Backpacking Amsterdam (The Definite Budget Guide)

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Find your Perfect Hostel in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has this strange power to make you feel like you're in a postcard one second and a party the next. I’ve been there more times than I can count, and every trip has a new story—some of which I can barely remember. But hey, that’s the thrill of backpacking!

This backpacking Amsterdam guide is for anyone who wants to explore the city on a budget without missing out on the fun stuff. Amsterdam might be known for its canals and coffee shops, but there's way more beneath that surface.

Picking the right location is also crucial—because let’s face it, the difference between a perfect spot by a canal and a dorm bed too far from the center can shape your whole experience.

 Now, let’s dive in before you book that flight!

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Amsterdam

Best for Hostel Newbies

Stayokay Hostel Amsterd...9.1

from $15.70 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

De Bedstee Boutique Cap...9.5

from $31.87 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

The Elephant Hostel9.2

from $18.52 | More Details

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Budget & Estimated Daily Costs in Amsterdam

Let’s be real: Amsterdam isn't the cheapest city in Europe. As a backpacker, you can still manage if you plan well. On a tight budget, you’re probably looking at spending around €50–€60 per day. That includes a dorm bed, some basic meals, local transport, and the occasional cheap beer.

If you've got a slightly bigger budget, say €80 or more, you can grab a better variety of meals, check out a museum or two, and enjoy a few extra perks.

Just remember, weekends and peak travel times can push prices higher, so aiming for shoulder seasons or mid-week stays usually helps keep costs in check.

Typical Daily Expenses in amsterdam

Accommodation (Hostel Dorm Bed): Expect around €25–€35 per night in shoulder season. High season can easily add another €10–€20 on top of that.

Food: Approximately €20–€30 per day.

• Breakfast: €5–€8 for a basic coffee and pastry or a quick egg sandwich.
• Lunch: €8–€12 for a hearty sandwich or a quick bite from a local eatery.
• Dinner: €12–€20 if you go for cheap eats or a budget-friendly restaurant.

Local Transportation: Around €3–€4 per single ride on buses or trams, but you can buy daily or multi-day passes for better value.

Attractions: €0–€25 per day, depending on if you visit museums or stick to free spots. There are combo passes, but they’re only worth it if you plan on cramming multiple museums into a short span.

Entertainment & Extras: €10–€25 for a few drinks, maybe a club entry, or small souvenirs.

Overall, budgeting around €50–€70 a day is doable, while €80+ daily will give you more freedom.

Money saving tips

Get a refillable water bottle. Dutch tap water is legit—some of the cleanest in Europe.

Look for mid-week hostel deals. Amsterdam’s weekends can be pricey.

Pre-game with cheap supermarket beers before hitting the bars (trust me, it adds up).

Grab to-go meals from local grocery stores like Albert Heijn. Their ready-made stuff is pretty decent.

Check out free walking tours. You’ll get local insights without blowing your budget on guides.

Use discount passes only if you’re really into museums. Otherwise, it’s wasted cash.

Pack a lightweight rain jacket so you’re not forced to buy one if the weather turns— Amsterdam’s weather can be random.

Getting around amsterdam on a budget

Amsterdam is super walkable and biking is basically a national sport here.

If you’re comfortable on two wheels, renting a bike can be cheaper than daily transport passes. Just watch out for aggressive cyclists—and definitely pay attention to bike lanes.

Public transport is well-connected, so a multi-day pass might be worth it if you want to hop between neighborhoods without breaking a sweat.

Avoid taxis unless you're splitting the fare with a group because they can get expensive fast.

Best Free & Budget Friendly Attracions

Free things to do

• Stroll around the Canal Belt. People-watching here is underrated entertainment.
• Check out the floating Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt) just for the colorful vibe.
• Relax in Vondelpark with a cheap picnic from the supermarket.
• Visit the Civic Guards Gallery at Amsterdam Museum for free art.
• Hop on a free ferry behind Central Station to explore Noord.

