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Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. People often say it’s quite costly to travel here, but is it true? Is Amsterdam expensive?
(Guide updated on December/2023)
Amsterdam is famous for its quirky houses, stunning canals, incredible museums and nightlife. It’s a city full of surprises and excitement, and it’s truly a travel destination for every type of traveler imaginable.
Being such a famous travel destination, planning a trip to Amsterdam starts with a few questions: what to do in Amsterdam? Is Amsterdam expensive? Can I plan my Amsterdam trip cost before getting there?
The answer to the first question you will find in our guide to things to do in Amsterdam in winter, which you can also adapt for summer.
For the other questions keep reading because this post is all about how expensive Amsterdam is, daily costs, how to plan your travel budget and how to save. Rest assured I know enough to share this info and tips with you.
How much does it cost to travel to Amsterdam?
Well, it’s hard to have a one-size-fits-all answer as it depends on many factors: the type of traveler you are, how long you plan to stay, what attractions you will visit and more.
However, with this post, you can get a clear idea of an estimated Amsterdam trip cost, so you can manage your budget while exploring this incredible and unique city.
Before diving into Amsterdam prices let me answer two essential questions.
Is Amsterdam expensive to travel to? Yes, Amsterdam is expensive to visit, but there are ways to save and make your money last longer.
Can you travel to Amsterdam on a budget? Yes, but bear in mind that you will need to plan ahead and be flexible with your choices to find the best deals.
On the other hand, if money is not a problem, then the sky’s the limit for your Amsterdam travel budget and fun!
Read all our posts and guides about The Netherlands here!
Let’s start our Amsterdam travel cost guide!
You will find below a breakdown of costs, from hotel prices, transportation, attractions, food and drinks. And our first topic is flights and how much it costs to go to Amsterdam.
Flight to Amsterdam costs and tips to save
How much does it cost to fly to Amsterdam?
Flights to Amsterdam are relatively cheap from within Europe. Since Amsterdam is home to one of the largest and most popular airports in Europe – Schiphol Airport, the cost of flights to Amsterdam can be as little as 10€. These rare finds are usually with RyanAir.
If you have flexible dates, travel hand luggage only, and choose one of the many low-cost airlines flying to Amsterdam, you can save a lot. You can find flights from European destinations to Amsterdam for 50€ to 150€.
Another option is to travel to Amsterdam by train. The Dutch rail system works very well and Amsterdam is super well connected. It might not be the cheapest way to travel to Amsterdam, but for sure is more comfortable and enjoyable than a low-cost flight.
Check the prices and timetable for buses and trains to Amsterdam on OMIO, Bookaway or 12Go.
For those traveling overseas, your Amsterdam flight cost can vary according to your point of embarkation, dates and airline.
We can say that roughly a long-haul flight to Amsterdam costs around 400€ – 500€ return. Again, having flexible dates can help you find a better deal.
To find the cheapest flights to Amsterdam we recommend using Skyscanner.
Keep in mind that Amsterdam flight prices vary according to the seasons, with June being the most popular month. If you want to save, the cheapest time to travel to Amsterdam is during shoulder seasons, like February or September.
Travel Advice:
Don’t forget your Travel Insurance! You don’t want anything to ruin your trip, right? So don’t take the risk! Reliable travel insurance can help you in case of travel issues, from accidents to health problems, travel delays, and lost luggage.
There are many insurances in the market, our picks are HeyMondo and SafetyWing. We used both and always had a good experience. Click on the insurance names to get a quote.
Amsterdam Accommodation Costs
Amsterdam hotels can cost a lot, but there are also options for more budget friendly stays. One thing is true, there isn’t really cheap accommodation in Amsterdam, even the budget options or hostels are still a bit expensive compared with other cities in Europe.
If you are looking for a luxury stay and Amsterdam’s high hotel prices don’t bother you, then you will love this city.
We divided our guide to Amsterdam hotel prices by categories. Below you can find the average prices for luxury and budget hotels, Airbnb and hostels. Plus tips for finding the perfect 5-star room or deciding where to stay in Amsterdam on a budget.
Amsterdam hotels price
Amsterdam is a very popular tourist destination, which means accommodation prices are often inflated. Hotels in Amsterdam city center are upwards of 150€ per night. However, when you stay in the city center you are closer to all the attractions and save more on transportation costs.
