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Amsterdam

The capital of The Netherlands, Amsterdam, is famous for its coffee shops, red lights, and canals but it offers a lot more than that. Founded in 1275 supposedly by two fisherman and their dog, over the centuries, the city grew in importance and wealth as Dutch colonies were set up around the world and companies like the Dutch East India Company (VOC) began transferring wealth to the city. Amsterdam was the focal point of trade and as the prosperity of the VOC grew so did the fortunes of the city. Young travelers tend to frequent the coffee shops or wander the red light district while older travelers take bike tours, canal trips, and frequent the museums. But Amsterdam can be so much more than that, and it is a city where you can always discover something new.

Costs in Amsterdam

• Hostel Prices: Dorm room prices vary a lot in Amsterdam. You can find rooms ranging from 15-30 Euros per night depending on the place’s popularity and location.
• Budget Hotel Prices: Rooms start at around 70 Euros per night for hotels in Amsterdam.
• Average Cost of Food: There are plenty of budget-friendly restaurants in Amsterdam ranging from McDonalds to Maoz, to Wok to Walk. These meals will cost you between 5-8 Euros. At a sit down restaurant, expect to pay around 9-22 Euros for main dishes.
• Cost of Internet: Free wifi can be found all over all the city and most hostels have computer terminals to use. Internet cafes are roughly around 3.50 euros per hour.
• Transportation Costs: Hopping on a tram or bus will cost €2.60 for a one-hour ticket. Travelers looking to use public transport for just a day or two might find the most affordable and easiest option day tickets valid for 24, 48, 72 or 96 hours. Prices range from €7 to €18. These tickets are available from drivers and ticket sellers (only the 24-hour ticket), GVB outlets, tourist offices and kiosks as well.

Things to Do in Amsterdam

• Van Gogh Museum - Museum where you can hundreds of Van Gogh paintings, including the famous sunflowers, as well as see paintings from other impressionist painters. Go in the afternoon to avoid the lines.
• The Amsterdam History Museum – Though not exactly off the beaten path, this museum surprisingly sees few people yet it does a great job of telling the history of the city. The museum is fairly big so budget a few hours for it.
• The Jewish History Museum – Located near Waterlooplein, this museum has an excellent section on World War 2, the Holocaust, and how the Dutch dealt with the guilt of the mass deportations after the war.
• The Tulip Museum – Located in a room inside a tulip shop, this little place does an interesting job of telling the history of Tulips in Holland and the infamous Tulip craze. Best of all: you’ll never find a crowd.
• The Jordaan – I’m always amazed at how few tourists visit Jordaan since it is right next to the city center. This former working class district is now a maze of cafes, little shops, and restaurants. During the summer time, it is a popular spot for people to go to eat. I absolutely love wandering around here.
• FOAM – The photography museum houses wonderful pictures and sees few crowds despite being in the main part of the city. It’s a must for any photography lover. I really enjoyed all the black and white photographs and the outdoor garden.
• The Houseboat Museum – Not much of a museum but this decorated houseboat is gives you an interesting glimpse into what living on the canals are like. I walked away with one impression of life on the canals: a bit cramped.
• Oost – The area east of the city has an amazing park, a zoo, and lots of good Muslim eateries. Wandering around here, you’d be hard pressed to find more than a hand full of tourists, most of whom are probably lost.
• Rembrandt Park – Not to be confused with Rembrandtplein in the city center, this park west of the city is a good place to wander. The area around it is pretty working class and a bit more modern- a good contrast to the historic center. You’ll know you are there when signs suddenly stop being printed in English.
• Canal Tour – The canals of Amsterdam are almost as famous as the houses of Amsterdam. One of the best ways to see the city is from the canals. You can take one of the tours with a big boat or hire your own guide.
• Vondalpark: Amsterdam’s main and central park, Vondelpark is where everyone goes to hang out, smoke, bike, run, or have a picnic. Expect huge crowds on a warm day.
• The Heineken Experience: I find it to be overpriced but the Heineken Experience will give you an overview of the company, a few drinks, and some silly games to play. Note this isn’t an actual working brewery.
• The Anne Frank House – This house is where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazi’s during WW2. The house showcases her life, what it was like to live in the attic, as well as other information on the holocaust. It is a sad and moving place. Expect really, really long lines.
• The Windmills – Setting out on an adventure to visit the windmills surrounding the city is another great way to tour. There are eight in total – most of which, are in Amsterdam West. De Gooyer is the closest to the city center and also happens to be a brewery making it the perfect place to start.
• Plantage – The is an entire district in Amsterdam, comprised of green neighborhoods, several gardens and parks, and the Artis Royal Zoo. Beyond the main zoo area, Artis is also host to a Zoological Museum, a Planetarium, and an Aquarium.
• House of Bols – This is one of the most underrated attractions in The Netherlands. Run by the Bols distillery, this is a Dutch gin museum. The self-guided tour takes about an hour and includes the promise of a cocktail and an interesting smelling test.

Budget Tips for Amsterdam

• Amsterdam Pass: This offers 25% discounts on scores of top attractions and restaurants. A 24-hour pass costs 31 EUR, 48-hour is 41 EUR, and a 72-hour pass is 51 EUR.
• Drink in Hostels: Hostels have the best drink deals in the cities. Even if you aren’t stay at them, most have bars open to the public where you can get 1 Euro beers.
• Free Walking Tours: If you want an overview of the city, take a one of the free walking tours offered. This way you’ll get to learn about the city without spending money.
• Boat Hire. Instead of taking an expensive canal cruise, you can hire your own boat. If you have 3 or 4 people, it works out to be about 5 euros a piece and you can bring alcohol, food, or smoke on it.
• Eat Cheap: Febo, Walk to Wok, Maoz are all cheap places to get food. Moreover, eat out during lunch for specials and deals.

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