Explore Amsterdam on a budget

How to explore Amsterdam on a budget

Amsterdam is the capital of The Netherlands and famous for the canals. Many things cost money in Amsterdam, but if you follow this you will be able to explore Amsterdam inexpensively.

The iamsterdam city card

For €57 you can buy an iamsterdam city card and for an additional €10 you can buy 24 hours up to 96 hours extra. (96 hours for €87)

With a city card you can access 37 museums for free and on top of that you can travel on the trams, buses and metro operated by GVB within Amsterdam. You cannot only visit museums for free, but also take a free one hour canal cruise by boat. Some of the most known museums you can visit for free are the Van Gogh museum, the Rembrandthuis, Hermitage Amsterdam, the Maritime Museum, the Stedelijk museum, NEMO science museum, and the Royal Zoo.

The Rijksmuseum is not free, unless you are 18, but if you got a city card you can get a €2,50 discount.
Under 18

Many things Amsterdam are free for children or discounted. The most known Dutch museum, the Rijksmuseum, is free to visit for people under 18. The Van Gogh Museum is also accessible for free when you are under 18.

People under 18 are also able to visit the Royal Palace of Amsterdam for free!

The house where the famous Anne Frank lived is discounted 50% for people between 10 and 17 years and for people under 9 it's completely free. When travelling with children I'd recommend you to look up how much it costs with a city card and without one.
Food

Stroopwafels
A stroopwafel are two waffles with a layer of syrup in between, the stroopwafel is not expensive and many places sell them.

Vending machine food
At some places you are able to find some vending machines, or more like hole in a wall machines, that sell snacks. You are able to find many snacks like croquettes, frikandellen, kaassoufflés, bamihappen and many other things. The price usually ranges from 1 to 2 euros, you will only be able to pay with coins.

Raw herring
Depending on the season you are able to buy raw herring in Amsterdam, or the Netherlands in general. They are usually served with pickles and onions. If you want to eat it on a sandwich you can ask for a "broodje haring".
Cycling

In Amsterdam you will see many people on their bicycles, watch out for them since they can go really fast. Don't walk on the red roads, you will get hit by a bike.

If you want to cycle in Amsterdam there are many places that rent out bikes. Search around and you will find a competitively priced bike. For people that have never cycled before, Amsterdam is the not the city to try it out. You won't only be a danger to yourself, but also to the other people.
Coffee shops

In Dutch coffee shops you won't be able to find coffee. What they sell there is soft drugs. Soft drugs in The Netherlands are decriminalised and as long as you follow the rules everything will be fine. On the streets there are people selling drugs, but many of them are fake or dangerous. Fake cocaine used to be sold on the streets and this caused health issues for some. Stay away from the street dealers and buy from the coffee shops.
Evening

Partying and clubbing
After you are done visiting all the museums and trying out Dutch food it's time to relax. For 10 euros you can buy an Amsterdam Nightlife ticket from iamsterdam. The ticket is valid for 7 days. This will give you access to ten nightclubs, free welcome shots, discounts at some clubs/cafes, discounted laser tagging, a free UBER ride up to €15. For women you can get a free make up touch-up at Douglas.

Red light district
The red light district is the best place in Amsterdam to enjoy the oldest professions. During the nights this street will come to life. One session will run you about 50 euros.
Extra

At Amsterdam Airport (Sciphol) there are fake taxi drivers. They will try to charge you more and if you refuse they will swear are at you and sometimes they get agressive. Take the taxis with a blue license plate or take an uber.

Many museums in Amsterdam require you to wait in a line to buy tickets. What I recommend you is to order the tickets online, this will allow you to skip the line and go right into the museum. In many museums they recommend you not to take a big bag with you, if you leave it at your hotel/hostel you will save time.

Pickpockets are not a huge issue in Amsterdam, but make sure to always pay attention to your surroundings. On the streets you may see beggars, don't give them any money. The beggars are part of a bigger crime network and are not real beggars. This also happens in the train where they give you a napkin and a sad story. Refuse the napkin and don't give them any money.