Amsterdam Trip Cost Calculator

Your Amsterdam Budget at a Glance

Amsterdam has a reputation as an expensive city, but smart travelers can experience its canals, museums, and cycling culture affordably. Budget travelers can manage on $90-150 per day, mid-range travelers should expect $180-300 per day, and luxury seekers will spend $400+ per day.

Where Your Money Goes

Accommodation is Amsterdam’s biggest expense, especially during peak season when hostel dorms can hit €50-60. The good news: transport costs are low since biking is free once you rent, and food can be surprisingly affordable if you embrace Indonesian cuisine and market eating.

Budget Traveler Tips

Maximize your euros by:

• Staying in hostels in Noord (free ferry to center) or Oost neighborhoods
• Renting a bike instead of buying transit passes
• Eating Indonesian rijsttafel, market food, and supermarket meals
• Booking the Anne Frank House exactly 6 weeks ahead (it’s free to book)
• Using the free ferry to Noord for a mini canal cruise

Worth the Splurge

Even budget travelers should consider:

• One proper rijsttafel dinner (the full 12-20 dish experience)
• Skip-the-line timed entry at the Van Gogh Museum
• A canal-side terrace drink at sunset in Jordaan

Best Time to Visit for Value

November through mid-December and January through February offer the lowest prices. The weather is cold and grey, but museums are empty and hotels are half-price. Mid-week visits are always cheaper than weekends.

Avoid these expensive periods:

• King’s Day (April 27) - city goes orange and prices triple
• Tulip season (mid-March to May) - everyone wants Keukenhof
• Pride Week (late July) and New Year’s Eve - major party events
• Summer school holidays (July-August)

Practical Money Tips

Tipping Culture

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Round up taxi fares, leave €1-2 at cafés, and tip 5-10% at restaurants if service was good. Service charge is usually included - check your bill.

Paying for Things

The Netherlands is nearly cashless. Cards accepted everywhere, contactless is standard. Some markets prefer cash. ATMs (geldautomaat) charge €3-5 for non-EU cards.

Tap Water

Amsterdam’s tap water is excellent - among the best in Europe. Ask for “kraanwater” at restaurants to get free tap water.

Getting There & Around

From Schiphol Airport

Schiphol is well-connected to the city center (20 minutes):

• Train: €5.90 one-way, runs 24/7 (night trains less frequent)
• Bus 397: €6.50 to Leidseplein and Museumplein
• Taxi/Uber: €45-55 fixed rate to center

Getting Around

Amsterdam is small and flat - perfect for biking:

• Bike: €12-15/day rental. Best way to see the city
• Tram/Metro: €9 day pass, €3.40 single ticket
• Walking: Most of the center is walkable in 30-45 minutes
• Canal Cruise: Not transport, but great for orientation (€18-25)