Amsterdam Guide for Budget Travelers
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Amsterdam, the largest city in The Netherlands, comes to life when the sun is shining bright in the days of summer. The city is most enjoyable when the restaurant patios along the canals are full of people, boat tours sail through the many canals within the city limits and the parks are filled with people playing frisbee or enjoying a picnic. During the summer season, many cultural activities and festivals are held all night long. Don't forget to check out the famous, yet, controversial Red Light District and the "coffee" shops that are on every Amsterdam street corner. During the fall and winter months, enjoy a tour of the many famous Dutch windmills that give The Netherlands its iconic symbol. In other words, Amsterdam is something everyone should experience at some point in their lives.
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Price of Services in Amsterdam
Hostels - Hostels in Amsterdam aren't as affordable as you'd think. The summer will be more expensive than the fall and winter months as expected. The starting price for a 10-20 dorm room in the fall or winter will start from 11€ ($12USD). Anything in the summer time for a 10-20 bed dorm will cost upward up of 22€ ($25USD). Anything under 10 beds will usually cost more. Expect to pay 15€ ($17USD) or more for 4-8 person dorm room in the fall or winter. Summer prices for a 4-8 bed dorm will start at 28€ ($32USD). Private dorm rooms in the fall or winter will start around 26€ ($30USD). Summer prices for a private will be anywhere from 45-60€ ($50-67USD).
Food Costs - Food in Amsterdam won't be friendly on the wallet. Starting prices for a budget breakfast will be 3€ ($3.50USD), 4.50€ ($5USD) for a budget lunch and 7€ ($8USD) for a budget sit-down dinner. Upper scale restaurants will cost a pretty penny. Expect to pay 4€ ($5USD) or more for a light beer (pint).
Amsterdam Miscellaneous Costs - Cannabis (1 gram) Marijuana or Hash at a Coffee Shop will cost around 7€ ($8USD). Cannabis (1 joint) pre-rolled with pure marijuana will cost around 5€ ($6USD). A tobacco marijuana joint will cost less at 3€ ($4USD). If you are looking for fun in the Red Light District, expect to pay 50€ ($56USD) for 15-20 minutes.
Transportation - Transportation in Amsterdam will cost a fortune if you aren't careful. A taxi from the main airport to the city center will cost around 41€ ($46USD). The train from the airport to the city center will be a better option for budget travelers. Expect to pay 4€ ($4.50USD). Avoid taxis as much as possible in Amsterdam due to its outrageous 10€ ($11USD) for 3km (1.8 miles) of travel. Metro buses are also a good option at 2.50€ ($3USD) for an hours worth of travel. I recommend buying tram/bus pass at 8€ ($9USD) for 24-hours worth of travel if you plan on seeing the whole city in one day. Another cheap option is to rent a bike at 10€ ($11USD) for 24-hours.
Activities - Museums will cost upward of 15€ ($17USD) for most exhibitions. The Van Gogh Museum will put you back 15.40€ ($17.24USD) for one ticket. The Rembrandt House will be a bit cheaper at 13€ ($14USD) for a ticket. The cheapest canal tour is a 75-minute ride with Blue Boat Company at 13€ ($14USD).
Food Costs - Food in Amsterdam won't be friendly on the wallet. Starting prices for a budget breakfast will be 3€ ($3.50USD), 4.50€ ($5USD) for a budget lunch and 7€ ($8USD) for a budget sit-down dinner. Upper scale restaurants will cost a pretty penny. Expect to pay 4€ ($5USD) or more for a light beer (pint).
Amsterdam Miscellaneous Costs - Cannabis (1 gram) Marijuana or Hash at a Coffee Shop will cost around 7€ ($8USD). Cannabis (1 joint) pre-rolled with pure marijuana will cost around 5€ ($6USD). A tobacco marijuana joint will cost less at 3€ ($4USD). If you are looking for fun in the Red Light District, expect to pay 50€ ($56USD) for 15-20 minutes.
Transportation - Transportation in Amsterdam will cost a fortune if you aren't careful. A taxi from the main airport to the city center will cost around 41€ ($46USD). The train from the airport to the city center will be a better option for budget travelers. Expect to pay 4€ ($4.50USD). Avoid taxis as much as possible in Amsterdam due to its outrageous 10€ ($11USD) for 3km (1.8 miles) of travel. Metro buses are also a good option at 2.50€ ($3USD) for an hours worth of travel. I recommend buying tram/bus pass at 8€ ($9USD) for 24-hours worth of travel if you plan on seeing the whole city in one day. Another cheap option is to rent a bike at 10€ ($11USD) for 24-hours.
Activities - Museums will cost upward of 15€ ($17USD) for most exhibitions. The Van Gogh Museum will put you back 15.40€ ($17.24USD) for one ticket. The Rembrandt House will be a bit cheaper at 13€ ($14USD) for a ticket. The cheapest canal tour is a 75-minute ride with Blue Boat Company at 13€ ($14USD).
Best Ways to Save Money
Book in Advance - To save some added dough, always book your transportation, hostels and tours in advance. Doing this can save upward of 40-50%.
Buy Food at Grocery Stores - Buy your food and beer at a grocery store. Food and beer will be 60-70% cheaper than a restaurant. Beer in a grocery store is usually .93€ ($1USD) per bottle. Buying food at a grocery store can be done with 10€ ($11USD) a day if you budget right.
Couchsurfing - Staying with a local instead of a hostel will save a ton of money. But don't use this site solely to help your wallet. It's a great way to make new friends who can show you the "local" spots that tourists don't know about. Couchsurfing hosts tend to ignore abusers of the system. Offer to cook a meal or two in exchange for their gratitude.
Buy Food at Grocery Stores - Buy your food and beer at a grocery store. Food and beer will be 60-70% cheaper than a restaurant. Beer in a grocery store is usually .93€ ($1USD) per bottle. Buying food at a grocery store can be done with 10€ ($11USD) a day if you budget right.
Couchsurfing - Staying with a local instead of a hostel will save a ton of money. But don't use this site solely to help your wallet. It's a great way to make new friends who can show you the "local" spots that tourists don't know about. Couchsurfing hosts tend to ignore abusers of the system. Offer to cook a meal or two in exchange for their gratitude.
#1 Red Light DistrictNestled in the the heart of Amsterdam, the Red Light District is a sight to see. Unionized women work for money by offering their "services" for all men and women who seek a different (sexual) experience. If you aren't into this type of activity, at least check out the area. Walk around the district at night as the red windows light up the neighborhood. The women working won't make you step out of your comfort zone. Go ahead, ask about who they are and what their job is. It doesn't hurt to have a normal conversation!
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#2 Coffee ShopsCoffee shops in Amsterdam are more than just coffee. These famous storefronts have tourists flocking from all over the world due to one thing, marijuana consumption. Marijuana is legal to use and carry in The Netherlands. Take a seat in one of the 200 coffee shops in the city. Ask for a menu and their specials. Hash, marijuana joints, special brownies and cakes and straight marijuana buds are available for sale at any time of the night. These shops are so popular that many of them take reservations. But don't worry, there are plenty of weed stores that will sell anyone over 18-years-old a sack of weed.
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#3 Van Gogh MuseumThis a different pace compared to the first two suggestions. The Van Gogh Museum is a must for art lovers. Step into Van Gogh's playground as you explore the world’s largest collection of his work. The museum features some of his most famous masterpieces such as Almond Blossom, Sunflowers and The Bedroom. Be sure to get a ticket a day or two in advance. This tourist attractions is one of the most popular sightseeing activities in the city.
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