Amsterdam is certainly not the most dear city Europe, but not the cheapest. Somewhere in Italy or Spain you can pay much more for everyday items than in Amsterdam. But even here it is quite easy to fly into a pretty penny. In order to keep an already small travel budget without driving yourself into a rigid framework, he offers 9 ways to save money in the capital of the Netherlands.
1. Go to markets instead of shops.
This applies to food, clothing, souvenirs, books and even wine!
Swap meet Waterlooplein open daily (except Sunday) until 17:00. Here you can buy exclusive souvenirs that the store will not offer you! Nieuwmarkt and Noorderkerk- open only on weekends, here you can skimp on organic produce and local delicacies. Besides, Noorderkerk turns into a vintage clothing market on Mondays... In the markets Dappermarkt and Albert Cuyp sell food, flowers, fresh fish, clothing, souvenirs and more.
2. Purchase a multiple-entry tram ticket.
Instead of buying a tram ticket each time 2.80 €, consider an option that provides unlimited access to one, two, three or seven days.
For example, if you plan to use the tram three or more times during the day, 24-hour ticket for € 7.50... In this way, you will not only save money, but also energy. After all, walking all day is not so easy. A 48-hour ticket will cost you € 12, € 72 - € 16.50 and a weekly ticket for € 32... Tickets can sometimes be purchased in the tram itself, but it is better to buy them in the metro area under central station Amsterdam at special machines or a ticket office.
3. Don't buy audio guides from museums.
Most of the descriptions of works and biographies of authors in museums indicated by the paintings themselves are Dutch and English. Free brochures are also available at Dutch and English language, so before buying an audio guide.
Usually with these two artifacts you will recognize no less than with headphones. The only museum where an audio guide can be helpful is van gogh museum, but in the central Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk you can easily do without them.
4. Enjoy local pastries for breakfast.
Breakfast in Amsterdam is very discreet, usually with pastries and a glass of orange juice or a cup of coffee.
In most hotels and hostels breakfast is included in the price and you can get tea or coffee with toast or cereal. But if you are not provided with breakfast at the place of residence, we do not advise you just waking up to rush to a cafe or order breakfast at the hotel. Better go to the nearest bakery. Such establishments are located at almost every intersection in Amsterdam, so you will definitely find something nearby.
Usually, bakeries offer fresh, hot baked goods at a very reasonable price, cheaper than cafes.
5. Don't buy water outside.
There are many kiosks, souvenir shops and outdoor terraces of restaurants in the city center where you can buy some water. But a bottle of ordinary mineral water will cost you here 2,50 € ... It is better stock up on water in the supermarket and take it with you to the restaurant.
Amsterdam is sorely lacking drinking water in the center, for example, drinking fountains, so traders often unjustifiably raise the price of this product.
6. The further from the center, the cheaper.
Hotels outside the city center are generally newer, renovated and slightly larger than hotels in the Red Light District and around Dam Square.
Of course, you can catch a hot offer and settle right in the heart of the city, but such stocks are sold out very quickly. Therefore, we advise you to settle somewhere far away, so you can book a bed in the hostel just for 6 € also with breakfast... And when paired with a multiple tram ticket, it becomes a winning combination.
7. Avoid Argentine restaurants.
You will see them all over the city, but in fact there is no Dutchman in them.
Argentinean meat restaurants are here for tourists only... Most offer daily special steak menus with fries for about 12-15 € ... Not too expensive, but rather unreasonable. Moreover, you will not be limited to one menu, the waiter will certainly persuade you to drink coffee or order a salad and thus you will spend a lot more.
Usually in such establishments on the street there are “barkers” who shout to you from afar about low prices and free tables.
8. Drink beer or wine instead of cocktails.
If you nevertheless decide to plunge into nightlife Amsterdam, be aware that cocktails and champagne will cost you from 6 € and more per glass.
Better to enjoy local beers or Italian and French wines. Surprisingly good imported wines are quite cheap here and sometimes you can taste homemade wine from the cellars of the restaurant owner.
9. Rent a bike.
To feel completely local, you need to rent a bike - the main mode of transport in the city.
There are quite a few rental points here, but the main thing to consider is long-term rent is much cheaper. One day may cost from € 7.50 to € 15 and rental For a three days can do with the same 15 €. The best and most famous rental is to remember, whether weasel, experience... The price of your loan is no more 4 hilin.
Whenever information is available, it will help you get more expensive on a budget - you can, if the website builders have paid more than a dozen euros - welcome our ancestors with a small sacrifice(you can change the sum and currency for your loan). You can also help me and the other authors of the site work more for you, as they plan to run for promotions and discounts.
