Amsterdam is a party-oriented city known for the Flower Market, the Anne Frank House, and the Van Gogh Museum. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums, enjoying the nightlife, or taking in the beauty, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Amsterdam that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Amsterdam?
You should plan to spend around $224 (€206) per day on your vacation in Amsterdam. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
$82 (€75) on meals
$22 (€20) on local transportation
$222 (€204) on hotels
A one week trip to Amsterdam for two people costs, on average, $3,143 (€2,884). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Amsterdam cost?
A one week trip to Amsterdam usually costs around $1,571 (€1,442) for one person and $3,143 (€2,884) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Amsterdam on average costs around $3,143 (€2,884) for one person and $6,286 (€5,768) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Amsterdam will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Amsterdam on average costs around $6,735 (€6,180) for one person and $13,469 (€12,360) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Amsterdam expensive to visit?
Amsterdam is a well-known city with a fun international reputation. It draws in all kinds of travelers, making it a lively spot for those with varying budgets and styles. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
While Amsterdam can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as taking public transit and finding free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $89 (€82) per day, mid-range travelers spend $225 (€206) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $574 (€525) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Amsterdam.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Amsterdam is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Bath or Verona.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Amsterdam Expensive?
Amsterdam, Netherlands
How much money do I need for a trip to Amsterdam?
The average Amsterdam trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Amsterdam travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Amsterdam cost?
Amsterdam on a Budget
Category
Budget
Mid-Range
Luxury
Accommodation 1 For 1 person in double occupancy
$43
(€39)
$111
(€102)
$297
(€272)
Local Transportation 1
$8
(€7.72)
$22
(€20)
$56
(€51)
Food 2
$33
(€30)
$82
(€75)
$196
(€180)
Entertainment 1
$16
(€15)
$41
(€37)
$101
(€93)
Alcohol 2
$5-16 (€5-14)
$13-39 (€12-35)
$31-93
(€29-86)
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Amsterdam, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $89 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Luckily, there are plenty of hostels in Amsterdam, such as St Christopher's at The Winston, ClinkNOORD, and Flying Pig Downtown. Staying at these hostels means you can score affordable dorm lodging and a lively social vibe, but be prepared for basic amenities. Additionally, the city boasts excellent public transit, allowing budget travelers to evade costly taxi or Uber trips.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most visitors to Amsterdam will want to visit the Flower Market, the Anne Frank House, or the Van Gogh Museum. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $225 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Amsterdam. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Bed & Breakfast WestViolet is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Bed and Breakfast Amsterdam West is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Amsterdam here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $574 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the city with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Taxi Airport Transfer to or from Schiphol Airport - offered by Viator.
Amsterdam
Accommodation Budget in Amsterdam
The cost of hotels in Amsterdam can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $131, but the demand in peak summer season pushes that average to around $244. Budget hotels range from $76 to $455, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Amsterdam for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $222 (€204). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $111 (€102) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Accommodation1
Hotel or hostel for one person
$111
€102
Accommodation1
Typical double-occupancy room
$222
€204
Hotels in Amsterdam
Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Find the best hotel for your travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.
Actual Hotel Prices in Amsterdam
The average hotel room price in Amsterdam based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $131 in the low season and $244 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Amsterdam include:
Decor Canal House starting at $182
Bed Breakfast Boat starting at $118
Ambassade Hotel starting at $229
Prinsengracht 969 studio starting at $199
Banks Mansion - All Inclusive Hotel starting at $197
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, a large city, you'll discover a wealth of accommodation choices. From hostels like St Christopher's at The Winston to inviting vacation rentals and luxurious hotels, there's something to suit all preferences. Keep in mind that accommodations in the city center are usually more costly, but they offer convenient access to public transit and many tourist attractions.
While Amsterdam has an excellent public transit system that allows for staying farther from the city, cheaper accommodations could lead to more expensive and time-consuming commutes.
Spending up to a week in Amsterdam is common. If you're staying for a longer time, consider a vacation rental with a kitchen to prepare your own food.
By skipping summer and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Exploring Amsterdam on foot is popular among many, so consider staying in a central area. Just keep in mind that this might lead to higher prices.
The city's unique old town is a big attraction for tourists. Though hotels here can be more expensive, they often showcase a lot of character and are conveniently located for access to local sights.
Recommended Properties
Transportation Budget in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a vast city, so transportation is crucial, but thankfully, the public transit system here is excellent. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular. Public transit is the most economical choice, but taxis and rideshares are available if you need them.
If you love to explore on foot, you'll really enjoy your time in the city. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.
Public Transit:(excellent) Walkability:(excellent)
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
On average, past travelers have spent $22 (€20) per person, per day, on local transportation in Amsterdam. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Amsterdam is significantly more than public transportation.
