe de Klos has enormous spare rib portions for about 15 euros. Or hit Foodhallen and share a few dishes — you can eat well for 12-15 euros per person.

The real secret: the FEBO. It is a vending machine wall of fried snacks and it is a legitimate Amsterdam experience. My coworker Thomas considers it fine dining at 2 AM. A kroket is 2.50 euros and it is exactly what you need.

Free Things Worth Doing

Amsterdam has more free stuff than people realize.

Vondelpark is the obvious one. My roommate and I spend every decent Sunday here with cheap supermarket wine and a blanket. In summer there are free concerts at the open-air theater.

Walk through the Jordaan on a Saturday morning when the Noordermarkt is on. Even if you do not buy anything, the people-watching is world-class.

The ferry to Noord is free and the ride itself is a mini sightseeing tour. Once there, walk around NDSM Wharf — free street art, weird sculptures, and a genuinely cool vibe.

Most churches in Amsterdam are free to enter and architecturally gorgeous. Westerkerk near the Anne Frank House has free tower climbs in summer.

Going Out Without Going Broke

Pre-game. I know, I know. But a beer in a bar is 5-6 euros while a six-pack from Albert Heijn is 4 euros total. My friends group always starts at someone's apartment before heading out.

Brouwerij 't IJ is affordable by Amsterdam standards and you are drinking in a windmill. Beers start at about 4 euros.

Hannekes Boom has a great waterside terrace and the prices are surprisingly reasonable for how central it is.

Skip Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein — tourist prices. The brown cafes in the Jordaan are where locals actually drink, and a beer is 3.50-4.50 euros.

The Bottom Line

Amsterdam on a budget is absolutely doable. My friend Jake proved it, and so have dozens of visitors I have helped plan trips for. The key is: stay outside the center, eat where locals eat, walk everywhere, and save your money for the experiences that actually matter.

You do not need to spend a fortune to have the best time in Amsterdam. Some of my favorite things here — the parks, the canals, the markets, the neighborhoods — are free.