Here are two options for luxury hotels in Amsterdam city center:
If excellent service in a prime location is what you are looking for, then this 5-star hotel is for you. Right in the heart of the city, this newly opened hotel offers spacious suites featuring exclusive details,
such as climate control, soundproof windows and doors, luxury minibar, coffee maker, wine cooler, steam shower and bubble bath. The on-site restaurant Bougainville has been awarded a Michelin star, their bar offers a probiotic cocktail menu and there is a 24-hour room service menu available for guests. Complimentary high-speed WiFi is available throughout the entire building and you are allowed to bring your pet and will be able to count on babysitting services.
W Amsterdam is located in the city center and has a lot to offer its guests. This 5-star hotel has 2 swimming pools, including a heated rooftop one, free WiFi throughout the property, spa and wellness center, bars and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Your pets are welcome, the beds are extremely comfortable, the staff is amazing and breakfast is super yummy according to guest reviews. The hotel is considered an edgy design spot that turns tradition upside down.
For those looking for budget accommodation in Amsterdam, our tip is to look for hotels outside the city center, or even in cities nearby that are much cheaper. Consider staying in Zaandam or another close town if you are seeking a hotel at a cheaper price.
Here are two options for Amsterdam budget hotels at the city center:
This eco-friendly 3-star hotel in Amsterdam features stylish, sustainable rooms in an excellent location. Conscious Hotel offers rental bikes, a vibrant in-house bar, private parking, free WiFi access throughout the property.
This sustainable and innovative hotel is Green Key Gold certified and serves a 100% organic breakfast buffet every day. Several restaurants and a gym are located just outside the hotel.
This 3-star hotel in Amsterdam offers boutique-style rooms, an elegant bar, free Wi-Fi, parking and shuttle services in the scenic and peaceful Grachtengordel-West district.
Rooms have air conditioning, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and a bathtub (in some units). You can’t go wrong with a lovely hotel, in a great location and very friendly staff.
Amsterdam Airbnb prices
Airbnb is very limited in Amsterdam. This is because, by law, people are only allowed to Airbnb their house for one month of the entire year, which is strictly enforced.
This is done because the city was letting in too many tourists, and with hotels the number of tourists can be regulated but with Airbnb there were too many accommodation options, which result in too many tourists.
Amsterdam Airbnb price ranges from 100€+ a night. If you are looking for a very unique place to stay in Amsterdam opt for a houseboat Airbnb.
Amsterdam hostels prices
Hostels are typically a more low-cost accommodation option and this is true in Amsterdam, but the prices are not as low as you’d expect.
If you book a hostel in Amsterdam city center, you can expect to pay around 50€ for a bed a night. Accommodation is one of the highest costs you will have in the city and it shows in all options of accommodation.
Here are two great options for Amsterdam budget hostels:
In an excellent location, with friendly staff and very comfortable beds, this hostel is located in the center of Amsterdam.
The property offers its guests an onsite bar, a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi, games, a well-equipped shared kitchen and a terrace.
Each dormitory room has its bathroom and the private rooms come with a TV, a refrigerator and a private bathroom. A yummy continental buffet breakfast is available every morning and there is a wide variety of cafes and restaurants in the surroundings of the hostel.
Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam overlooks Vondelpark providing a beautiful view of the green surroundings. The hostel offers free WiFi throughout the building, bike hire, 24-hour front desk, breakfast and at the end of a busy day, guests can relax and have a drink or a snack at its restaurant and bar.
You can choose between bunk beds in shared dormitories or your own private rooms, all of them have their own bathroom and lockers. Near the hostel, within walking distance, guests will find plenty of bars and restaurants.
It doesn’t matter how much money you are planning to spend in Amsterdam, finding the perfect place to stay is not an easy task. Read our Accommodation Guide (here) for more tips on how to choose the best hotel for your trip and budget.
Amsterdam transportation cost – how to get around
Although most Amsterdam attractions are relatively close to each other, and exploring the streets and canals is part of the experience, you might need to use public transportation to save time or go to lesser-known places.
Amsterdam public transportation prices
Public transport is one of the most common ways of getting around Amsterdam. The city, and all of the Netherlands, has a very reliable, clean and safe transportation system that can get you around very easily.