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$22
€20
Transportation Tips
If you expect to travel via public transit frequently, multi-day passes can be a great way to cut costs.
Watch out for pickpockets while traveling on buses and trains and in the stations. Remember, Amsterdam is a bustling city.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
Private Transfer from Amsterdam to the Cruise Port in Rotterdam for $171 details
Private Minivan transfer to Rotterdam for $269 details
VIP Amsterdam Airport Departure Transfer for $69 details
Recommended Services
Flights to Amsterdam
How much does it cost to go to Amsterdam? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
Rental Cars in Amsterdam
The price of renting a car in Amsterdam will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
What did other people spend on Transportation in Amsterdam?
Listed below are some transit expenses in Amsterdam, taken from reports by other travelers. These costs offer a snapshot of transportation prices in the city to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that your costs may differ, especially if you opt for more expensive options like taxis, which typically cost more than public transportation.
Ride on Tram
€3.20
Renting a Bike
€15
One Hour Canal Cruise
€10
Single Day Transit Pass
€2.60
Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
€3.40
Food Budget in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, you won't find a wide variety of dining options, and the quality leaves much to be desired. It's better to reserve your funds for activities that are more engaging. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
While restaurant and meal prices in Amsterdam can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Amsterdam is $82 (€75) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
Food2
Meals for one day
$82
€75
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Amsterdam is around $82 (€75) per person, with previous travelers spending from $33 to $197. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Amsterdam are as follows:
Breakfast: $8 to $25
Lunch: $12 to $33
Dinner: $25 to $58
Coffee: $7
Fast Food or Street Food: $12
Restaurants can be quite expensive in Amsterdam. If you're on a tight budget, the many Asian restaurants around town may be your best bet. In particular, Indonesian food is quite popular and very good. Most of the Asian restaurants are found in Nieuwmarkt at the Zeedijk, which has been called Amsterdam's Chinatown. Damstraat has many smaller and affordable ethnic restaurants that are usually Chinese or Middle Eastern.
In the touristy areas of the city center you will pay a premium for lower quality food, so these are best avoided. There are also many supermarkets around town where you can pick up local cheese, bread, fruits and meat and enjoy a picnic by the canals. Head to Albert Cuyp market, Dappermarket, or any of the local cheese shops for the best cheeses. Ossenworst is a popular sausage that is originally from Amsterdam. A herring sandwich is also a local favorite and can be bought at the fish stand near the Flower Market.
Food & Dining Tips
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
By packing a picnic, you can enjoy the scenery and save money. Visit a local grocery store or market, select some fresh food, and find a lovely park or scenic spot for your meal.
Fill up a water bottle rather than buying drinks every chance you get. It's also kinder to the earth.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Amsterdam. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner for $84 details
#1 Food Tour in Jordaan & West: eat & enjoy with a local guide for $91 details
3-course Dutch Dinner in Canal House Overlooking River Amstel for $98 details
Recommended
What did other people spend on food and dining in Amsterdam?
Food and meal prices in Amsterdam, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
Afternoon Tea
€6.00
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Amsterdam
It's evident that Amsterdam is a hotspot for tourists, largely due to its nightlife, music, budget-friendly accommodations, and museums and attractions.
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Amsterdam typically cost an average of $41 (€37) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$41
€37
Some of the most popular sights include:
The Flower Market (Free)
The Anne Frank House for €16
The Van Gogh Museum for €20
The Rijksmuseum for €22.50
Dam Square (Free)
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam for €13
The Oude Kerk for €13.50
The Heineken Experience for €35
ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo for €30
ARTIS Micropia for €6
The National Maritime Museum for €17.50
The NEMO Science Museum for €17.50
Vondelpark (Free)
Visiting Amsterdam is all about the atmosphere, but there are also many famous sights that are worth checking out. These include the many bridges and canals. Make a point of just wandering around town and enjoying the unique feel. Magere Brug is the best example of the traditional white draw bridges of the area.
Also notable in Amsterdam is the many religious sights. The Esnoga is the most famous synagogue and there are many churches including Oude Kerk, Nieuwe Kerk Zuiderkerk, Noorderkerk, and Westerkerk. Popular museums include the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Nieuw Dakota. If you plan on visiting many of the city's museums, a museum card may be beneficial. This will allow you access to over 400 museums throughout the country. If you want to enjoy a picnic outside, head to the popular park, Vondelpark, in the southern area of the central city. Amsterdam's Red Light District is also a popular tourist sight.
Canal Cruises in Amsterdam are a popular tourist activity. There are a handful of companies that run cruises throughout the city center.