Low cost attractions

• Take a budget-friendly canal cruise—some are cheaper in the late afternoon.
• Browse the Waterlooplein Flea Market for vintage clothes and quirky souvenirs.
• Rent a bike for a day to see the city like a local.
• Check out cheap stand-up comedy nights or open mic sessions in local bars.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Amsterdam

1. The Flying Pig Uptown Hostel - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
2. The Flying Pig Downtown Hostel - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
3. The Bulldog Hotel - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
4. Durty Nelly's Inn - best for Groups (10+ people), Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
5. Shelter Jordan Christian Hostel - best for Digital Nomads, Family-Friendly Hostel, Older travelers (+50), Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller

The Flying Pig Uptown Hostel

8.3

Amsterdam Oud-Zuid

Flying Pig is world-famous for its laid back atmosphere, fun bar and super helpful staff. Enjoy more

from

$17.57

The Flying Pig Downtown Hostel

8.2

Centrum

Start the day with a free breakfast and walking tour. Overslept? Grab lunch from the cafe. In the more

from

$21.76

The Bulldog Hotel

8.9

Red Light District

This is one of the best known hostels in the world. It offers a sociable atmosphere very close to more

from

$19.44

Durty Nelly's Inn

8.2

Red Light District

This friendly bunch loves to take you out on a free walking tour and pub crawls across the city. If more

from

$25.65

Shelter Jordan Christian Hostel

8.7

Amsterdam-West

Forget partying; this is a laid back, relaxed hostel. It’s a no-alcohol and no-drug Christian more

Food and Drinks on a Budget

Eating on the cheap in Amsterdam can be an art form. The street food scene is solid, and you can score a tasty herring or hot fries drizzled in mayo for a few euros.

If you’re not into fish, there are tons of falafel and kebab spots.

For nightlife, lots of locals pre-drink at home or at friend’s places before hitting the bars. Look for happy hours if you want to socialize without paying a fortune.

Another hack: keep an eye out for student nights or pub crawls, which sometimes throw in a free drink or two.

Experiences for Backpackers

One of my favorites is joining bike tours around the city or even venturing out to the countryside to see the windmills. It’s also fun to check out open-air markets where you can snack on Dutch cheese samples (yes, please!).

If you're into art or history, the big museums are worth a day pass, but make sure you actually have the energy for them. For something more hands-on, see if there’s a cooking class featuring Dutch dishes—like bitterballen or stroopwafels.

And if you time it right, festivals pop up with live music, beer gardens, and endless chances to make new friends.

Additional tips & Final Thoughts

Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early autumn can be cheaper and less crowded than peak summer.

Booking in Advance: Reserve popular museum tickets online to skip lines and maybe snag discounts.

8 Hidden Gemz for Amsterdam (by Hostelgeeks)

How it works

Avoid Tourist Traps: Steer clear of overpriced canal-side restaurants in super touristy zones. Walk a few blocks away for better prices.

Safety First: Keep your belongings close, especially in crowded areas. And watch out for bikes zooming by.

Cultural Respect: Don’t stand in the middle of bike lanes (seriously, they’ll ring that bell at you with no mercy). Also, be mindful in coffee shops—know your limits.

Amsterdam might seem pricey at first, but if you play it right, it’s totally manageable. From lazy canal strolls to late-night bar crawls, there’s a little something for everyone. Happy backpacking, and I hope this guide makes your trip even more memorable!

Backpacking Amsterdam? Here’s What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I’ve been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I’m passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

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About the author: Anna Kiefer

My travels have taken me from the vibrant streets of Vietnam to the tranquil beauty of Spain, each destination adding a new chapter to my journey. For me, travel isn’t about counting countries or ticking off lists; it’s about the freedom it brings and the stories that unfold with each new adventure. At Hostelgeeks, my goal is to infuse our brand with this sense of freedom and discovery.

Whether it’s finding the perfect 5 Star Hostel or sharing a hidden gem in a bustling city, I’m here to ensure that our travelers get more than just a journey – they get an experience that resonates with the joy of exploration and the freedom of the open road.