9 Essential Tips to Explore Amsterdam on a Budget

NOTE: The information posted was accurate during the time of its original posting on Have Halal Will Travel (HHWT) in 2018. The original article is no longer available on the website.

Travelling is always fun but sometimes it can get a little pricey, especially if you decide to wonder off into the world with very little preparation. Still, getting to know a new country or city doesn’t necessarily have to cost you an arm, a leg or your first born child.

That being said, here are some essential tips on exploring Amsterdam, a city where the bicycles outnumber the people and adventure awaits for those who suffer from a skinny wallet.

Getting there

One of the hardest parts of travelling outside of your country is choosing the right way to get to your destination. I recommend using the Skyscanner website or mobile app to help you find the cheapest flight tickets available to you.

This way cuts out the middleman commissions and you’ll be able to save a couple of bucks. Be warned though, that the journey might be a little taxing because you’ll probably end up having to take a transit route, which means that you’ll have to stopover at a different county or two to change flights before finally getting to Amsterdam.

Alternatively you can take the direct flight to Amsterdam where possible via KLM. If you’re travelling from European countries, try opting for their budget airlines like Eurowings which can also be found on Skyscanner or simply travel to Amsterdam by train. If you’re planning to go the through the train route, then I highly recommend you check out websites like DB Bahn.com.

Side note: Make sure to book you tickets early or during promotion periods and always book your tickets online as it’s vastly cheaper than paying over the counter; especially when it comes to train tickets.

When to visit Amsterdam

The best time to travel to Amsterdam, weather wise, would be during the spring season. For those who love nature and flowers, a trip to Amsterdam would not be complete unless you pay the beautiful Keukenhof Gardens a visit.

If you want to catch the tulips, then you’re best bet would be between the 3^rd or 4^th week of April as the weather is mild and the tulips would be in full bloom.

Unfortunately, visiting in spring isn’t exactly easy on the wallet. For a truly affordable and ‘local experience’, visiting during the off-season in fall, (between late-September to late October) is the best way to go!

The weather might be a little cooler but sweater weather in Amsterdam has its own charms. The city just seems infinitely more peaceful during the fall; almost grounding as even the canals seem to calm as leaves fall silently through the streets. It’s also the best time for you to hang out at cozy cafes, pay a visit to some of the free museums, or check out what’s currently happening with the local scenes. The nightlife is still pretty much still alive if you’re more of a night owl and it tends to attract the international city crowds rather than tourists.

Choosing where to stay

When it comes to picking a place to stay, it’s a given that the closer you are to the city centre, the more costly it’s going to be. Similar to the plane/train ticket scenario as mentioned before, doing some research and booking your accommodations online via Agoda, Tripadvisor or Airbnb will help you immensely as you can find places to stay that’s within your budget.

If you’re travelling with a large group, I recommend booking a service apartment

as it’ll offer you a much more comfortable stay.

Based on personal experience, if you want to stay somewhere that’s comfortable, cheap AND convenient; I’d recommend the Ibis Hotel near Schiphol Airport. There’s a free shuttle bus service that can take you from the airport to the hotel (and back again) and if you want to get to town, you can take a train from the airport to Amsterdam Central which only costs about 8 Euros (as opposed to taking a taxi or van which can cost up to as much as 70 Euros).

If you’re looking to stay at a hostel, then the Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark might be right up your alley. The hostel offers free wifi, clean rooms, free city maps and even bike rentals. What makes this hostel so great is that it’s located smack dab in Vondelpark; the green heart of the city. It’s within walking distance from all of the best city attractions, including the Van Gough Museum and the Rijksmuseum, has great atmosphere and is a super fun place to stay and meet other travelers. The staffs are also really friendly and you can even get a chance to go on a free walking tour.

Another pretty great place to stay would be at the ClinksNOORD Hostel, located in the vibrant area of Amsterdam Noord; just 10 minutes away from the back of Amsterdam Centraal Station. The hostel was once a lab building from the 1920’s and still retains

an impressive stained glass window that runs right to the top floor.

The sheer aesthetics of this place will have you trigger happy with your camera and best

of all, it also comes with free wifi, fantastic social spaces to meet up and chat with fellow backpackers, laundry facilities and dormitories that range from 4 to 14 beds, (including a girl’s only dorm).

Getting Around Amsterdam

Depending on what you want to do and where you want to go, travelling around Amsterdam is pretty easy (both in general and on your wallet).

• Walking: One of the best things about Amsterdam is that you can get to a lot of cool places on foot. If you have a specific place in mind, just Google the location and simply start walking. Alternatively, if you don’t have anything in mind and would like to avoid walking around the city aimlessly, you can check out the site, Sandemans New Europe: Amsterdam, as they offer a variety of free walking tour that covers many of Amsterdam top attraction sites, including Dam Square, the Royal Palace, the Red Light District, the Anne Frank House and more.
  
  
•  Biking: If you want to get around town like the locals do, you can consider renting a bicycle. What’s more, if you manage to snag an ‘I Amsterdam’ card you can also get a 25% discounts from selected bike rental places, such as MacBike and Amsterbike.
  
  
•  Public Transport: If you’re planning on mostly using the trams, trains or buses, then I highly encourage you to invest in getting the Amsterdam Travel Ticket which includes train travel to and from Schipol Airport as well as unlimited public transport. There are three types of tickets available, the 1-day ticket which costs €16, the 2-day ticket which cost €21 or the 3-day which cost €26. Definitely cheaper than buying those tickets separately!

