Budget-Friendly Tips and Tricks for Your Netherlands Adventure on a Small Budget!

The Netherlands isn't the cheapest country, but that doesn't mean it's only for wealthy travelers. The Dutch are exceptionally pragmatic and don't like to waste money. Therefore, there are many ways to get the most out of your trip while spending the least. Here’s a complete collection of advice on how to travel cheap and how to save money in the Netherlands like the locals—without compromising on anything. Choose the tips that suit you best.

As a pleasant bonus, most of these tips apply not only to trips to the Netherlands but also to any other country in the world. As an extra cherry on top, in this article, you'll find a complete list of things to do with a small budget in Amsterdam.

• Plan your trip during the “low season.”

Make sure there are no major events during your planned dates that can spike prices for flights and hotels. The biggest price jump in the Netherlands is from April to early May due to the tulip fields blooming.

• Book tickets in advance.

Train or plane tickets are often cheaper when booked months in advance. The earlier you start looking, the more chances you have to find a good deal.

• Subscribe to flight aggregator newsletters.

Set up notifications for promotions and price changes for your chosen dates. This can save you a significant amount.

• Follow airlines on social media.

This way, you'll be the first to know about sales and promotions. The key is to act quickly on the information.
Use the flexible search option on aggregators and airline websites.
This is ideal if you are not tied to specific dates. Sometimes, changing your flight date by 1-2 days can result in significantly cheaper tickets.

• Consider flying into alternative airports.

For example, you could fly to Brussels or Eindhoven. The travel time from these cities to Amsterdam is not too long, and the savings can be substantial. Plus, Eindhoven is a hub for many budget airlines. It’s also a great excuse to explore these cities with our tours.

• Use loyalty programs.

Many airlines, banks, and supermarket chains offer loyalty programs that let you accumulate miles. Don’t ignore this opportunity.

• Book hotels in advance.

Some hotels offer discounts for early bookings. Additionally, rooms with the best price-quality ratio are booked first. Late bookings might force you to either compromise on quality or pay more.

• Avoid high seasons.

The most expensive time in the Netherlands is the tulip blooming season. Hotel prices can be astronomical at this time.

• Don't overlook hostels.

Even if you don't like shared dorms, many hostels offer private comfortable rooms. Additionally, some hostels provide bicycles, discounts on tours, and other pleasant perks.

• Consider staying outside Amsterdam.

Small cities like Leiden or Haarlem are great bases for exploring the country. For example, if you want to visit Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, the North Sea, and Keukenhof Park, you could stay in historic Leiden or Haarlem. If you love small towns, endless dunes, and sheep farms but don't want to skip Amsterdam, look for a hotel in Alkmaar, Hoorn, or Edam. You could even stay on an eco-farm with sheeps. Before booking, check the transportation accessibility of the chosen hotel on Google Maps. Public transport is well-developed in the Netherlands, so getting around shouldn’t be a problem.

• Travel around the country.

This helps avoid long stays in expensive Amsterdam hotels. There is so much to see in the country – from the birthplace of Bosch to ancient castles and futuristic architecture. We’ll be happy to help you plan your route.

• Consider volunteer programs.

If you have the time, combining travel with volunteer work can be a great idea. Here are some reputable platforms that offer programs in various fields – from farm work to environmental conservation, refugee assistance, education, etc.:
- Workaway,
- Volunteer World,
- International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ),
- Go Overseas,
- Youth for Europe.
Tip: Each platform has its pros and cons. Study them before paying the entry fee. Pay special attention to safety.

• Share Accommodation.

If traveling with a group, renting an apartment together is often cheaper than several hotel rooms.

• Consider couchsurfing.

This is not only a way to save money but also a wonderful opportunity to meet interesting people, learn about the local culture and its daily life. Today, there are many services that help find free accommodation. Here are just a few:
- Couchsurfing,
- BeWelcome,
- Trustroots (focused on hitchhikers but open to everyone),
- Warm Showers (for bike travelers),
- Hospitality Club.
On Couchsurfing, you’ll need a paid subscription, but other services are free.

Tip: Follow reasonable safety rules when using these platforms. Couchsurfing and BeWelcome are the most reliable in terms of reviews and checks.

Join local social media communities.
Sometimes, people going on vacation look for someone to take care of their pets. Or students rent out their rooms for a couple of weeks during holidays. These cases are rare but worth considering.