You can use the same ticket for metro, tram and bus. A GVB (metro, tram, bus) ticket costs 3.20€ for an hour, or you can buy an Amsterdam daily ticket for 8€. You can also get 2 to 7 days tickets at varying prices, a good option if you are planning to stay longer.
A great way to save money on public transportation and sightseeing is to buy the I Amsterdam Card.
They have cards from 24 hours up to 5 days and if you plan to visit more than 3 attractions in Amsterdam and use public transportation within the city, the investment on the card is worth it.
They have city cards from 24 hours up to 5 days.
Amsterdam taxi cost
Let’s talk about Amsterdam taxi prices. Uber and taxis in Amsterdam cost quite a lot and should be avoided. A taxi from Amsterdam airport costs 80€ while the train costs only €5.
Uber is less expensive than taxis, but if you want to get around by car you should consider using Bolt which is the cheapest car ride-sharing app in Amsterdam.
Cost of renting a bike in Amsterdam
Renting a bike in Amsterdam can be great fun and also a way to save on transportation. Biking is the most popular way to get around Amsterdam and even the cheapest. Amsterdam bike rental prices are between €8 – €10 per day.
When cycling in Amsterdam be careful, although the price of renting a bike in Amsterdam fits almost every budget, cycling there is not for everyone.
If you are not aware of cycling rules and not confident enough, the experience might not be the best one.
Here is a link to the best cycling tours in Amsterdam for those who want to cycle and visit some of Amsterdam top attractions. Book in advance and you can start planning your Amsterdam budget before arriving there.
Costs of train traveling or driving in Amsterdam
In case you are planning to travel nearby or use the rail system, keep in mind that Amsterdam train ticket prices start at 2.50€ for short trips and upwards to 25€ for long trips.
For example, if you decide to go on a day trip to Rotterdam, to get from Amsterdam to Rotterdam by train costs around 17€ each way.
If you are not worried about your Amsterdam transportation cost, then renting a car and driving into the Netherlands can be an option, but a quite pricey one, mainly because of parking.
Parking for one day costs upwards of 25€. Plus, finding parking spots takes some searching on the tiny, narrow streets. To rent a car in Amsterdam use RentalCars.com to find the best deals.
Cost of tourist attractions in Amsterdam
There are many things to do in Amsterdam and the city is packed with tourist attractions on every corner. From museums to bars to famous streets, there is so much to discover and see.
Is Amsterdam expensive to visit? Yes, the attractions can weigh a lot on your travel budget, but it depends on what you choose to see and do.
With so many options, it’s hard to calculate exactly how much a trip to Amsterdam costs or how much you can/ will spend on attractions and experiences.
Below are some of the prices for museums, activities and day trips from Amsterdam, so you can organize your itinerary and budget.
Amsterdam museums prices
There are a ton of different museums in Amsterdam, all ranging in different prices. The most popular ones are the Anne Frank House which costs 14€, the Rijksmuseum which costs 21€, and The Van Gogh Museum also 21€.
These three museums cost a fair amount but they are extremely special to the city. And you must buy your tickets online and in advance, the queues to buy the ticket at the museums are huge and you will spend hours waiting.
The Anne Frank House tells the story of a young Jewish girl hiding in an attic in Amsterdam during WW2. This museum brings you through the house she was hiding in and tells her compelling story.
To know more about Anne Frank you can book a walking tour with GetYourGuide for 28.50€. Book your Life of Anne Frank and World War II walking tour here.
The Rijksmuseum is one of the Netherlands’ most famous and largest museums with artifacts and exhibits dating back hundreds of years. The Van Gogh Museum is a museum full of the works of the famous Vincent Van Gogh.
Other two popular attractions in Amsterdam are the Heineken Experience and a boat tour through the Amsterdam canals.
Many of these museums and attractions we mentioned are included on the I Amsterdam Card we talked on the transportation section. As I said, it’s worth buying if you want to visit the city.
We are just scratching the surface here, the list of what to do in Amsterdam is big. My recommendation is to read our Amsterdam Guide (here) and choose your favorite attractions and places to visit.
If you are traveling to Amsterdam on a budget, a good option is to join one of the many free walking tours available in the city. Many companies offer free tours in Amsterdam’s city center, Red Light district, and even food tours.
