Amsterdam offers a range of affordable options for visitors, especially during the off-peak season. Despite the city's reputation for being expensive, there are numerous free and low-cost activities that allow you to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank. Whether it's sipping a coffee in a charming café, exploring historical archives, or immersing yourself in the vibrant art scene, Amsterdam has something to offer to suit any budget.To help you save even more, our experts have compiled a list of five fantastic accommodations that cost less than £80 per night. These affordable options let you experience the city without compromising on comfort or location. Additionally, we have curated a selection of budget-friendly food and drink options, ensuring that you can enjoy delicious local cuisine without straining your wallet. And if that's not enough, we've also highlighted some fun and free activities to make your visit to Amsterdam even more memorable.
Optimal scheduling can significantly reduce expenses. In the coming weeks, the prices for flights and accommodations hit a seasonal low. This period, which coincides with the cold winter months, is potentially the best time for a visit. Amsterdam turns into a magical place with the arrival of the holiday season. The usual Christmas dazzle is magnified by stunning light sculptures, illuminating installations, and theatrical illuminations, all part of the Amsterdam Light Festival. This festival, a delight for all who experience it, surprisingly does not cost a thing. The dates for the festival this year are from December 1, 2016, to January 22, 2017. For more information, visit amsterdamlightfestival.com.
Getting there
By air
British Airways (britishairways.com), CityJet (cityjet.com), easyJet (easyjet.com), Flybe (flybe.com), KLM (klm.com) and Vueling (vueling.com) all fly direct from the UK to Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam. Check for the lowest fares to Amsterdam on Skyscanner (skyscanner.net), which compares prices from all airlines. When we checked this week, there were two-night return fares from Manchester, Bristol and London until the end of January for £48, £64, £48 respectively for midweek flights and from £69, £74, £52 for Fri-Sun journeys.
By road
Coach is the cheapest way to travel, although it will take between nine and 12 hours. Flixbus (flixbus.co.uk) and OUIBUS (uk.ouibus.com) offer the lowest fares, tickets are £19 and £23 respectively for a one-way trip.
Eurostar
London-Amsterdam trains (eurostar.com) take around six hours, with a change in Brussels.
Custom
Where to stay
November-March are the quietest months in Amsterdam. This means that hotel prices are at their lowest and it is easier to secure a room in the popular hotels. Alternatively, there are also lots of lively hostels in the city centre. Prices quoted below are the lowest for a double room in the next two weeks.
For those looking for a more homely experience or perhaps a longer stay, considering Amsterdam apartments on www.hotels-in-netherlands.com could be a wonderful option. These apartments offer the comfort of home with the excitement of travel—perfect for those who wish to explore Amsterdam at their own pace.
When planning your trip, don't forget to check out tophotels.com for a comprehensive list of accommodations. Their selection ranges from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, allowing you to find the perfect place to stay based on your preferences and budget.
Hotel Not Hotel
A charming design adventure, ideal for buzzy, sociable, hit-the-pillow-then-out-again stays. The rooms, set in what was built as a market arcade, are zany design oddities. A little out of the centre, though well served by public transport and located in a hip up-and-coming part of town to the west of the city centre.
Double rooms from: £44; read a full review and check availability
Hotel Not Hotel is a design adventure
Volkshotel
Southeast of the historic canal area, the former offices of De Volkskrant newspaper have been given vibrant and stylish new life as an affordable hotel, with a club, restaurant, and even artists-in-residence. Situated a block away from the Amstel River, and only 10 minutes’ walk from De Pijp.
£59; read a full review and check availability
Volkshotel, in what was once a newspaper office
Hotel V Frederiksplein
Hotel V sits on the cusp between the old city centre and the up-and-coming quarter of De Pijp, so is convenient both for conventional sightseeing and for a more local taste of the bar and restaurant scene. This is the ideal hotel if you’re here for a lively weekend break.
£77;read a full review and check availability
citizenM Amsterdam
Designer chic meets capsule-hotel, though with ample space, classier fittings and a hipper atmosphere than you’d expect, attracting budget-conscious people with an eye for style. This hotel is some way out of town, just south of trendy De Pijp, but there’s a direct tram connection (in under 10 minutes to the centre) and close to Schiphol Airport.
£77;read a full review and check availability
Budget chic at citizenM Amsterdam
Seven Bridges Hotel
Seven Bridges is a 300-year-old canal house, sumptuously furnished throughout with the owners’ impressive collection of antiques. It’s also in one of the canal district’s most beautiful spots with (as you might have guessed) a view of seven bridges at the intersection of Reguliersgracht canal and Keizersgracht canal.