Z povagoyu, Solomia
43.8 € - minimum budget for a day in Amsterdam... This is enough for a decent budget hostel, two rides on public transport and food (the sum is equal to two lunches in inexpensive cafes). This calculation is made for travel to low season, in the summer the minimum budget will be 54.8 €.
This amount does not include the cost of travel and insurance. A round-trip ticket from Moscow can be found for 7-8 thousand rubles. Insurance can be picked up on services or, prices start from 1 € per day.
Thus, a good budget accommodation in Amsterdam will cost you 20-30 € per night per person.
How much does communication cost?
Prices in the Netherlands at Mobile Internet range from € 12.5 to € 16 for 1GB. Profitable options are offered by Aldi Talk and Hema.
A way to save money on communications is to order a DrimSim SIM card for travelers in Russia. What we like about Drimsim:
- cheap internet. ~ 10 € for 1 GB in many countries of the world (with the exception of third world countries rarely visited by tourists)
- The SIM card will work already on the plane: you can immediately order a taxi or write to the host.
- billing is in megabytes, i.e. for 100 MB you will give ~ 1 €. If you are traveling to a country with inexpensive internet for more than 3-4 days, you should buy a local SIM card, if less, then you should take a closer look at a travel SIM card.
Delivery of the card costs 10 €, and by issuing it using this link you will receive 7 € as a gift on your account. The minimum top-up amount for Dreamsim is 25 €. Consider this point.
How much does it cost to eat in restaurants?
- Dinner in an inexpensive cafe: 12 €. For example, La Place.
Have breakfast available in large supermarkets Hema. There is often a croissant and coffee option for 2 €. - Fast food:
- herring sandwich 2,5 €. For example, Verse Harring
- French fries € 3. For example, Manneken Pis
- falafel 5 €. For example, SonnyFalafel
- Beverages:
- a cup of cappuccino - 2.8 €. For example, Coffee & Coconuts
- a glass of beer - 4.5 €. For example, The Cave
How much are groceries in the supermarket?
Food prices in Amsterdam are 86% higher than in Moscow. The difference is especially noticeable when buying meat, fruits and vegetables. In the supermarkets of the Albert Heijn chain you can find Euro Shopper products with the lowest prices.
How much does entertainment cost?
There are several free tours in Amsterdam: sightseeing, alternative or thematic (for example, to places associated with Rembrandt). You can find a suitable one on the Free tours website. Prices for participation in group excursions start at 14 €. The Russian-language tour can be found on the sites, and.
The most popular tripster excursions:
There are both Hop-on Hop-off bus and boat tours in Amsterdam. When buying on the website, a boat tour for 24 hours costs 25 €, and a bus tour costs 21 €, and the combined one costs only 28 €. Tickets for 48 hours are also available. River cruise prices start at € 16.
The I amsterdam card includes free transport, one river cruise, entrance ticket to the main museums and attractions (+ zoo), as well as discounts. The card for 24 hours costs 57 €, there are also options for 48, 72 and 96 hours.
How much do souvenirs cost?
Prices in different places where souvenirs are sold are about the same, but the quality and choice can vary greatly. Souvenirs from museum shops are much more expensive. On average, prices are roughly as follows:
- Basic souvenirs: postcard € 1.5, magnet € 2-3, mug € 5
- Special souvenirs: a figurine of a windmill or a house 5-10 €, tulip clues 10 € per package.
Amsterdam museums
Entrance fees to the most famous museums in Amsterdam cost 17-17.5 €. It is better to buy tickets online to avoid queues (especially in summer). There are practically no free museums in Amsterdam, but there are
Amsterdam is an amazing capital city that amazes with its atmosphere of madness. However, many tourists are postponing their trip to the Netherlands due to the high exchange rate of the euro. But don't despair! Here are several ways to save money in the city of freedom. By the way, a lot of money goes to the mobile Internet, especially among young people. Instagram, facebook and everything else, messengers, viber…. Sound familiar? Megabyte bills? We will give you very valuable advice on economical calls to Russia and inexpensive megabytes.
- Plan your vacation in advance. As trite as it sounds, the earlier you book accommodation and buy a plane ticket, the cheaper the trip will cost you. Timely planning will help you save 30-60% of the total cost of your trip.
- Follow the promotions... Sometimes airlines offer tickets at a reduced cost 2-3 weeks before departure (usually this phenomenon occurs during the gay parade period). Prices at this time fall by 5-7 thousand rubles. This is especially beneficial for those who already have a Schengen visa.
