Costs & Budget
The Netherlands is not a bargain destination — prices are significantly above the European average, especially in Amsterdam. But with some planning, you can travel well on a smaller budget.
Budget Overview per Person/Day
| Category | Budget (€) | Mid-range (€) | Comfort (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 25–45 (Hostel/Camping) | 80–150 (3★ Hotel/Apartment) | 180–350+ (4–5★ Hotel/Boutique) |
| Food | 20–30 (Market, Snacks, Self-catering) | 40–70 (Restaurants) | 80–150+ (Fine Dining) |
| Transport | 10–15 (OV-Chipkaart, Bicycle) | 15–30 (Trains, Tram) | 40–80 (Rental Car, Taxi) |
| Activities | 10–15 (Parks, Markets, Walks) | 20–40 (Museums, Boat Tour) | 50–100 (Guided Tours, Keukenhof) |
| Total/Day | approx. 70–100 € | approx. 155–290 € | approx. 350–680 € |
Money-Saving Tips
- Museumkaart — For 65 € (annual ticket!) access to over 400 museums in the Netherlands. Worth it from 4–5 museums. Order online or buy at the counter.
- I amsterdam City Card — From 65 € (24h) including many museums, canal cruise, and public transport. Ideal for first-time visitors wanting to see a lot in a short time.
- Bicycle instead of public transport — Rental bikes from 10 €/day, OV-Fiets (at every station, 4.55 €/24h with OV-Chipkaart). Often faster than the tram in Amsterdam.
- Albert Heijn and Jumbo — The major supermarkets are affordable. Ready-made sandwiches (broodjes) from 2.50 €, salads from 3 €. HEMA branches offer surprisingly good, cheap food.
- Free Highlights — Vondelpark, canal walks, Albert Cuyp Market, exploring the Jordaan district, Scheveningen Beach, Kinderdijk surroundings (outside) — much costs nothing.
Achtung
Amsterdam is expensive — especially accommodations in the center. A double room in a simple hotel can quickly cost 150–250 € per night in high season. Alternative: Stay in Haarlem (15 min. by train), Leiden, or Utrecht and commute to Amsterdam by train — much cheaper and just as charming.
