How Much Does Amsterdam Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s more expensive destinations, with daily costs for solo travelers typically ranging from $124 / €105 to $1,000 / €850 depending on the level of luxury. The city’s high demand for central lodging and its significant tourism taxes make it notably pricier than nearby capitals like Berlin or Brussels. Visitors can expect to pay a premium for canal-side experiences and world-class museums, where entry for a single site like the Rijksmuseum is $29 / €25. However, the compact layout makes it highly walkable, and the efficient public transport system helps keep transit costs manageable for those staying outside the historic core. Budgeting requires careful planning, especially for dining and accommodation in popular areas like the Jordaan or De Pijp.
Is Amsterdam expensive to visit?
Amsterdam is an expensive city where travelers should expect a daily budget range of $124–$1,000 / €105–€850 depending on their chosen comfort level.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Amsterdam
$124
per person /day
$388
per person /day
$1,000
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $371 | $1,165 | $3,001 |
| 5-Day Trip | $618 | $1,942 | $5,002 |
| 7-Day Trip | $865 | $2,719 | $7,003 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% budget buffer to account for the 12.5% tourist tax on hotels and frequent small costs like the $0.82–$1.18 / €0.7–€1 fee for public toilets. Hidden restaurant costs, such as the $5.3–$10 / €4.5–€8.5 bread surcharge, can also quickly inflate a daily dining budget.
How Does It Compare?
See how Amsterdam stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Amsterdam
Food & Drink (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mid-range 3-Course Dinner Expect to pay ~$59 / €50 per person including one drink and service. | $59 €50 |
| Draft Beer (0.5L Heineken/Amstel) Local 'Brown Cafés' are usually cheaper than tourist bars on Leidseplein or Rembrandtplein. | $8.83 €7.5 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| GVB 24-hour Public Transport Ticket Valid for 24 hours from the first check-in on all GVB trams, buses, and metros. Not valid on NS trains. | $12 €10 |
| NS Train: Schiphol Airport to Centraal Buying an e-ticket online or using OVpay avoids the single-use chipkaart surcharge (often $1.88 / €1.6) you may pay at ticket machines. | $6.47 €5.5 |
| Taxi (Standard 5km City Trip) A typical 15-minute cross-town trip costs ~$31 / €26. Always ensure the meter is running. | $31 €26 |
| Bicycle Rental (24 Hours) Includes two locks and theft insurance. A deposit of ~$59 / €50 or a credit card authorization is required. | $19 €16 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Hostel Dorm Bed (Centrum) Prices spike significantly on weekends. Booking 2–3 months in advance is essential for central locations. | $68 €58 |
| Mid-range Hotel Room Price excludes the mandatory 12.5% tourist tax. | $265 €225 |
| Luxury Hotel (5-star) Historical canal-side hotels like the Waldorf Astoria or Pulitzer often exceed $942 / €800 per night. | $683 €580 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Van Gogh Museum Ticket Tickets are strictly online-only and sell out weeks in advance. Under 18s enter free. | $29 €25 |
| Rijksmuseum Admission Valid for the permanent collection. Includes the Gallery of Honour with Rembrandt’s Night Watch. | $29 €25 |
| Anne Frank House Ticket Price includes the $1.18 / €1 booking fee. Tickets are released on Tuesday for visits six weeks later. | $19 €17 |
| Classic Canal Ring Cruise Typical 60-minute tour. Evening cruises with drinks or dinner are available for ~$53–$106 / €45–€90. | $25 €21 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 10GB Data eSIM (30 Days) Works on the KPN network with excellent citywide 5G coverage. | $19 €16 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
A mid-range three-course dinner in the city averages $59 / €50 per person, while a 0.5L draft beer at a local café costs approximately $8.83 / €7.5. Travelers can save by visiting the Albert Cuyp Market for stroopwafels or grabbing quick bites at FEBO, which offers affordable, automated hot snacks.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx
$6.47–$11 / €5.5–€9.5Centrum · Street food
Ask for 'Oorlog' (War) sauce—a mix of peanut satay, mayo, and onions for ~$1.41 / €1.2 extra.
FEBO Amsterdam
$3.53–$9.42 / €3–€8Multiple locations · Local chain
The 'Rundvleeskroket' (beef croquette) is the classic Dutch experience from the automat wall.
Albert Cuyp Market Stroopwafels
$2.94–$6.47 / €2.5–€5.5De Pijp · Street market
Buy them warm from a stand; they are significantly better than the pre-packaged ones in souvenir shops.
Omelegg
$13–$19 / €11–€16De Pijp / Centrum · Bakery
Excellent for a filling breakfast; often has a 15–20 minute queue on weekends.
Foodhallen Amsterdam
$14–$26 / €12–€22Oud-West · Food court
Great for groups since everyone can pick from different international cuisines.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
The most efficient way to navigate the city is via the GVB public transport network, with a 24-hour ticket priced at $12 / €10. Cycling is the local standard, with 24-hour bicycle rentals costing $19 / €16, while a standard 5km taxi trip typically costs around $31 / €26.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging is the largest expense, with central hostel dorms starting at $68 / €58 and mid-range hotel rooms averaging $265 / €225 per night. Luxury stays at prestigious canal-side properties frequently exceed $683 / €580 per night, and all rates are subject to a mandatory 12.5% tourist tax.
Accommodation Budget in Amsterdam
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Use OVpay by tapping a contactless bank card on NS trains and GVB transit to avoid buying disposable tickets (which can carry a single-use chipkaart surcharge, often $1.88 / €1.6).