- You don't have to pay for the train untilAmsterdamCentral Station. From the airport to historic center people get to the city either by taxi (over 100 euros) or by peregrine falcon (from 10 euros). Many tourists go hare because of the lack of turnstiles and controllers. They really do not exist, but still be careful: the penalty for ticketless travel is 500 euros.
- Buy l amsterdam card in advance. It is simply necessary if you are visiting the capital of the Netherlands for a few days for the first time, as it will save you money on public transport, museums and cafes. You can find out all the details on this website: http://www.amstertam.ru/more/iamsterdamcard/
- Rent an apartment with a kitchen. The food in the restaurants is expensive (from € 10 for the main course) and the portions leave a lot to be desired. Apartment owners often leave a basic set of products (pasta, rice, sauces, olive oil, tea, coffee, sweets and other pleasant things) for their guests. Eat dinner or at least have breakfast at home - this will save you from 100 to 150 euros per week trip.
- Shop for groceries at the supermarket. In Europe, there is a chain of stores called Albert Heijn that sell ready-made salads and lunch main dishes. These shops are also common in the capital of the Netherlands. For example, a Caesar salad with chicken and potatoes costs 3.99 euros, while in a restaurant its price ranges from 6 to 10. It is very profitable to buy fermented milk products - for half a kilogram of delicious yogurt with all sorts of flavors you will pay only 2 euros. So why not indulge in a cheap lunch in the park and spend money on small portions in a cafe?
- Ask your renter about the bike. Renting a bike in the city (at MacBike Amsterdam, Bike City or Mike's Bike Tours) for a day will cost you 9-13 euros per person. Therefore, be sure to find out if the owner of your apartment has the opportunity to give you this necessary means of transportation for the duration of your stay. For me, this service was included in the rental price of the apartment. In general, by bike you can go around the whole of Europe, we wrote about this in the article
Only 800 thousand people live in Amsterdam, and if you count together with the suburbs, you get 2.3 million people. Moreover, about 4.5 million tourists come to the capital of the Netherlands every year.
Anastasia Myachkova, who maintains an Instagram account about life in Amsterdam, moved here with her husband two years ago at a work invitation as highly skilled migrants. The Village asked Anastasia to tell you how much Amsterdam residents spend on living.
1,500 euros
Minimum wage
2,000 euros
Low income
2,500-4,000 euros
Average income
from 4,000 euros
High income
Lodging
from 800 to 15,000 euros per month for renting an apartment
There is a very high demand for rental housing in Amsterdam itself. If you look for an option outside the ring or in the suburbs, the chances of finding housing at an affordable price increase. The average cost of a small apartment for two in Amsterdam itself is 1,500 euros. Many apartments in historic buildings are very tiny, with a shower directly above the toilet or behind a partition in the bedroom. The most extravagant option we've seen is a closet toilet. After that, the bathroom one floor below the apartment itself or the bedroom across the floor from the living room no longer seemed so strange. Bathroom instead of a shower in an apartment in one of central regions can become a real exotic.
To get hold of nice apartment, you will have to try: look at many options and convince the owners you like that you are the very ideal tenants they are looking for. For example, we were asked to write a short essay about ourselves. Sometimes such an essay needs to be submitted, even to get to the initial viewing. Although most often the real estate agency appoints an open house day, when everyone who wants to inspect the apartment at the same time. Often apartments are rented unfurnished, and sometimes without a floor. Laminate here belongs to the same category as a sofa or a table - it is bought once and taken with you when you move. The most popular sites for finding housing are funda.nl and pararius.com.
To sign a lease, you will be asked to provide a work contract showing income. If the work contract is for a shorter period than the desired lease, then you may be charged a deposit of two months of the lease.
Transport
0-250 euros per month
Transportation costs per month are highly dependent on the distance between work and home. Most of Amsterdam residents travel by bicycle: the journey from home to office rarely takes more than 20-30 minutes. On business, to a bar, to a workout or on a date, they also most often ride a bike.
Those who work far from home and travel by metro, tram or bus are more likely to use the OV-chipkaart. This is a travel pass (the plastic card itself costs 7.5 euros), on which money is deposited, and then debited for each stop - this way is much cheaper than hour or day passes, which it makes sense to use only for tourists. Another option is a personalized card with unlimited travel on the selected route for a fixed price (the cost depends on the mileage) - this option is convenient if you need to get to work by train. It is possible to receive a 40% discount on travel for 60 euros per year. My husband spends no more than 30 euros on travel, and the road costs me 250.
