Amsterdam is moderately expensive, with high hotel prices and a lot of choice for cheaper food. The canal belt and the neighbourhoods are free to wander, and the city is compact enough to walk or cycle.
Is Amsterdam expensive?
Expensive for most visitors. Amsterdam is moderately expensive, with high hotel prices and a lot of choice for cheaper food.
Money, cards and tipping
Currency: Euro (€). Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere; some places no longer take cash.
Tipping: Service is included. Round up or leave 5–10% for good service in a restaurant; it isn't expected in cafés or taxis.
Where to save money
- Walk or rent a bike rather than using trams for every trip.
- Take the free ferries behind Centraal Station to Amsterdam Noord.
- Eat at the markets: stroopwafels, herring and cheese at Albert Cuyp are cheap and local.
- Book museum tickets online; they are often cheaper and avoid queues.
- Stay slightly outside the canal belt for better hotel prices.
Where it is worth spending
- The Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum timed tickets.
- A small-boat canal cruise.
- A day trip to Keukenhof in tulip season.
Free things to do in Amsterdam
- The Vondelpark and the canal belt
- The Begijnhof courtyard
- The free ferries to Amsterdam Noord
- Browsing the Albert Cuyp market and the Bloemenmarkt (flower market)
Prices, ticket rules and safety conditions change. Treat this as a starting point and check official sources and your government's travel advice before you go.
Amsterdam budget questions
What currency is used in Amsterdam?
Euro (€). Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere; some places no longer take cash.
Is tipping expected in Amsterdam?
Service is included. Round up or leave 5–10% for good service in a restaurant; it isn't expected in cafés or taxis.
How can I save money in Amsterdam?
Walk or rent a bike rather than using trams for every trip. Take the free ferries behind Centraal Station to Amsterdam Noord. Eat at the markets: stroopwafels, herring and cheese at Albert Cuyp are cheap and local.