Cost to Visit Amsterdam: 2025 Budget Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Amsterdam? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the cost of visiting Amsterdam — including food, hotels, transport, attractions, and seasonal travel trends.
Whether you're a budget backpacker, mid-range traveler, or luxury vacationer, this Amsterdam travel budget guide will help you understand what you’ll spend and how to get the most out of your time in the Dutch capital.
💡 Is Amsterdam Expensive to Visit?
Yes — Amsterdam is one of Western Europe’s more expensive cities to visit. While it’s cheaper than places like Paris or Zurich, it’s costlier than cities in Eastern or Southern Europe. For U.S. travelers, it’s generally comparable to major U.S. cities like New York or San Francisco.
The good news? Public transportation is excellent, many attractions are walkable, and food can be surprisingly affordable with the right picks.
🗓️ Amsterdam Travel Costs by Season
🔥 Peak Season (Mid-April – August)
Why it's expensive: Spring tulip bloom, summer festivals, and school holidays attract millions.
What to expect: High prices on hotels and airfare, long lines at attractions.
Tip: Book 3–6 months early to lock in better rates.
🌼 Shoulder Season (March–early April, September–October)
Why it’s ideal: Cooler weather, fewer crowds, and better hotel availability.
Best for: Museum visits, scenic walks, and moderate pricing.
Savings: Hotel prices can drop 20–30% compared to peak.
❄️ Low Season (November – February)
Why it’s cheapest: Cold, wet weather and fewer tourists.
Best for: Budget travelers and museum-lovers.
Note: The city lights up for the holidays, but prices stay lower outside of the Christmas and New Year period.
💰 When Is the Most Expensive Time to Visit Amsterdam?
- Mid-April to August: Tulip season + summer holidays
- Christmas & New Year (Dec 24 – Jan 1): Prices rise sharply for flights and hotels
- King’s Day (April 27): National holiday — huge celebrations, high demand
- Amsterdam Pride (late July to early August): Dates vary but always popular
🕰️ When Is the Cheapest Time to Visit Amsterdam?
- Mid-January through early March
- Late October through mid-December (excluding Sinterklaas celebrations)
- Midweek travel outside of holidays and festivals
During these windows, hotel rates can drop by 30–50%, and flight deals are easiest to find.
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🏨 Where to Stay in Amsterdam – By Budget
💎 Most Expensive Areas
Canal Belt (Grachtengordel)
- Historic area with luxury boutique hotels and canal views
- Pros: Unbeatable views, central location
- Cons: Premium price for everything
- Nearby Attractions: Anne Frank House, Nine Streets, Jordaan
Museumplein / Oud-Zuid
- Upscale, elegant area home to major museums
- Pros: Quiet, walkable, cultural access
- Cons: More expensive dining and hotels
- Nearby Attractions: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark
💼 Affordable but Central Neighborhoods
De Pijp
- Trendy, lively, multicultural district
- Pros: Cheaper hotels, great food scene
- Cons: Can be noisy at night
- Nearby Attractions: Albert Cuyp Market, Heineken Experience
Amsterdam Oost (East)
- A creative, up-and-coming area
- Pros: More space, good deals on hotels
- Cons: Slightly farther from city center
- Nearby Attractions: Tropenmuseum, Oosterpark
🏷️ Cheapest Areas to Stay
Amsterdam Noord
- Just a ferry ride from Central Station
- Pros: Very affordable, growing hip scene
- Cons: Commute into center (~10–15 mins)
- Nearby Attractions: A’DAM Lookout, NDSM Wharf
Sloterdijk / Nieuw-West
- Residential areas with cheaper chain hotels
- Pros: Budget-friendly, well-connected by train/metro
- Cons: Less walkable, fewer restaurants
- Nearby Attractions: Transit hubs, parks, local cafés
💶 Average Daily Travel Costs in Amsterdam
| Traveler Type | EUR (€) | USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | €90–€120 | $96–$128 |
| Mid-Range | €180–€240 | $192–$256 |
| Luxury | €350+ | $375+ |
🏠 Accommodation Costs in Amsterdam
| Budget Type | Cost Per Night (€) | USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (Hostels, 1-star) | €30–€60 | $32–$64 |
| Mid-Range (3-star hotels) | €100–€160 | $106–$170 |
| Luxury (4–5 star, canal-view) | €250–€500+ | $265–$530+ |
🍽️ Food Costs in Amsterdam (Per Day)
| Meal Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | €3–€6 ($3–$6) | €6–€10 ($6–$11) | €15+ ($16+) |
| Lunch | €8–€12 ($9–$13) | €12–€20 ($13–$21) | €30+ ($32+) |
| Dinner | €10–€18 ($11–$19) | €20–€40 ($21–$43) | €60+ ($64+) |
Pro Tip: Eat like a local by grabbing food from markets or Turkish snack bars for under €10.
