Tips for saving money in Amsterdam

Save money on must-see attractions with the I amsterdam City Card

No matter your personal interests, there are certain things you just have to see in Amsterdam: the canals and the museums, for starters. Instead of waiting in line and purchasing tickets at each location, use the I amsterdam City Card to fast-track your trip. Not only will you get into sights such as the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum and Rembrandt House Museum for free or at a discount, but you’ll also be able to get to them much more easily – the card offers unlimited access to the public transport system for up to 96 hours. Read more about the I amsterdam City Card.

Opt for a high-end hostel or budget hotel

As a city of history and art, Amsterdam has some of the most jaw-dropping accommodation in the world, but not all of them command jaw-dropping price tags. Some of the best places to stay are actually some of the most economical, with design hostels and budget hotels in Amsterdam upping their game to compete with the big names in the city. Check out our where-to-stay pages for some of the best tips to suit your budget.

Explore the city on foot or by bike

Amsterdam is one of those cities where walking doesn’t mean sacrificing time. It’s cheaper, but it’s also a perfect alternative to using public transportation, as the city is small enough to get around. To get a taste of local life while remaining cost-effective, consider a bike rental (which is actually included in the I amsterdam City Card). We have a curated selection of walking and cycling routes that are perfect for the budget traveller. You’ll get to see landmarks, learn a bit of history, all the while getting your steps in. As a nice bonus, don’t forget to make use of the free public transport ferries that run between Amsterdam Central Station to Noord or the NDSM-wharf. Not only are they easy to use, but they are a great way to hitch a pleasant boat ride across the water!

Eat cheaper

Eating out in Amsterdam on a budget can be a challenge, even for an experienced traveller. But fret not; we’ve got you covered with some local tips and tricks. And if you’re in search of delicious food that won’t break the bank, check out our budget-friendly restaurant tips for more ideas.

• Explore local markets such as Dappermarkt and Nieuwmarkt for fresh groceries, souvenirs and Dutch staples such as cheese and stroopwafels. Places like Albert Cuypstraat are perfect for getting your fill of street food, while Noordermarkt is perfect for indulging in fresh oysters and bubbly before hopping to your next attraction.
• Embrace Dutch lunch culture by enjoying a delicious sandwich on a budget at Caldi e Freddi or embark on your search for the best sandwich in Amsterdam.
• Surprise yourself with meals and packages from Too Good To Go: an app that reduces food waste by offering great prices on leftover deliciousness from local cafes and restaurants.
• Keep your food expenses low by loading up on groceries and heading to a park for a picnic in one of Amsterdam’s green oases, such as Oosterpark, Flevopark and, of course, the famous Vondelpark.
• Try out Dutch street and fast food: many food stands in the city offer portions of Dutch mini-pancakes called poffertjes, and you can try fresh herring with a side of onions and pickles at stalls throughout the city. For a bite on the go, don’t miss the self-service snack wall at FEBO. It’s filled with hamburgers and deep-fried goodness like kroketten and frikandellen. And, finally, Dutch store chain HEMA is the place to go for hot dogs. Here’s a secret: if you step into the central HEMA on Nieuwendijk, you’ll find an affordable canteen on its second floor.
• To find affordable deals on evening dining, do like the locals and scour restaurant deals on discount websites like SocialDeal and Groupon.

Check what's on the agenda

Search for upcoming events, exhibitions and festivals in our cultural agenda, or refer to our lovingly curated Weekend Guide to find out what’s happening that weekend in the city. With the help of real local experts, you can have the experience of a lifetime in Amsterdam without spending your life savings.

To save money on tickets, you can make use of a 25% discount if you are an I amsterdam City Card holder on tickets at venues such as Bimhuis, Scala Foodbar & Theater, Muziekgebouw and Nationale Opera & Ballet. Get last-minute tickets through Ticketswap, a popular app where people resell their concert and event tickets.

Enjoy open-air entertainment

Not every night needs to be spent in the hottest club, the swankiest wine bar or a newly opened rooftop terrace – some nights can and should be spent outside. During the summer, get some free entertainment under the stars at the Vondelpark Open-Air Theatre, which hosts a selection of concerts, dance and theatre performances, or snuggle up with your family for a film screening at one of the many open-air cinemas in Amsterdam. Read our guide to the best free things to do in the city for more cultural tips.

Go for a swim in the heart of the city

Did you know that Amsterdam has many outdoor swimming spots, from fantastic pools to spots that offer direct access to the water? These swim zones are free for everyone, with many of them labelled as official swimming locations, which undergo regular water quality checks. You will see many locals enjoy a leisurely swim during the summer, and the braver ones tend to frequent these spots regardless of the season or weather. Ready for a little adventure? Discover all the outdoor swimming spots and enjoy Amsterdam from a fresh perspective.

Soak in the views

Save your money and enjoy Amsterdam views from the publicly accessible and free viewing platform on the NEMO museum rooftop. It’s the perfect playground for kids and adults, with plenty of room on its steps to soak in the rays. If you’re looking to get cosy, the nearby OBA Oosterdok, Amsterdam’s library, also has a viewpoint terrace on its 7th floor, right next to its cafe. 

Looking for more ideas of places to see? Check out our guide to the best free things to do in Amsterdam and its free museums.