Visiting Museums- (Budget-friendly tour package available online)

Besides being famous for their canals and bike population, Amsterdam is also home to some pretty famous museums. If you have an appreciation for the arts, then you wouldn’t want to pass up the chance to visit the famous Van Gogh Museum which houses an enormous collection of the artist’s works.

The Rijksmuseum is also pretty amazing; effortlessly beautiful, the museum covers topics about Dutch art and history from the Middle-Ages to the present modern day. The Museum is also home to an impressive collection of works done by notable Dutch artists such as Rembrandt, Hals, Vermeer, and Steen.

Another famous museum you’re going to want to visit is the famed Anne Frank House

(which also appeared in that tear-jerking book/movie, ‘The Fault in Our Stars’). As you wander around the biographical museum, you’ll be able to see Anne’s original diary and other notebooks put on display, as well as catch a glimpse of what life was like for the Frank family who had to live in hiding during World War II due to Hitler’s terrifying reign.

If you’re planning to visit, I strongly suggest you purchase your entrance tickets

(or guided tour tickets) online. Not only is it cheaper, but you can also skip

the long queue at the counter!

Dropping by Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Marken (Budget-friendly tour package available online)

While Amsterdam is undeniably exciting with its open-minded culture, picturesque canals, and culturally rich, historic buildings, you’d be remiss if you visited the Netherlands without taking a day trip to the scenic Dutch Countryside.

The peaceful village of Zaanse Schans with its green-timbered houses is home to a collection of historic windmills that are still, to this day, fully-operational. You’ll be able to see how these windmills are used to make spices, saw wood, and grind oil!

Volendam is Holland’s best know fishing-village and its harbor is full of old, Dutch ships. Take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the view before visiting the Volendam Cheese Factory. There, you’ll be able to sample traditional Dutch cheeses as well as learn about the process of making them.

In Marken, remember to drop by the Wooden Shoes Factory to catch a clog making demonstration. The process is fascinating to watch and you’ll get a chance to see how the shoemaker breathes life into an otherwise unremarkable block of wood! Plus, you’ll also be able to get your hands on some cute souvenirs!

Parks and Recreation (Free activities)

If you need some time to decompress and just enjoy being in ‘the moment’, I suggest going for a picnic in one of the green oases that dots the city. One of the most popular and well known parks throughout the Netherlands is the Vondelpark. The much loved park is popular with both the locals and tourists alike and is one of the largest green spaces in Amsterdam. Located near the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, it’s the perfect

place to go picnicking, people-watching, jogging or even just laying about the grass. Also, you can also catch a free concert at the open air theater.

Alternatively the public garden at the Rijksmuseum (which is free to enter and boasts a permanent collection of statues and sculptures) makes for an even more scenic option with their meticulously tended flowerbeds, majestic old wingnut tree, impressive seasonal art installations, and pieces of historic Dutch architecture.

Food Stops

With Islam being the second largest religion in the city, finding halal or Muslim-friendly food in Amsterdam is pretty easy. Ranging from Middle Eastern food to even Malaysian cuisine, there’s plenty in the way of variety to satisfy your cravings, although Muslim visitors must exercise some caution as some of them do not have a Halal certification and do serve alcohol. 

Coffee, paired with some whole-grain croissants, stroopwafel (a definite must try when in the Netherlands!), freshly baked bread rolls or some delicious cheese-filled pastries. You can drop by Ma Bella Cakery (Muslim-friendly, Vegetarian-friendly) for breakfast if you’re also craving for something sweet!

If you want something cheap and a bit heavier, just drop by one of the many Turkish kebab places to fuel up. Leeman Doner has been around since 1992 and is certified halal. The portions are pretty big and there a good variety of what you can get (ranging from traditional kebabs, to durum, and even baklava). The meal will definitely be super filling and if you don’t want to eat at the store, you can also have them pack your food up to be

enjoyed elsewhere.

If you’re craving for Italian food, then you’ll be pleased to note that the Pizzeria Bella Riva which is located just a short 5 minute walk away from the Maritime Museum (just over the bridge and heading towards Waterlooplein)  has some Muslim-friendly options available. The pizzeria offers free wifi, has a great atmosphere with friendly staffs and

a cute outdoor seating area if you just want to people watch.

Alright, so this next place isn’t that cheap, but considering the portions and sheer variety, I’d say it’s reasonably priced. The ‘Bazaar Amsterdam’ is another certified halal restaurant which is located at the heart of the Pijp neighborhood; just down Albert Cuyp Market Street.

This middle-eastern and North African restaurant serves halal meats and boasts a

humongous menu for breakfast, snacks foods, lunch and dinner. The interior is gorgeous, with hand-painted wall decorations, glittering chandeliers and the chill vibe makes it a really relaxing place to just enjoy your meal.

Stop by the Markets

When it comes to food, clothes, trinkets and souvenirs, you’ll save a lot of money

by visiting the local markets rather than visiting the many stores. The Waterlooplein is the oldest and most famous flea market in not only Amsterdam but the Netherlands as well. It’s opened six days a week, with the exception being on Sunday and is one of the nicest, friendliest places in Amsterdam.

Wandering around the market, you’ll be able to enjoy looking at the different stalls are

you peruse on what to take back as a souvenir. From vintage camera and antiques to jewelry and paintings, who knows what treasures you’ll be able to find. Who knows, maybe you’ll even be able to walk away with a signed copy of Hemmingway or a John Lennon guitar.

So there you have it! Amsterdam is by far one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but who says that a trip here has to be a ridiculously expensive affair? With these handy tips in mind, why not start planning for your next trip ASAP!