• Walk more.

The centers of Dutch cities are not very car-friendly but are very comfortable for pedestrians. Walking is a great way to explore the city and discover many hidden gems other tourists miss. Plus, it’s good for your health.

• Use a bicycle.

Bikes are the best way to get around Dutch cities and between them. For longer distances, an electric bike is perfect. It’s not only a way to save money but also a great opportunity to explore the country and feel like a local. However, keep in mind that Amsterdam has very busy bicycle traffic. Consider whether this mode of transportation is safe for you.
You can easily find bike rental points on Google Maps.

• Join other travelers.

The NS Group Return Ticket allows a group of 2 to 7 people to travel around the Netherlands with a significant discount.

• Check out the available travel passes.

If you plan to visit several cities in one day, the Holland Travel Ticket might be for you. It allows unlimited travel on trains, buses, trams, metros, and ferries across the Netherlands for the whole day. The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is suitable for trips around Amsterdam and its surroundings—you can visit places like Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken.

• Travel during off-peak hours.

In some cases, off-peak travel passes (after 9:00 am and before 4:00 pm, and after 6:30 pm) can be cheaper.

• Look for transport company promotions.

In recent years, Dutch railways have reduced the number of discounts and pleasant bonuses. But you might be lucky—check websites like Goedkoop treinkaartje or Treinreiziger, which carefully collect information about rail ticket promotions.
Note: A voucher bought on Goedkoop treinkaartje must be exchanged for an e-ticket on the Dutch Railways website NS.nl.

• Use local transport apps.

The 9292 app is great for planning routes and gives cost information. Additionally, it notifies you in advance about schedule changes and cancellations.

• Use carpooling services.

These services allow you to share travel costs with other travelers. This can be especially beneficial for long trips. BlaBlaCar is perfect for traveling around the Netherlands and neighboring countries.

If you’re traveling by car the best is to come without it :). Any resident of the Netherlands will confirm this.

• Find cheap gas stations.

Gasoline in the Netherlands is more expensive than in neighboring countries, so it makes sense to fill it up before crossing the border. The popular free app DirectLease TankService helps find cheap gas stations nearby, saving you around 10 euros per tank.

• Plan your parking in advance.

Parking in the center of Dutch cities can bankrupt even a millionaire. The narrow streets are more pleasant to explore on foot. You can leave your car at affordable Park & Ride (P+R) lots, which offer special conditions for buying public transport tickets. Finding Park & Ride is easy with Google Maps.

• Use car-sharing services.

If you don't plan on daily visits to places hard to reach by public transport, it might be a good idea to get to the Netherlands by train or plane and use car-sharing services when needed. Greenwheels is available almost everywhere in the country. It’s the perfect way to reach many remote monasteries, castles, etc. MyWheels offers electric cars in major cities. Share Now allows travel beyond the country. Additionally, this service has per-minute billing, which is convenient for short trips.

In big cities, you can rent electric scooters from Felyx. However, if you're not familiar with the specifics of Dutch traffic, we recommend using scooters only for countryside trips.

• Book accommodation with free parking.

When booking accommodation, especially in Amsterdam, look for options offering free parking. This can save you a lot.

• Rent Cars from Locals.

The SnappCar service allows you to rent a car at a lower price than traditional rental companies, although it requires a bit more time. It's convenient for specific or short-term trips.

• Consider carpooling.

Use social media to find travel companions and share fuel and parking costs. This option is suitable only if you easily get along with new people and don’t mind finding compromises along the way.

We’ve rounded up all the most effective tips on how to travel cheap in the Netherlands and around the world, so you don’t have to dig through countless websites and forums. But let’s be honest, travel expenses aren’t the only thing on our minds. We’re also thinking about delicious food, cafes, restaurants, museums, festivals, and all the fun stuff to do during the trip. So, keep reading to learn how to save money in the Netherlands without compromising on experiences!

• Don't buy bottled water.

Tap water in the Netherlands is just as good as bottled water. Bring a reusable bottle and fill it in your hotel, cafes, or water stations, which are almost everywhere in major cities.

• Visit local markets.

All Dutch markets have numerous stalls with street food and ready-made dishes, from the famous Dutch herring, eel, and oysters to cuisines from all over the world. All of this is much cheaper than in cafes or restaurants. You can also buy cheeses, vegetables, and fruits there. Besides obvious savings, markets are a great way to experience local cuisine and city life. We love the atmosphere of Amsterdam's markets so much that we even created a bike tour around them.

