I've compiled a list of some of the best ways you can travel around Amsterdam and save some money in the process.
Scroll to the end and you'll find my 5 day Amsterdam itinerary outlining some of the best things to do during your stay!
With that, lets get started! 😊
1. Getting around
- Have cash, card and coins on you.💰
I don’t know how many times I’ve had to search for an ATM, then find a shop to buy something I didn’t want all just to break my notes to get change for a transport ticket. 😤
Most places should accept either but it’s not always the case.
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Use public transport
If you don’t fancy walking everywhere the best option would be to use public transport. Book a multi day/journey, all in one, travel card. It’ll save you a hell of a lot of time and money.
- All in one
The all in one card gives you access to most trains, trams, metros and buses. Read more about public transport ticket options here.
- Validate your tickets
On that note make sure to validate your transport ticket. I can’t stress this enough. You’ll find validation points at or near the metro/tram/bus/ or station, even sometimes on-board. Do this to save yourself from a hefty fine.
- Avoid fines
Keep your travel tickets safe. Sometimes you might be asked to show your ticket even after getting off!
- Touristy spots
Touristy places are always going to be that bit more expensive. If you want a cheaper, often more authentic experience, go beyond the cities instead. I’ve discovered that’s where the hidden gems tend to be.
- Free ferry
Hop on the free ferry behind Centraal station. It’ll bring you to places like NDSM wharf and A’dams Lookout in less than 5 minutes.
- Choose your timing.
Attractions, museums and other events can be cheaper and less busy midweek, compared to the weekend.
- Choose a ‘Free’ walking tour
Learn more about your destination on a free, guided tour.
The tours are indeed free but it’s always good to leave a tip as the guides often make their living off of them.
- GAL travel itinerary
Use your GAL travel guide and set out on your own walking tour, saving you more time and money for food and other activities! 💖
Another, fun (and cheap) way to travel around Amsterdam is by bike.
There are many bike hire companies to choose from around Amsterdam. This company appears to be a good one and offers cheap rentals.
Just be aware of the many millions of cyclists (maybe that’s a slight exaggeration - but there’s a lot!) in Amsterdam.
Careful not to walk onto a bicycle path or risk getting knocked down! 🚴
2. Food
- Eating out
Choosing to eat out every day can become expensive. Try to make your own food, at least one of the days, and maybe have a picnic in a park!
- Have a picnic
Pack your own food and have a picnic in one of the many parks in Amsterdam.
If you don’t want to make your own food there are still lots of cheap eats to choose from. I've listed some in my Amsterdam food list.
Normally, restaurants, cafes and foodie spots located in the centre are overpriced and not the tastiest - in my opinion. Go beyond the city centre to find better quality food places.
I’ve included a variety on my Amsterdam food places list so check that out and see if any take your fancy. 🍽️
(I’m always looking for new foodie suggestions so feel free to add any you find!)
3. Money
- Revolut
I use Revolut for pretty much everything. The rates are cheap and I find it saves me a little bit of money compared to other payment providers.
It’s easy to use, especially when it comes to transferring or exchanging money. I like the vault option too. It’s a great way to save and budget for any future trips or in my case, bills. 😒
You can read more about Revoluts fees here.
- Revolut Rewards & Revolut Stays
A lot of people use Revolut for their day to day but not many are aware of Revoluts Rewards and Revolut Stays. You can find these on the Revolut app and it’ll show offers and discounts for lots of different things; hotel stays, food, fashion and more.
I had a look before my last trip to Greece and found a pair of Adidas runners offering a 40% discount through Revolut rewards. (I can be sceptical when it comes to ‘special offers’ and ‘discounts’ - especially from fashion brands.)
I did a little investigative work, and checked out the price of the exact same runners in a sports shop near me. They were in fact much more expensive in-store.
So buying them through Revolut rewards actually saved me money!
With Revolut stays I've compared hotel prices through Revolut and the same ones through Booking.com. Some of the hotels I found on booking.com were more expensive compared to Revolut stays - some €100+ in the difference.In saying that, Revolut Stays were more expensive for other places, so it varies.
But definitely worth a look at the very least!
If you’re not signed up with Revolut yet, feel free to use my referral link.
(Full disclosure, I make some money for everyone that signs up using my link. But rest assured, I would never recommend a service that I don't use myself. :) )
- Museumkaart - Museum card
This is specifically for museums. If you intend on visiting lots of museums it may save you money.
Weigh up the cost of the ones you want to go to, separately, and compare them to the cost of the museum card. That way you’ll see what the cheapest option is.
On occasion, museums may advertise free entry during certain times/days of the week. Keep an eye on their websites and social media for this. If you wanted you could even send them a cheeky email asking if they had any current promotions or discounts. No harm in asking 😜!
- ATM Withdrawals
Take out a little more money than you need at ATMs or use your card where possible.
Each time you withdraw money you’ll be charged. It adds up pretty quickly, especially if you’re doing multiple ATM withdrawals.
- Avoid independent ATMs
They’re known for charging high fees.
You’ll see them everywhere you go, especially in city centres.
Something to note; they often place themselves near a bank's ATM, so choose the bank's ATM instead.
Names of some independent ATMs include Travelex, Euronet, Moneybox, Your Cash, Cardpoint, and Cashzone.
- Book flexi tickets
I know, technically, this costs more than a standard ticket but with the current situation, and all things covid, if rules were to change quickly at least you’d get something back with a flexi ticket rather than receive nothing.
Don’t just take my word for it though! Some places can be sneaky little so and so's. Always check the fine print along with their terms and conditions to be sure.
You can purchase an all inclusive city card which includes free or cheaper entry into museums as well as transport via tram, metro, bus and ferry.
Personally, I haven’t had much experience with these as they don’t normally suit my travel needs. If you’re looking to squeeze a lot of attractions in it might be something to look at.
- Discount on online bookings
Some attractions offer discounts for bookings made online so check this out beforehand.
- Student card
If you have a student card, bring it with you, it’ll get you discounts.
- Get travel insurance.
Hopefully you won’t need it, but it's always worth getting travel insurance. (Just in case!) It could save you a fortune.
Sign up for a European Health Card (EHIC). This is free of charge and will allow you to access public healthcare for free or at a reduced rate in Europe should you need it.
If my list helped save you money or you have any money saving tips of your own be sure to let us know in GAL!😊
4. GALs Amsterdam Itinerary
If you're planning on visited Amsterdam i've created a 5 day itinerary outlining some of the best bits Amsterdam has to offer. You can get it here.
Some last bits..
While I do my best to offer up to date, accurate information I can’t always guarantee it, understandably, information can change and may be less accurate as time passes. For that reason I always advise people to do their own research and double check.
Make sure to keep us posted in the GAL group. Share your pics and let us know what you got up to in Amsterdam. 🙂
Oh and don't forget to follow Girls Adventure Life on Instagram and Tiktok for more cheap travel advice.
Have a fantastic time! 🇳🇱