Enjoy Amsterdam on a Shoestring

Armed with a bit of planning and the right advice from insiders, you can enjoy Amsterdam without breaking the bank. Here's how to get the most out of your student trip to Amsterdam.

Costs in Amsterdam

Hostel room (price depends on dorm bed): €12–85

Basic two-star hotel with shared bathroom: €70

Basic two-star hotel with ensuite: €120

Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): €150

One hour/day ticket for public transport: €3.40/9

Schiphol–Centraal Station (one-way): €5.90

Coffee: €2

Avoid Peak Times: Prices rise tremendously during the tulip season, generally from mid-March to May, and again in summer from April to September. Late fall to early spring generally presents the best deals.

Book in Advance: Book in advance to secure consciousness during peak times like Easter and King's Day on April 27th.

Stay Mid-Week: Prices hike during weekends. So, Sunday nights and stays mid-week are cheaper.

Best Value Locations

Stay in Jordaan, the west, Plantage, the Eastern Islands, Oosterpark, or generally areas East of the Amstel river and south of Vondelpark.

Another substantial money saver will be to think about staying north of the river- in the area called Amsterdam Noord, which you can reach with a free ferry departing from Centraal Station.

Discount Cards and Passes

EYC (European Youth Card): For those below 30, get this card for travel discounts on transport, attractions, and accommodation for as little as €14 annually.

I Amsterdam City Card: This includes your museum admission, public transport pass, a canal boat tour, and a few discounts on things like shopping and restaurants. It will cost you from €60 for 24 hours, to €125 for five days.

Museumkaart: This is €64.90 for a year, and gets you to 450 museums. There is also a temporary card for 31 days if a Dutch bank account cannot be arranged for the more permanent version.

By Foot or bicycle: Since, Amsterdam is flat, it is perfect to even take a walk. Rent a bicycle and live it like a native

Public Transport: Trams, Metro and buses run on integrated GVB ticketing. An hour-long tickets come at €3.40 while day tickets are €9.

Food and Markets

Self-Catering: Stay in accommodation with kitchen facilities or picnic with fresh produce from the market.

Markets: Albert Cuypmarkt, Lindengracht Market, Noordermarkt, Ten Katemarkt, Nieuwmarkt's Boerenmarkt, Dappermarkt, and Pure Markt offering affordable local foods.

Cheap Eats: Stach, SLA, De Bakkerswinkel, The Butcher, and Foodhallen offer an array of foods at pocket-friendly prices.

Alternative Transport

Trains: Short haul is usually more pocket-friendly. London has direct services to Amsterdam with Eurostar.

Ferries: From Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the DFDFDS ferries offer price discounts to IJm.

Buses

Buses: Through FlixBus, you can afford to travel long-distance, with sockets for devices and wi-fi.

Airport Transport

Public Transport: Not Taxis/Ride Sharing. NS trains from the Schiphol Airport to Centraal Station are quick, and you won't shell out a whole lot of cash.

Amsterdam Travel Ticket: This includes airport and GVB public transport, costing €18 one day, or €30 three days.

According to these listed suggestions, you would get a great distance on the lush culture of Amsterdam and the beauty of the canals, without spending much over them.