- 2 Book Van Gogh Museum tickets ($29 / €25) and Anne Frank House tickets ($19 / €17) weeks in advance online to avoid missing out or paying for marked-up third-party tours.
- 3 Avoid buying bottled water; Amsterdam's tap water is some of the safest in Europe, and public fountains are available throughout the Museum Quarter.
- 4 Eat at the Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp for fresh, affordable street food like herring or hot stroopwafels instead of sit-down restaurants.
- 5 Take the free GVB ferry from behind Centraal Station to NDSM Wharf for a scenic boat ride without the $25 / €21 canal cruise price tag.
- 6 Shop at Albert Heijn or Jumbo supermarkets for pre-made salads and sandwiches to avoid the $59 / €50 average cost of a mid-range dinner.
- 7 Visit 'Brown Cafés' (traditional Dutch pubs) in the Jordaan district for beer prices that are lower than the $8.83 / €7.5 typical of tourist-heavy Leidseplein.
- 8 Explore the Foodhallen in Oud-West for a variety of high-quality dining options at lower price points than traditional sit-down venues.
- 9 Use the GVB 24-hour public transport ticket ($12 / €10) for unlimited travel if planning more than three trips in one day.
- 10 Rent a bike for multiple days; while a 24-hour rental is $19 / €16, many shops offer lower daily rates for three-day or weekly rentals.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec
+40-60%
Jan, Feb, Nov
-30-50%
Mar, Sep, Oct
February is one of the cheapest months, though weather can be windy and wet (avg 5–8°C (41–46°F)). Book for March/September to avoid the highest prices while keeping pleasant walking weather.
Events to Watch
- ● King's Day (April 27): Hotels +200%
- ● Amsterdam Dance Event (October): Hotels +100%
- ● Tulip Season (mid-April to early May): High demand
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Walk through the historic Begijnhof, a secluded 14th-century courtyard that offers a peaceful escape from the city noise.
- 2 Explore the Vondelpark, the city's largest green space, perfect for people-watching or a picnic.
- 3 Cross the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) at night to see the iconic wooden drawbridge illuminated by thousands of lights.
- 4 Take the free GVB ferry to Amsterdam Noord to explore the industrial-chic NDSM Wharf and its outdoor street art.
- 5 Browse the Floating Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt) on the Singel canal to see the colorful displays of tulips and bulbs.
- 6 Visit the Schuttersgalerij (Civic Guard Gallery), a naturally lit glass-roofed street filled with large-scale 17th-century paintings (accessible via the Kalverstraat).
- 7 Attend a Free Lunchtime Concert at the Royal Concertgebouw (often at 12:30; you typically need to reserve a free ticket in advance).
- 8 Walk through the Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to admire the 17th-century architecture and bridge views.
- 9 Visit the Stadsarchief (City Archives): the building is free to enter, but some temporary exhibitions are ticketed (often around $12 / €10).
- 10 Relax in the Rijksmuseum Gardens, which feature sculptures, fountains, and seasonal flowers without requiring the $29 / €25 museum ticket.
- 11 Explore the Albert Cuyp Market, Europe’s largest daytime market, to soak in the local atmosphere in the heart of De Pijp.
- 12 See the library at the Eye Filmmuseum, where certain basement exhibits and the building's striking architecture can be enjoyed for free.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Private Salon Boat Cruise
Cruising in a restored 1920s electric boat with a private captain allows you into smaller canals larger tour boats can't reach. It costs ~$230 / €195 per hour.
A’DAM Lookout 'Over the Edge' Swing
Swing 100 meters above the city for panoramic views. Online LOOKOUT entry is $19 / €17 and the swing add-on is $8.83 / €7.5 (or buy the $28 / €24 LOOKOUT + Swing combo ticket).
Dining at Restaurant De Kas
A farm-to-table Michelin-starred meal set inside a 1920s glasshouse; most vegetables are grown on-site.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Amsterdam
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Amsterdam and what they cost
Zaanse Schans (Windmills)
$9.89 / €8.4 by train
$35 / €30
$77 / €65
Haarlem
$13 / €11 by train
$21 / €18
$65 / €55
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
No
Everywhere, including street food and markets. Amsterdam is increasingly cashless; many cafes 'No Cash' signs.
Service is always included in the bill. For good service in restaurants, rounding up or adding 5–10% is standard. For a small coffee or drink, leaving the change is appreciated.
Avoid 'Euronet' ATMs which charge high fees (~$4.71–$5.89 / €4–€5 per withdrawal). Use official bank ATMs (ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank). Most bank cards work with OVpay for transit, so you rarely need cash for travel.
Connectivity
eSIM: $11–$29 depending on data (5GB–20GB) (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $24 / €20 for a 10GB prepaid SIM from Vodafone or KPN at Schiphol.
WiFi: Excellent. Available in almost all cafes, trains, and public museums.
Use an eSIM (like Airalo) for immediate data upon arrival, or use a bank card with OVpay to avoid ever needing a physical ticket office.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Amsterdam.
Updated: February 16, 2026
Ready to Visit Amsterdam?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amsterdam expensive to visit?
How much does Amsterdam cost per day?
How much does a trip to Amsterdam cost?
What is the cheapest month to visit Amsterdam?
What are the hidden costs in Amsterdam?
How can I save money in Amsterdam?
More Amsterdam Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Coming soon
Things to Do
Coming soon
Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
Itineraries
Coming soon
Complete Cost Guide
Full budget and cost breakdown