Amsterdam on a Shoestring Budget: A 5-Day Itinerary

  • Day 1: Exploring the Canal Ring
    14 minutes (1.1 miles) from Amsterdam Centraal Station

    Begin your Amsterdam adventure by taking a stroll around the city's iconic canal ring. Here, you'll find some of the city's most picturesque and historic neighbourhoods, including Jordaan, which is home to many galleries, vintage shops and cafes, and the Nine Streets, which is famous for its chic boutiques and trendy bars.

  • Day 2: Visit World-class Museums
    23 minutes (2.4 miles) from Jordaan

    Spend your second day visiting some of the world-class museums that Amsterdam has to offer. Head over to the Museumplein, where you'll find the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Stedelijk Museum. They're all within walking distance of each other, so you can easily spend the entire day appreciating art and culture.

  • Day 3: Embrace the Quirky Side
    27 minutes (2.2 miles) from the Museumplein

    Take a break from the traditional Amsterdam activities and explore the quirky side of the city. Visit the Museum of Bags and Purses to see a unique collection of bags from different time periods, and the Electric Ladyland museum, which is dedicated to fluorescent art. If you're looking for something more relaxing, head over to the Hortus Botanicus to enjoy a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city.

  • Day 4: Discover Amsterdam's Street Art
    15 minutes (1.3 miles) from the Hortus Botanicus

    Amsterdam is known for its vibrant street art scene, so why not spend a day discovering some of the city's best murals and graffiti. Start your street art adventure in the NDSM neighbourhood, which is home to giant murals and installations. Then, head over to the De Pijp neighbourhood to see some of the city's coolest graffiti and street art.

  • Day 5: Enjoy the Great Outdoors
    21 minutes (1.7 miles) from De Pijp

    On your final day in Amsterdam, take some time to enjoy the great outdoors. Head over to Vondelpark, one of Amsterdam's most popular parks, to relax and enjoy the scenery. You can also rent a bike or a boat to explore the park from a different perspective. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, take a short train ride to Zaanse Schans, a historic windmill village, to experience a taste of rural Holland.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Museumplein (3-5 hours, €21)
  • Museum of Bags and Purses (1-2 hours, €12.50)
  • Electric Ladyland (1 hour, €6)
  • Hortus Botanicus (1-2 hours, €9)
  • NDSM (2-3 hours, free)
  • De Pijp (2-3 hours, free)
  • Vondelpark (1-2 hours, free)
  • Zaanse Schans (2-3 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €48.50

Transportation

Amsterdam is a compact city, and most of its main attractions are within walking distance. If you need to take public transportation, consider purchasing a multi-day transit pass to save money. A three-day pass costs €28.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to nearby cities like Haarlem or Utrecht. If you have less time, skip some of the museums or combine some of the days together.

Airports

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is the main airport serving the city. It's located about 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) southwest of the city centre.

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