'Where to?' 2018 Guide: cheap stay in Amsterdam

How to save money on your weekend in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is, together with Paris, London and Berlin, one of the world’s top tourists’ favourite destinations. The “Venice of the North” has a definite, unique charm: a people-friendly metropolis, with postcard-like landscapes (such as the famous canals, part of the UNESCO World Heritage, the most famous being Herengracht, Singel, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht), the lively cultural scene, must-see museums (among them, Anne Frank’s house and the Van Gogh Museum) and an international fame for everything “forbidden” (from the “coffee shops” to the red light district).

It’s impossible to get bored in Amsterdam - actually, the only risk is going over budget! This article will help you plan your low-cost weekend in Amsterdam without going broke, with tips on flights, markets, restaurants and hostels in Amsterdam, with all the best places to save money and have fun!

HOW TO REACH AMSTERDAM:

Many different low-cost airlines fly to Amsterdam Schiphol from all over Europe. By booking in advance you can make big savings, and once you reach Schiphol, it is easy to get to Amsterdam Central Station at any time of the day, by train (in just 15 minutes). If you can’t find a cheap plane ticket to Schiphol, there is a slightly less near, but usually cheaper, alternative. You can fly to Eindhoven instead: the airport is 120 km South of Amsterdam, but you can then take a train or Flixbus towards Amsterdam itself, at a very low price.

WHERE TO SLEEP IN AMSTERDAM:

Sleeping in the centre can be expensive, and the price does not always mean quality… but there is an alternative you may not have considered yet: if you want to spend little money and have fun, you have to book a hostel in Amsterdam! There are plenty of possibilities and the quality is usually high and the prices are low, compared to hotels.

Here are some examples to give you an idea of the costs and of the wide range of available accommodations: there are boutique hostels such as the Ecomama, where you will find design furniture, luxury services, vintage objects and all kinds of rooms, from the double deluxe to the shared rooms. Just think of places like Hostel Croydon and Hostel Leidseplein offering beds in the centre for incredibly low prices. The last suggestion, not quite as cheap but worth a try: many hostels in Amsterdam are on real houseboats! This kind of accommodation is a unique way to literally immerse yourself in the city’s canals! For more information, and to compare the different hostels, we suggest you check out the complete list of Amsterdam hostels.

WHERE TO SHOP IN AMSTERDAM:

If you want to go shopping for smart and original items in Amsterdam, we suggest you check out the 9 streets (www.theninestreets.com). It is located 2 minutes from Dam square and the Royal Palace, and it is a picturesque maze of alleys, where you can easily spend a whole day without even realizing it. Walking through the narrow streets you will see a never-ending stream of boutiques, design shops, jewellery shops, art galleries, and of course bars, cafés and great restaurants for a gourmet break.

You can find another shopping paradise in the many street markets in town: do not miss the Albert Cuyp Market, a traditional market (established in 1905), open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. It is located in the heart of De Pijp, the Latin quarter of Amsterdam, and it is full of stalls selling fruit and vegetables, the classical flowers and local handicraft products. It is also the perfect place for a snack, maybe with a herring, or a tasty waffle made at the moment and sinking in syrup. You should also see the Ijhallen Market (www.ijhallen.nl), the largest flea market in Holland. It is held once per month, in the northern outskirts of the city (you can take the ferry from the Central Station to the NDSM area), and it can be really challenging: see how much stuff you can get for only 20€! If you can have your way when bargaining with the vendors, you can get a nice amount of vintage clothes and second-hand objects.

WHERE TO EAT IN AMSTERDAM:

The markets are not the only places for a cheap meal in Amsterdam, and the city has plenty of low-cost offers when it comes to eating: just like in any other metropolis, in Amsterdam, you can taste cuisine from all over the world.

For example, at the Couscous Club in the De Pijp borough, you can eat one of the 3 couscous plates prepared daily with fresh ingredients and according to a traditional recipe for 20€ (on Sundays you can also listen to live concerts). If you want something typically Dutch, go to La Falote, with great menus starting at 16€ and a typical local atmosphere. If you are lucky, the chef will leave the kitchen and play his accordion, to the joy of the locals. The food is great, as the Dutch kitchen usually is, and the apple pie is simply delicious. If you want a healthy meal, head straight to the De Waaghals, the best vegetarian restaurant in Amsterdam: it is located in a quiet boulevard in De Pijp, it has elegant an minimal decorations and the food is great and very well served. Most of the ingredients are organic, including wine and beer, and a dinner will only set you back around 20€.