£78;read a full review and check availability
What to do
A stroll along Amsterdam’s historic canals offers one of the city’s greatest treats for free, but on days when even the thought of a walk outside is enough to freeze the blood, there’s plenty to do cosily indoors at no cost at all, here are five of the best.
De Papegaai
“The Parrot” (named for a bird on its gable stone) dates from the days when Catholicism was tolerated in the Netherlands, provided that churches weren’t recognisable as such from the street. Behind a modest stone facade lies a neo-gothic church – intriguing to visit, and a warm, dry haven of calm.
Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; Sun 9.45am-1.30pm; Kalverstraat 58
Free concerts at the Concertgebouw
Every Wednesday, there’s a free lunchtime concert at the Concertgebouw. It may be a recital by students, but you can also strike lucky and find an open rehearsal in the main auditorium by the acclaimed Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra itself.
Open Wednesdays 12.30pm; concertgebouw.nl
Delving into the Concertgebouw
Immersing in the EYE's Panorama Perspective
Located in the basement of the acclaimed EYE Film Museum, Panorama presents audiences with enchanting scenes from renowned film masterpieces as well as snippets from seldom-seen gems from the museum's treasure trove, including hand-coloured silent films. To enhance your experience, there are a few secluded pods designed for viewing entire movies at your own pace.
Operating hours: From 10 in the morning until 9 in the evening. For more detailed information, visit eyefilm.nl.
Feast your eyes on the cinematic cosmos at the EYE Film Museum.
Have a stroll along the Schuttersgalerij.
In the 17th Century, enormous civic guard group portraits were the trend, and you can find an impressive collection displayed in a covered alley alongside the Amsterdam Museum. Though a significant number of them have been moved to the Hermitage, the unique blend of Golden Age paintings and modern art remains to this day.
The gallery is accessible every day from 10 am to 5 pm; amsterdammuseum.nl
Explore the past at the Stadsarchief or the City Archives.
The expansive city archives of Amsterdam are nestled within the previous hub of a globally recognized trade firm, constructed in the 1920s. While the archive hosts quite a few intriguing exhibitions with an entry fee, a selection of its intriguing historical collection is perpetually showcased for free in the building's former safe-deposit vault.
Available from Tuesday to Friday 10am-5pm, and weekends from noon-5pm; at amsterdam.nl/stadsarchief/
Find Affordable Dining and Drinking Spots
If you have a penchant for Indonesian or Turkish food, you're luck's in as both can be found for a good price. Essentially, eetcafés, or "dining cafes," frequently feature an economical daily special. For anyone looking to save a few bucks, De Pijp is a boho-style neighborhood located to the city's south brimming with budget-friendly bars and eateries.
La Falote
True authenticity is epitomized at La Falote, a dining haven where you can expect generous servings of classic Dutch recipes; think pots filled with juicy mussels, ham and mustard, or even a cocktail of North Sea prawns.
(Roelof Hartstraat 26, 1071 VJ; 0031 20 662 5454; lafalote.nl; set-price menus start at €17.50, £14)
Couscous Club
The Couscous Club offers simplicity at its finest, with a choice of just three types of couscous. Prepared using top-quality ingredients, cooked traditionally, and served in a welcoming setting, the experience is one to be cherished.
Interestingly, Indonesia's influence on Dutch cuisine is due to the former Dutch colonies in the region, which is why you can find many Indonesian restaurants in the city. Likewise, Turkish food got its place in the Dutch culinary landscape because of the Turkish migrant workers who settled in the Netherlands.
Set your sights on Couscous Club (Ceintuurbaan 346, 1072 GP; 0031 20 673 3539; couscousclub.nl) where you can enjoy a delightful meal for approximately €20. Bask in the cozy atmosphere as you savor every bite.
Foodism
Experience a unique fusion of culinary practices at Foodism. Run by a Slavic chef expertise in Japanese macrobiotic cuisine, Foodism allows you to enjoy a blend of Mediterranean influences in a tapas style setting. Based at Hugo de Grootplein 10 and can be contacted via 0031 20 486 8137 or through their website foodism.nl. You can savour three dishes starting from €20.
