All this in Amsterdam for just €20 for two people?
Sounds impossible, doesn’t it?
Amsterdam has a reputation for being one of Europe’s more expensive city destinations. Between accommodation, restaurants and tourist attractions, many visitors arrive expecting to spend far more than they originally planned.
But here’s the good news: traveling around the Netherlands doesn’t have to be expensive.
The meal in the photo above cost just €20 for two people in the heart of Amsterdam.
So what’s the secret?
Knowing where to look.
If you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands, these are the tips you’ll wish you knew before landing at Schiphol Airport.
Budget Transportation: How to Travel Around the Netherlands for Less
The first thing to do when you arrive at Schiphol Airport
After collecting your luggage, make sure you leave the arrivals area and enter the main airport hall.
Schiphol is a very large and well-organized airport, but it can still feel overwhelming on your first visit. The good news is that everything is clearly signposted in English, and you don’t need to rush.
If you feel a bit lost, simply follow the signs for “Trains” or “Train to city / Amsterdam”. They are easy to spot and will naturally guide you in the right direction.
One important thing to know: don’t confuse the arrivals hall with the exit to the street. Many travelers accidentally go outside too quickly and miss the fact that the main transport connections are still inside the airport complex.
The key advantage of Schiphol is that the train station is located directly underneath the terminal. You don’t need buses, taxis, or transfers.
You just go downstairs.
From Schiphol, you can quickly reach:
- Haarlem
- Utrecht
- Leiden
- Rotterdam
- Delft
And in many cases, staying in these cities instead of central Amsterdam can save you a significant amount of money.
Do you need a rental car?
For most visitors, the answer is no.
The Netherlands has one of the best public transport systems in Europe, and trains connect cities quickly and efficiently.
A car is usually unnecessary and often more expensive.
Rent a bike like a local
If there’s one thing the Dutch are known for, it’s cycling.
Renting a bike is one of the cheapest and most authentic ways to explore Dutch cities.
It also gives you access to areas you would never see from a train or bus.
Budget Accommodation: Avoid the Most Common Tourist Mistake
One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is booking accommodation in central Amsterdam without considering alternatives.
Amsterdam is beautiful, but it is also where you’ll find the highest prices in the country.
Best places to stay on a budget
Haarlem
Often considered a quieter, more affordable alternative to Amsterdam. Beautiful canals, historic streets and a relaxed atmosphere.
Utrecht
A central, lively city with unique canals and great transport connections.
Leiden
A compact university city with a local feel and fewer tourists.
Rotterdam
Modern, dynamic and often offering better hotel deals than Amsterdam.
Cheap Food in the Netherlands: Easier Than You Think
Food can quickly become one of the biggest travel expenses.
Fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest areas to save money.
Too Good To Go: the app many travelers don’t know about
The Netherlands has widely embraced Too Good To Go.
Restaurants, bakeries, cafés and supermarkets regularly sell surplus food at heavily discounted prices.
If you’re flexible, you can enjoy surprisingly good meals for a fraction of the normal cost.
Supermarkets are your best friend
Dutch supermarkets are ideal for budget travel.
Some of the most common chains are:
- Albert Heijn
- Lidl
- Aldi
A simple lunch can often cost less than €5.
Local markets worth visiting
Markets are a great way to try Dutch food cheaply.
Don’t miss:
- Fresh stroopwafels
- Kibbeling (fried fish bites)
- Dutch fries
- Traditional herring
Free Things to Do in the Netherlands
One of the best things about the country is that many of its most memorable experiences are completely free.
Walk along the canals
Amsterdam is famous, but cities like Utrecht, Haarlem and Leiden offer equally beautiful canal walks with fewer crowds.
Visit charming Dutch towns
Many travelers never leave Amsterdam and miss some of the most beautiful places in the country:
- Delft
- Gouda
- Hoorn
- Amersfoort
Explore by bicycle
Sometimes the simplest activities create the best memories.
Cycling through neighborhoods, parks and countryside is one of the most authentic ways to experience the Netherlands.
Final Thoughts: The Netherlands Can Be More Affordable Than You Think
Many travelers arrive expecting a very expensive trip.
But those who learn a few local tricks quickly discover a different side of the country.
Efficient trains, affordable cities outside Amsterdam, budget food options, endless cycling routes and beautiful scenery that costs nothing at all.
Traveling through the Netherlands on a budget isn’t about sacrificing experiences.
It’s about choosing them wisely.
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