Food
400 euros per month
Food for a family of two costs about 400 euros per month. At the same time, the menu comes out quite varied: it includes fresh fruits, berries and vegetables, and seafood, and a variety of cheeses, and freshly squeezed juices. The most popular supermarket chain is Albert Heijn, they are always nearby. This chain belongs to the middle class, but it is constantly expensive to buy in it. Dirk has a pretty good assortment and prices, but there are far fewer stores than Albert Heijn. Jumbo also belongs to the middle class; their outlets are also noticeably smaller. From the low price segment, we can mention Lidl and Aldi, from the premium segment - Marqt and Ekoplaza. You can save on food by applying for a store discount card. It allows you to buy certain goods significantly cheaper if you study the schedule of promotions in the mailing list in advance and draw up a menu several days in advance.
We take basic products from the supermarket - pasta, cereals, eggs, milk, and for everything else - for example, fruits, vegetables, fresh seafood and cheeses - we go to the market. There is much more choice, taste and quality are better, and prices are often lower. A piece of cheese costs 2.5 euros, a pound of shrimp - 8 euros, a pound of cherries - 3-4 euros, a mango or small melon - 1-2 euros. There are a lot of markets in Amsterdam, some are open from Monday to Saturday, some only on Saturdays. Bread, croissants and other pastries should be taken only in bakeries, they are much tastier there.
The medicine
from 100 euros per insurance per month
Health insurance is required in Holland. The basic one will cost about 100 euros per month. The extended one will cost 20-50 euros per month more, depending on the services that will be included in it. At the same time, a visit to a therapist will always be free, but subsequent tests and examinations are paid. You need to pay about 400 euros yourself, and the insurance company will cover the rest. Many employers offer a collective insurance plan in which they pay about 10-15% of the sum insured per employee.
Entertainment
40-50 euros - a bill in a restaurant for two
12 euros - cinema ticket
Various festivals and other events are regularly held in Amsterdam - from musical to gastronomic. One of our favorite events is the monthly street food Sunday market in Westerpark - where you can try Chilean empanadas, grilled sausages, Spanish paella, and hot coconut macarons (not to be confused with French pasta). In addition, you can buy hand-painted crockery.
V good weather The Dutch all go out into the street as one: someone sips wine on their balcony, someone rides a boat on the canals, someone sits with friends in a summer cafe, and someone has a barbecue in the park. By the way, this is one of the most popular summer entertainments - in many parks there are already barbecues on special areas, tables and benches are arranged, so you only need to bring food and coal. But most come with their compact or completely disposable barbecue grills, and even on weekdays after 18:00 you can hardly find a free lawn.
As for going to bars and restaurants, you don't need a special reason for this, so regardless of the day of the week, a table in a good establishment should be booked in advance. On average, a trip to a restaurant for two (with two hot dishes and two glasses of wine or mugs of beer) will cost 40-50 euros. Breakfast or brunch for two will cost around 25-30 euros. The cost of a movie ticket is about 12 euros. You can buy unlimited pass for a month for 20 euros.
Amsterdam is a relatively small city, so if you live near the center, you can reach the most important sights on foot. But what if there is no time for this? In such cases thrifty tourists public transport helps.
The most fast way Moving around in Amsterdam is the metro, especially if you need to travel to the other end of the city. But it is not at all necessary to go down the metro just to pass a stop or two, because a ticket for one trip on a bus or tram will cost about 2.5-3 euros, which is quite expensive.
Gvb cards
For travel on any (except intercity) public transport, you can purchase a special GVB card. She is bought on certain time- from a day (24 hours) to a week (168 hours). The price of such a card varies from 8 to 32 euros. When entering / exiting the transport, the card must be attached to the validator at the door.
GVB cards are sold in specialized offices, at any metro ticket office (maximum for 4 days), at the tram conductor (for a day or two), as well as at the hotel (cards are not available in all hotels, so it is better to know about their availability in advance).
I amsterdam card
You can also buy an "I amsterdam card" for getting around Amsterdam. A card for 3 days costs almost 70 euros. It allows you to ride all types of transport for free (except for taxis), and also gives you a lot of discounts and bonuses:
- discount on a trip through the city's canals;
- free tickets to some museums;
- a discount on visiting restaurants, bars and cafes;
- inexpensive tickets for shows and concerts.
A bike
And for tourists who do not plan to visit museums and use by public transport, a bicycle is perfect for getting around the city. It is a very cheap, fast and popular form of transport in Amsterdam.