🚋 Transportation Costs in Amsterdam
- Single tram/metro ride: €3.40 ($3.60)
- 1-Day GVB ticket (unlimited rides): €9.00 ($9.60)
- 3-Day GVB ticket: €20.10 ($21.50)
- Bike rental (daily): €10–€15 ($11–$16)
- Taxi: €3.60 base fare + €2.40/km ($3.80 + $2.50/km)
- Train to Schiphol Airport: €5.90 ($6.30)
🏛️ Cost of Popular Attractions in Amsterdam
| Attraction | Entry Fee (€) | Entry Fee ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Rijksmuseum | €22.50 | $24 |
| Van Gogh Museum | €20 | $21 |
| Anne Frank House | €16 | $17 |
| A'DAM Lookout | €14.50 | $15.50 |
| Heineken Experience | €23 | $25 |
| Canal Cruise (1 hr) | €18–€25 | $19–$27 |
| Bike Tour | €35 | $37 |
🏞️ Day Trips from Amsterdam
| Destination | Distance | Transport | Cost (RT) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zaanse Schans | 40 min | Train | €10 ($11) | Windmills, museums, cheese farms |
| Haarlem | 15 min | Train | €10 ($11) | Historic city, art, shopping |
| Keukenhof Gardens | 45 min (spring only) | Bus/train | €20–€30 ($21–$32) | Tulips, seasonal gardens |
| Utrecht | 25 min | Train | €15 ($16) | Canals, Dom Tower, cafes |
| Giethoorn | 2 hrs | Train + bus | €35–€45 ($37–$48) | Boat canals, peaceful scenery |
📊 Estimated Cost for 7 Days in Amsterdam
| Type of Traveler | Lodging | Food | Transport | Attractions | Total (€) | Total ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | €210–€350 | €105–€150 | €30–€50 | €50–€80 | €395–€630 | $420–$670 |
| Mid-Range | €630–€910 | €175–€245 | €50–€80 | €80–€150 | €935–€1,385 | $1,000–$1,480 |
| Luxury | €1,400+ | €350–€700 | €100–€200 | €150–€300 | €2,000+ | $2,120+ |
✈️ Flight Costs to Amsterdam
| Season | Avg. Round Trip from U.S. |
|---|---|
| Peak (Apr–Aug, Dec holidays) | $850–$1,200 |
| Shoulder (Mar, Sept–Oct) | $600–$950 |
| Low (Jan–Feb, Nov) | $450–$800 |
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- Hotel rates are typically 30–40% lower than during spring and summer.
- Flights from the U.S. can drop below $600 round-trip.
- Daily mid-range spending averages around €140–€170 ($150–$180 USD).
- Lodging: €630–€910 ($670–$970 USD)
- Food: €175–€245 ($185–$260 USD)
- Transport & attractions: €150–€250 ($160–$265 USD)
- Amsterdam Noord: Hotels and hostels from €30–€60 ($32–$64 USD). 10–15 minutes by free ferry to the city center.
- Sloterdijk and Nieuw-West: Chain hotels and Airbnbs available for 30–50% less than central districts.
- Budget travelers: €90–€120 per day ($96–$128 USD)
- Mid-range travelers: €180–€240 per day ($192–$256 USD)
- Luxury travelers: €350+ per day ($375+ USD)