• Street food and fast food.

The Netherlands has a huge amount of quality and affordable street and fast food from around the world. Don't forget the herring sandwiches. They can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, benefiting both the soul and the stomach. You can find fish stalls and shops on the map under the keywords Haringhandel or Vishandel. You can also get to know Dutch cuisine on our gastronomic tour.

• Visit supermarkets and delis.

In Albert Heijn supermarkets, which are found almost on every corner, there's always a wide selection of salads, sandwiches, cubed cheese, and other ready-to-eat food. Pay attention to local delis—the food there can be divinely delicious.

• Check café and restaurant deals.

If you see the word “Daghappen,” don’t pass by. Many cafés, bars, and restaurants offer discounts or special deals at specific times.

• Picnics in parks.

In good weather, the Dutch love to have picnics in parks and along canal banks. Stock up on food from a supermarket or deli and join them!

• Avoid touristy places.

High prices in such places can come with mediocre quality.

• Affordable breakfasts and lunches.

Until 11 a.m., cheap, decent, and hearty breakfasts are available for around 3 euros (as of 2024) in Hema department stores (they're everywhere). In some of their cafeterias, you can also have lunch. Lunch will cost around 5 euros. It's a good chance to try classic Dutch dishes like stamppot or Filet Américain, which, by the way, has nothing to do with America.

And yet, the main reasons we travel are for the experiences, emotions, new knowledge, and meeting people. Read on to discover things to do with a small budget or even for free in Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Because let's face it, the best adventures often come without a hefty price tag.

Finding free days or discounts at Dutch museums can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to keep your wallet happy. Here are some tips to help you in the Netherlands.

• Buy a Museumkaart.

The card costs 75 euros for adults (as of 2024) and is valid for 5 museum visits within 31 days. You can get a non-personalized one in most museums across the country. The website museumkaart.nl lists over 500 museums where entry will be free for you. If your plan includes the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and 2-3 others, you won't lose out by buying the card.

• Use youth and student discounts.

If you have an international student card or an EYCA card, make sure to mention it when booking tickets. Discounts can be substantial.

• Don't overlook free museums.

Some of them are wonderful. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Rijksmuseum Schiphol: Exhibitions of 17th-century masterpieces from the Rijksmuseum collection at Schiphol Airport.
- Amsterdam City Archives: Photo exhibitions and film screenings about Dutch history in a former bank building with luxurious interiors.
- Collectie Six: Free tours of a private mansion with a historic collection of European paintings and artifacts. Members of this family were painted by Rembrandt. Advance registration is required.

• Don't miss free events in museums.

Here are just a few:
- Our Lord in the Attic (Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder): Free catholic mass in one of Amsterdam's best museums on the first Sunday of every month, except July and August, at 11:00 AM. Tip: Arrive early. Doors close at 11:00.
- GASSAN Diamond Factory: Daily free tours about the history of the diamond industry and diamond cutting. Great tours with no pressure to buy.
- De Pont Museum of Contemporary Art in Tilburg: Free entry on Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Museum Rotterdam: Free entry on the first Wednesday of the month.
You'll find more free events on the websites of specific museums.

• Enjoy Free Access Days.

In the Netherlands, there are days when thousands of mansions, castles, museums, mills, or private gardens across the country open for free:
- Open Monumentendag: The second weekend of September. You can find a long list of open monuments on the events website.
- National Mill Day (Nationale Molendag): Early May, dates may vary depending on the weather.
- Open Castle Day (Open Kasteeldag): May.
- Open Church Day (Open Kerkendag): May.
- Open Roofs Day (Dakendagen): Rotterdam, May.
- National Bunker Day (Nationale Bunkerdag): May.
- Open Tower Day (Open Toren Dag): Amsterdam, June.
- National Garden Week (Nationale Tuinweek): June.
- Open Atelier Days (Open Atelier Dagen / Open Workshop route): Various times in different cities.

These days are a perfect chance to explore unique places usually off-limits, and enjoy free museum entries, tours, and concerts.

• Visit art galleries.

