What budget to travel Amsterdam? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Amsterdam?

Online reservations often save €1 per ticket. Major museums often cost around €18 to €20.

The Iamsterdam City Card is worthwhile if you want to visit many museums and attractions. Discounts are available for students and senior citizens, and minors are often admitted free of charge. This card, which gives access to many attractions and museums, also includes access to public transport (€60 per 24h, €85 per 48h, etc.).

Cycling is the perfect way to get some exercise while exploring the city! The city's large parks are the perfect place to go for a run. Amsterdam has several beautiful swimming pools that are well worth a visit. If you want to experience the joys of ice skating, head to the Jaap Edenhal or the Museumplein ice rink during the winter months.

In general, prices are on a par with those in France. Amsterdam is a city where second-hand clothing is king, and we recommend visiting the many second-hand shops. The Noordermarkt market, which celebrates fripe on Mondays, is a must. As the main event is St. Nicholas' Day on December 5, bargain prices are often applied the very next day, which is a great bargain for Christmas shopping!

Unfortunately, clubbing is becoming increasingly expensive in the Netherlands. For the cinema, early-bird rates are sometimes available. Senior citizens benefit from special rates. Credit cards are often not accepted and a debit card must be used. Tickets sold online are cheaper than at the box office. Think about it.

What budget to eat Amsterdam?

The restaurant sector has been experiencing constant inflation over the last ten years, and it will be difficult to find a 3-course menu for less than €40. Wine is more expensive than in France, so the bill can quickly mount up. A good idea is to eat at the fish stalls at lunchtime to lighten the bill. Note that bread is never served at the table, except in gourmet restaurants. Tap water is excellent, and only some obtuse restaurants will refuse to serve it. Some restaurants, but fewer and fewer, only accept cash or debit cards.

Some tourist bars offer happy hours, but this is rarely a good sign... As a general rule, beers here are not very expensive, often around €3, more in trendy places.

What is the budget for accommodation Amsterdam?

The earlier you book, the greater the offer and the more varied the prices. In summer, a bed in a dormitory will cost you up to €40, while a single room for €70 is already a good deal. In the low season, however, prices can drop by up to 30%. In any case, it is advisable to make reservations well in advance. If you choose a youth hostel, remember to check if there is a locked locker for your luggage, which will otherwise not be safe... Think about the business hotels, which are sometimes deserted at weekends. Some youth hostels have double rooms which are perfect without having the prices of the so-called classic hotels.

Travel budget Amsterdam and cost of living

In recent years, the country has experienced inflation, particularly in the restaurant and hotel sectors. The cost of living is comparable to Paris, but hotels are more expensive than in France. Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are generally fairly inexpensive. Cheap accommodation will be around €40 per night in a hostel, an inexpensive lunch (a basic sandwich and a drink) at €15 and a reasonably priced dinner at around €30 without drinks. Cultural outings are just as expensive (if not more so) than in France. You'll need around €85 a day to enjoy the city without depriving yourself, and over €140 for a more luxurious diet. These budgets include museum visits, transport and/or bike hire and a minimum of food, and will enable you to enjoy your stay in good conditions. Officially, service is included in the price of services, but it's a good idea to leave a tip in cafés, restaurants and with cab drivers. 10% of the price is a good guideline. It would be in very bad taste to be stingy after a meal in a quality restaurant, but it's also a good idea to round off the payment for your coffee or beer. There's not much haggling in the Netherlands, and it's only at flea markets or at certain markets (stalls where prices are not indicated, never on food) that you can haggle.

All prices are inclusive of VAT. Only some hotels add a tourist tax per night. For Amsterdam, the tourist tax is 7%, and since January¹, 2020 a fixed supplement of €3 per person over 16 per night has been added. This tax will rise to 12.50% on January¹, 2024.