While small, Amsterdam is one of the most visited cities in Europe. As with most popular tourist destinations, prices are usually quite high in peak season which means your trip to Amsterdam may be quite expensive when you add everything up. The city is worth the high price tag with fun, colour, culture and history on every corner but there are ways to plan a trip without spending a fortune and feeling ripped off. PREMIER SUITES Amsterdam offers great value accommodation on the edge of Amsterdam saving you a fortune in overhead costs just to get a good night’s sleep. Here are some other tips to enjoy a budget-friendly trip to Amsterdam.
1. Travel Off-Peak
Like most popular places, accommodation, flights, dining, and entertainment are usually cheaper when you travel off-peak. Midweek stays can often be half the price of weekends to balance demand and you’re less likely to run into crowds and queues during low seasons, October until March. Flights are cheaper when you travel in the off seasons, and you can consider other forms of transport like trains to get you into Amsterdam from central Europe. Keep an eye on tourist-heavy times like Kingsday, Tulip Season and other festivals and events when prices skyrocket.
2. Pick accommodation wisely
While there are dozens of truly budget-friendly accommodation options in Amsterdam, choosing one might find you in a loud, central location, surrounded by stag parties and sharing rooms with strangers in budget hostels. While this might be fine for a certain type of traveller, we recommend saving money by choosing a serviced apartment slightly off the beaten track. PREMIER SUITES Amsterdam is ideally located between the airport and the city of Amsterdam, in the heart of the main business district, Amsterdam South Axis. It’s a short commute by tram to the city and guarantees great value and a peaceful night’s sleep. Our one and two-bedroom suites are ideal for sharing with friends to keep costs down.
3. Dining in Amsterdam
There are hundreds of places to eat in Amsterdam, ranging from fine dining to street food. If you plan your meals you can avoid being caught in the usual tourist traps paying over the odds for low-quality food. Staying in accommodation with self-catering facilities will make a big dent in your travel costs in Amsterdam, but even if you don’t have access to a kitchen, picnics can make a great substitute in fine weather. De Pijp’s Albert Cuypmarkt sets up every day except Sunday and you can fill your basket with cheese, bread and other delicacies before heading to nearby Sarphatipark to enjoy the warm weather. Prepare lunch or cook dinner in the comfort of your suite with a fully equipped kitchen at your disposal.
4. Getting Around on a Budget
Amsterdam is a very walkable city and exploring slowly on foot means you’re more likely to come across hidden gems. There are markets, museums, cafes, restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques to explore hidden among the canals and bridges of the city centre. If you’re commuting in and out of the city, public transport is relatively cheap and easy to navigate. Trams, buses and trains reach even the furthest parts of the city and will get you where you want to go fast without the need to rent a car. Dedicated airport transport is quick and easy too. If you want to get around fast, consider hiring a bike for your stay but be careful. Bike culture here is fast-paced and locals can get irritated with slow or inexperienced riders.
5. Book in Advance
If you’re planning to see several museums, a discount card or museum pass can be a money saver. There are often discounts already in place for over 65s, children and students but if you don’t fall into these categories, a museum pass will save you time and money. For travellers aged under 30, the digital EYC (European Youth Card), known in the Netherlands as the CJP (Cultural Youth Passport) offers discounts on transport, sightseeing, accommodation, shopping and other travel perks in 36 countries across Europe. For older travellers, the IAmsterdam City Card provides admission to plenty of museums, a GVB transit pass, a canal cruise, and discounts at shops, entertainment venues and restaurants. If you’re planning to visit the Anne Frank Huis this is usually not included and you need to book well in advance to gain entry.
Author Bio: Katie McGarr is a travel buff who writes for PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam, which specializes in luxury, full-suite serviced apartments in Amsterdam. This frugal young lady believes that traveling shouldn’t be expensive. She loves sharing money-saving hacks on lodging, traveling, and dining.