On just one street in Amsterdam, Spiegelgracht, you can see works of Picasso, Kees van Dongen, Karel Appel, Roy Lichtenstein, Jeff Koons, Takashi Murakami, and other classics. In the Jordaan and along the canal ring, you'll find galleries with great selections of contemporary artists: Galerie Bart, Galerie Ron Mandos, Galerie Fontana, Galerie Fons Welters, The Merchant House, and many others. For conceptual design, visit @Droog Amsterdam; for something slightly less conceptual, check out The Frozen Fountain. You'll find equally great galleries in other cities too. And the best part? It's all free.
Bonus: almost all iconic art galleries are located in very picturesque neighborhoods, so you'll definitely enjoy the walk.

• Visit gardens and parks.

The Rijksmuseum garden regularly hosts exhibitions of iconic artists like Alexander Calder, Anish Kapoor, and Louise Bourgeois. See works by Auguste Rodin, Anthony Gormley, Pablo Picasso, and Paul McCarthy, street art murals, and very unique architecture on the Art Route Rotterdam. And it's all completely free.

• Explore streets as open-air museums.

Install a street art app and enjoy the art for free. We love using the Street Art Cities app. By the way, we also offer fun street art tours.

• Visit churches and monasteries.

Entry is often free, and you can stumble upon amazing things starting from contemporary art installations to bookshops, second hand markets, or concerts.
You can find all the free events in Amsterdam during your visit – from exhibitions to concerts and festivals – on the IAmsterdam website.

• Take a group tour.

Group tours are much more affordable than private ones. They help you get your bearings and learn the key points about the city and country.

• Join Free Walking Tours.

These tours are free, but tips are appreciated. You probably won't gain deep knowledge about the country or city, but you'll discover the best places to hang out, eat, and drink, hear many funny stories, and have a great time.

• Use audio guides.

Many Dutch museums offer excellent free audio guides for permanent and temporary exhibitions. For walking tours around Dutch cities, try using audio guides from VoiceMap or Rick Steves Audio Europe.

• Join other travelers on private tours.

Private tours provide you with more insight and unique experiences compared to group tours. Plus, the cost usually stays the same no matter how many people join. So the more people the cheaper it gets per person.

• Take a ferry, water taxi, or tram.

There are plenty of alternatives to the hop-on-hop-off tourist bus. For example:
- Amsterdam's tram route No. 2 is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. In Rotterdam, you can hop on trams No. 2, 4, 7, and 8.
- The view of Amsterdam from the ferry is wonderful and completely free.
- A short water taxi ride on the Maas River in Rotterdam or in Hoorn's harbor will cost you 5-7 euros.

• Don't miss free concerts and rehearsals.

Some theaters and concert halls regularly hold open rehearsals that you can visit for free:
- Het Concertgebouw: One of the best concert halls in the world known for its acoustics. Free half-hour concerts are held on Wednesdays at 12:30 PM from September to June. They also have discounts for people under 35.
- Muziekgebouw: Free "Lunchconcert" every Thursday at 12:30 PM.
- Bimhuis: Free jam sessions on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM.
- Vondelpark Open Air Theatre: Regular free concerts, theater shows, cabaret, and more in the summer.

• Use discounts.

Many theaters and concert halls offer discounts for students and seniors. You might also score unsold tickets at half-price a few hours before the show.

• Check out bar music programs.

Many bars host great live music concerts. Entry might cost 5-10 euros, but it's often free. However, you will need to order a drink. Check the bar's website for the program and prices. Here are some of our favorite places in Amsterdam for inspiration:
- Jazz bar Alto: Legendary bar with nightly Jazz concerts.
- The Waterhole: Iconic old-school club with nightly concerts from Rock and Funk to Pop and Jazz.
- Bourbon Street: Cozy Blues club.
- Maloe Melo: Another cozy old-school bar with Blues and Rock.
- Pllek: Modern beach bar with a chill vibe. You’ll find a mix of Afro, Soul, Funk, Disco, House, and Techno. You might catch a famous DJ or an open-air movie with a panoramic view of Amsterdam.

• Visit markets.

Standard souvenirs (T-shirts, magnets, mugs with Dutch symbols) are cheaper here than in tourist shops. Many vendors will give you a discount if you buy a lot, but only if you ask. Just don't haggle too insistently.

Tip: Flea markets can have unique gifts for really cheap.

• Consider buying local delicacies as gifts.

You can bring back not only standard souvenirs but also Dutch cheeses, waffles, fig bread, etc. Check out Albert Heijn and Hema stores, and farmers' markets.