Moksi
Nestled in Ferdinand Bolstraat 21, 1072 LB is Moksi, the hidden gem of Amsterdam. Its humble exterior belies the gastronomical wonders cooked up by the ruling matriarch of the kitchen. Specializing in Surinamese cuisine, some of their notable dishes include sumptuous curries, savory satay and phenomenal roti dishes. Make a reservation by calling 0031 20 676 8264 or visiting their website at moksi.nl. Anticipate spending approximately €20 for meal.
Helpful Tips for Budget-friendly Amsterdam Exploration
When planning your trip, knowing some cost-efficient tips and recommendations can significantly help, especially if you're on a tight budget. Amsterdam is a city filled with countless budget-friendly restaurants serving a cornucopia of delightful cuisines.
Maydanoz
With beautiful Turkish tiles adorning the walls and an inviting glow from the colored windowpanes, Maydanoz boasts a tantalizing fusion of prime grills and Eastern Mediterranean variants. In addition to the classic choices, the menu offers an intriguing variety of distinctive culinary explorations.
(Located at Ceintuurbaan 9, 1072 ER; For inquiries: 0031 20 676 1195; Website: restaurant.maydanoz-amsterdam.nl/en; Average dinner cost: €26)
Tujuh Mare
Marked by its straightforward appeal, Tujuh Mare is known for its Indonesian rijsttafels—a cornucopia of miniature intoxicating dishes, that have become a trademark of Amsterdam’s gastronomic culture. These delicacies are crafted by an acclaimed chef, previously a part of an upscale eatery adjacent to this venue.
(Can be found at Utrechtsestraat 73, 1017 VJ; Contact: 0031 20 427 9865; tujuhmaret.nl; Rijsttafel priced at €27.75)
Bouchon du Centre: A Petite Gourmet Haven
Tucked away in Amsterdam, the Bouchon du Centre is a culinary gem run single-handedly by the charming Hanneke Schouten. Devoted to quality, Hanneke handpicks supplies from the best local providers, and pours her deep passion for French cuisine into her cooking. Be advised, this is a place for those who appreciate a sophisticated palate and are not particular about vegetarian options.
(Location: Falckstraat 3, 1017 VV; Contact: 0031 20 330 1128; Website: bouchonducentreamsterdam.com; Price range: Lunch and dinner from €29 which is indeed a bargain for such quality cuisine.)
Rooie Nelis: A Nostalgic Glimpse of Authentic Jordaan
The Rooie Nelis stands as a genuine vestige of the authentic, blue-collar Jordaan district, unscathed by the area’s gentrification. Frequented by local performers like Willy Alberti and Johnny Jordaan who later reached nationwide fame, this place is steeped in heritage and local culture.
(Location: Laurierstraat 101, 1016; Contact: 0031 20 624 4167; Website: caferooienelis.com; Specials: Enjoy a glass of beer for just €2.20.)
Explore the hidden gems of Amsterdam on a budget with a visit to De Engelse Reet. This unique bar may lack a traditional bar area, but its charm lies in the small backroom that opens into a cozy front room. Since the current owners have been running the bar for four generations, you can expect a genuine and authentic experience.
For a true taste of Dutch gin, make sure to try one of the jenevers from the local distillery De Ooievaar. They offer a wide selection of jenevers, perfect for an affordable and enjoyable evening.
If you're in the mood for something different, head over to De Dokter. Originally a favorite spot for medical students, this renowned establishment is now famous for its extensive collection of whiskies and Dutch and Belgian beers. With reasonable prices, their 'whisky of the month' often features top-class single malts.
Embark on a budget-friendly adventure in Amsterdam and let De Engelse Reet and De Dokter show you the city's affordable and unique drinking options.
Kingfisher
Budding writers and artists from the neighbourhood, students, and the young and easy-going come to have a good time here. During the day, it’s great for a quiet coffee; later on, music levels are upped and the Kingfisher hops. Cheap, daily dinner specials are chalked up on a blackboard.
(Ferdinand Bolstraat 24, 1072 LK; 0031 20 671 2395; kingfishercafe.nl; cocktails, €7.50)
Bar Bukowski/Henry’s Bar
Named for the writer, poet and all-round renegade Charles Bukowski, this is a young, noisy, friendly place, with people packed in shoulder-to-shoulder most nights. Next door is the slightly more subdued Henry’s Bar, where inspired bartenders create superb cocktails.
(Oosterpark 10, 1092 AE; 0031 20 370 1685; barbukowski.nl; cocktails from €7.75; beer €2.50)
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