Popular festivals in town include King's Day, which is the national holiday on April 27th. The whole city shows up in orange and there are flea markets, bands, and vendors throughout the city. The Tulip festival in May is popular outside of town in Noordoostpolder and the Holland Festival is a performing arts festival in June that is world renowned. The Amsterdam Light Festival is a great way to celebrate the holidays in December.
Museums and Attractions: Amsterdam is famous for its world-class museums and historic sites. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.
Music:
In Amsterdam, you'll find a popular music scene that brings people together. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.
Historical Sights: Many people come to experience the charm of the historic old town. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.
Shopping: Experiencing the shopping here is an opportunity you shouldn't pass by. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.
A nice way to explore destinations in Amsterdam is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
Private Boat Tour Amsterdam - 90 Min incl. Welcome drink on historic saloon boat for $236 details
Amsterdam Highlights: 60-Minute Canal Cruise for $89 details
Dutch Pancake City Centre Canal Cruise for $32 details
Recommended Activities
What did other people spend on sightseeing in Amsterdam?
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Amsterdam, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
€6.00
Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
€17
Nightlife Budget in Amsterdam
People travel from far and wide to enjoy the world-class nightlife that Amsterdam has to offer. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average person spends about $26 (€24) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Amsterdam per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$26
€24
Nightlife Tips
Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.
While enjoying a night out, remember to stay alert. If you're drinking, you might become an easy target for thieves, so it's best to stay with friends you trust.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Amsterdam. A few favorites from other travelers include:
Amsterdam Private Pub Crawl in the City Center for $27 details
Amsterdam Craft Beer Brewery Tour by Bus with Tastings for $70 details
Beerbrewery tour in old Church to taste the best local beers. For $269 details
Recommended
Budgeting and Travel Tips for Amsterdam
Look for free activities to help you save money. A few of the most popular include:
The Flower Market
Dam Square
Vondelpark
The Jordaan Neighborhood
West Church
Westerpark
Peak summer season brings higher prices and more people to the city. To avoid the chaos and save some money, consider a trip during the shoulder or low seasons.
In Amsterdam, which is quite expansive, you can find diverse price ranges for hotels, food, and activities. To keep your expenses in check, shop around, book ahead, and enjoy the free attractions available.
Enjoying a more leisurely travel pace can not only enhance your experience but also save you money as you soak in the area's beauty. If you rush through every day packed with activities, your spending will add up. On the flip side, a slower pace often means a lighter budget.
Budgeting Challenges
Bringing young children along on your travels? You might want to consider a private vehicle or taxi. It can often save you from the headache of public transit, although it may cost a bit extra.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers
We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Amsterdam.
What makes Amsterdam a budget-friendly destination? Or not?
We have a hard time saving money in Amsterdam because many of the hostels aren't really our style and the restaurants are very expensive.
pene_g_156
-
Jun 30 2023
How can you save money during your time in Amsterdam?
Almost all of the restaurants charge for water, so carry a water bottle with you everywhere. Many restaurants are also overpriced, so try to get outside of the touristy areas so you don't have to pay too much.
Claire
-
Apr 13 2024
Amsterdam is crazy expensive in so many ways. The restaurants are expensive and hotels are also at a premium. The best way to save a bit of cash is to visit during the low season.
on_the_road
-
Oct 1 2023
Food and restaurants were expensive so I ended up eating at a lot of street food and fast food type of places away from the main tourist areas. I went into the residential areas around Westerpark for more of the local restaurants.
brett
-
Jul 15 2023
Are you an experienced traveler? Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels.
Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
A visit to Amsterdam often includes at least one side trip into the countryside. A visit to a small town outside of the city will let travelers see the tulips (when in season), visit the windmills so popular in the Netherlands, and explore the local communities that are so friendly and welcoming. These small towns are a great where to see more of the Netherlands than just Amsterdam.
Neighborhoods & Around
Visitors to Amsterdam most often come to see the city's Old Centre. This medieval center has the most interesting and traditional architecture, the largest number of canals, plenty of shopping opportunities, and a good number of Amsterdam's infamous coffeeshops. The very center of this neighborhood is Dam Square, but other interesting parts are Nieuwmarkt, Spui, and, of course, the Red Light District.
Another interesting neighborhood is the wealthy Canal Ring. This neighborhood is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has several celebrity residents. This is also a neighborhood to visit if you're looking for good nightlife.
Other interesting, but less visited neighborhoods include Jordaan, where there are many local art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques, Plantage, where you'll find the highest concentration of museums, and in the South you'll find museums, the Albert Cuyp Market, and affordable accommodation.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis. 2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.
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Amsterdam is famous for its world-class museums and historic sites. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.
Many people come to experience the charm of the historic old town. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.
Experiencing the shopping here is an opportunity you shouldn't pass by. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
We have a hard time saving money in Amsterdam because many of the hostels aren't really our style and the restaurants are very expensive.