Daily costs per person in euros. Amsterdam is pricier than Southern Europe but cycling, market food, and free canal-side culture keep costs manageable.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: EUR (Euro) (1 USD ≈ 0.92 EUR)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €25–50 | €80–160 | €200+ | Hostels → canal-side hotels → boutique hotels |
| Food | €15–25 | €30–55 | €70+ | Markets & snackbars → restaurants → fine dining |
| Transport | €0–8 | €10–18 | €25+ | Walking/cycling → tram/metro → taxis |
| Activities | €0–15 | €20–45 | €60+ | Free sights & markets → museums → combined passes |
| Drinks | €5–12 | €15–25 | €35+ | Brewery taprooms → brown cafés → cocktail bars |
| Daily Total | €45–110 | €155–303 | €390+ | $49–120 → $168–329 → $424+ |
Money-saving tips
I amsterdam City Card
The card (€65/24hr, €85/48hr, €100/72hr) includes 70+ museums, canal cruise, and unlimited GVB transport. If you plan to visit 2+ paid museums per day, it pays for itself quickly.
Free experiences
Canal walking, Vondelpark, street markets, the Begijnhof, free ferry to Noord, Rijksmuseum gardens, NEMO rooftop, window shopping in the Negen Straatjes, and all the city's street art are free.
Cheap eats
Albert Cuyp Market: stroopwafels €3, kibbeling €5, Surinamese roti €8. FEBO automat snacks: €2–4. Indonesian toko takeaway: €7–10. Broodje haring (herring sandwich) from street carts: €4.
GVB transport
OV-chipkaart (€7.50 deposit + credit) for metro/tram/bus. Single ticket €3.40. 24hr pass €9, 48hr €15, 72hr €21. But Amsterdam is small — walk or cycle and save almost everything on transport.
Bike rental
Rent from MacBike (€10/day), Black Bikes (€8/day), or Swapfiets (monthly). Cycling is free transport, exercise, and the most authentic Amsterdam experience. Most of the city is flat and has dedicated bike lanes.
Brewery bars
Brouwerij 't IJ beers are €3.50 — cheaper than most bars. Oedipus, Butcher's Tears, and Pontus in the Ten Katemarkt area all have taprooms with €4–6 beers. Much cheaper than city centre bars.