You can search online and choose the one you like the most. You are expected to leave a tip for your guide, most travelers pay between 5€ to 15€.
Day trips from Amsterdam – prices and ideas
Going on a day trip from Amsterdam is one of the most popular things to do. The Netherlands is quite small and getting from city to city is very easy and the journeys are definitely worth it.
The cost of a day trip from Amsterdam depends on where you go (the further the distance, the more it costs). As we mentioned before, a train trip can cost anywhere from 2.50€ to 25.50€.
Some of Amsterdam’s best day trips are Muiderslot Castle, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Haarlem, The Hague, and Gouda.
Eating and drinking – Amsterdam food prices
Eating out in Amsterdam is expensive.
Restaurants know there are tourists around and charge a premium for meals in the city center. Although Amsterdam food and drink prices can be a bit hard to digest, the options are endless.
The rule is: as fancier as it gets, or closer to touristy areas more expensive the restaurant will be.
How expensive is Amsterdam food? It can be really expensive or reasonably cheap.
If you choose to dine & wine in a nice restaurant, expect to pay 50€ plus per person. In a mid-range restaurant, you can eat well and spend around 20€ to 30€ for a meal.
And of course, there are plenty of cheap places to eat in Amsterdam. Most of them will serve sandwiches, pizza, falafels, kebabs, burgers and hot dogs, basically street food.
For those looking for cheap food in Amsterdam expect to pay 10€ or a bit more for a meal deal with food and drink, if you are being very frugal with your choices.
Although the cost of food in Amsterdam is a bit higher compared to other European cities, you usually can get decent and tasty food even from simple restaurants or street food places.
What is the average price of alcohol in Amsterdam? Well, Amsterdam drink prices will vary according to where you are buying them.
If you want to save, grab a beer at a supermarket and enjoy it by a canal. Amsterdam beer prices can start at 1€ (markets) and go up to 6€ at bars and restaurants. You would pay the same for a glass of wine.
Nightlife – Is Amsterdam expensive for parting?
Amsterdam is a paradise for party-goers. The city has many clubs, bars and venues for any musical taste.
Keep in mind that partying and traveling in Amsterdam is an amazing but expensive combination. Some clubs charge an average fee of 5€. This paired with drinks, where a beer costs around 4 euros and a wine 7, can add up quite a lot to your Amsterdam trip cost.
Is Amsterdam expensive for you? Let’s find out!
Based on all the Amsterdam costs we’ve shared, you can have an idea of how much you can spend there. So here is the sum of the costs of traveling in Amsterdam per day on AVERAGE:
Amsterdam’s Average Daily Budget
- Amsterdam transportation cost (public transport): 7€ per day, per person
- Amsterdam accommodation cost: 75 € per day, per person
- Amsterdam attractions cost: 20€ per day, per person
- Amsterdam food & drinks cost: 45€ for 3 meals a day, per person
Amsterdam trip costs – daily average
These costs combined equal to an Amsterdam daily budget of 150€ per person. This can be an indicator of how to travel cheaply in Amsterdam.
Of course, if you are savvy, you can always manage to save a bit more and reduce your Amsterdam trip budget. For travelers who are not worried about spending, their cost to travel to Amsterdam can be way higher.
So, is Amsterdam expensive for you?
We hope this guide about Amsterdam’s travel prices helps you plan your Amsterdam trip costs. But above all, you can enjoy this incredible city and make memories for life despite your budget.
For more tips on how to plan your perfect vacation in Amsterdam and anywhere in the world, read our Travel Planning page.
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Author: Samantha Karen
Samantha is the founder of the travel blog Sam Sees World. She is a twenty-something traveler on a mission to explore the world to seek the new and unknown so she can document her experiences and inspire others to explore this wondrous world. Follow Samantha’s Instagram and Pinterest.
Samantha Karen is the founder of the travel blog Sam Sees World. She is a twenty-something traveler on a mission to explore the world to seek the new and unknown so she can document her experiences and inspire others to explore this wondrous world. Her objective is to learn about the world while also searching for her place in it. Check out Sam Sees World for valuable information on the best things to do, see, eat, and experience while traveling and making memories along the way. Follow Samantha’s Instagram and Pinterest.
