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5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in the Netherlands

Viewed by 117 travelers

Day 1: Explore Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Start your day with a Dutch pancake at this popular local spot which offers a variety of sweet and savoury options.
Walk to the restaurant from your accommodation in the city centre.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Anne Frank House

Immerse yourself in history with a tour of the Anne Frank House, a powerful reminder of the impact of World War II.
Take tram number 13 or 17 from Westermarkt stop.
EUR12.50, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Broodje Bert

Try a delicious Dutch sandwich at Broodje Bert, highly regarded for its fresh ingredients and generous portions.
Walk from the Anne Frank House, it's about a 15-minute stroll.
EUR8, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Vondelpark

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or relax in Amsterdam's largest park, perfect for watching locals and feeling the vibe of the city.
Walk to Vondelpark from the lunch spot, approximately 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Rijksmuseum Gardens

Explore the beautiful gardens of the Rijksmuseum, a serene spot amidst the hustle of the city.
20-minute walk from Vondelpark.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at De Pizzabakkers

Indulge in a tasty and affordable pizza at De Pizzabakkers, known for its thin-crust pizzas.
Short walk from the Rijksmuseum.
EUR10, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Amsterdam

Day 2: Cultural Day in Utrecht

Utrecht, Netherlands

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Jardin

Enjoy a healthy breakfast with plenty of options at this charming café before heading out for the day.
Walk to the nearby train station for your journey to Utrecht.
EUR7, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Utrecht

Take the NS train to Utrecht, a quick and easy journey lasting about 30 minutes.
Catch the train from Amsterdam Centraal station.
EUR5, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Explore Dom Tower

Climb the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, for stunning views of the city.
Walk from Utrecht Centraal station, it’s a 15-minute walk.
EUR12, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Deebe

Savour local Dutch cuisine at Deebe, which offers budget-friendly platters and meals.
Walk 10 minutes from the Dom Tower.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Museum Speelklok

Get enchanted by the musical instruments and fairground organs at this delightful museum.
Only a 10-minute walk from the lunch spot.
EUR9, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Stroll along the Oudegracht

Enjoy the canal views while walking along the historic Oudegracht, lined with charming eateries and shops.
View while walking from Museum Speelklok.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Broodje Mario

Eat a delicious-filled sandwich at Broodje Mario, a favourite local spot praised for its variety.
Walk back towards the train station for a short break.
EUR8, 1 hour

6:30PM

Return Train to Amsterdam

Catch the train back to Amsterdam to rest and prepare for the next adventure.
Take the train from Utrecht Centraal station.
EUR5, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Utrecht

Day 3: Modern Vibes in Rotterdam

Rotterdam, Netherlands

8:00AM

Breakfast at Markthal

Start your day in Rotterdam at Markthal, a unique market hall with various breakfast options.
Walk from your accommodation to the nearby Markthal.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Cube Houses

Explore the iconic Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) and their fascinating design.
A short walk from Markthal.
EUR3, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Maritime Museum

Learn about Rotterdam's maritime history at this engaging museum with interactive exhibits.
A 15-minute walk from the Cube Houses.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Fenix Food Factory

Enjoy lunch at this trendy food hall with a variety of local vendors offering affordable bites.
Take a tram (line 24) to Fenix Food Factory.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Stroll through the Witte de Withstraat

Visit this vibrant street known for its arts and culture, featuring galleries and independent shops.
Walk back to the city centre, about a 20-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum

Discover stunning artwork from various eras in this richly curated museum.
A short tram ride from Witte de Withstraat.
EUR15, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Warung Mini

Finish your day with a satisfying meal at Warung Mini, known for its affordable Indonesian cuisine.
Walk from the museum, it’s about a 20-minute walk.
EUR9, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Rotterdam

Day 4: Cultural Haven in The Hague

The Hague, Netherlands

8:00AM

Breakfast at Coffee & Co

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with organic ingredients at this lovely café.
Walk to the café from your accommodation.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Mauritshuis Museum

Marvel at masterpieces including Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ in this esteemed museum.
Take a tram (line 16) to the museum.
EUR17.50, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Stroll in the Binnenhof

Explore the historic political centre of the Netherlands, enveloped by beautiful architecture.
A short walk from the Mauritshuis.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Lapar Corner

Taste delicious Middle-Eastern cuisine at an affordable price in a casual setting.
15-minute walk from Binnenhof.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Peace Palace

Admire the stunning architecture of the Peace Palace and learn about its significance.
Short walk from Lapar Corner.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Scheveningen Beach

Unwind by the seaside, enjoying the serene environment at the beach, just a tram ride away.
Take tram line 1 to Scheveningen.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at De Bakkers Dozen

End your day with a meal at this bakery that transforms into a cosy eatery, perfect for pizzas and pastries.
Tram back to the city centre for dinner.
EUR10, 1 hour
Find Hotels in The Hague

Day 5: Return to Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club

Kickstart your final day with a hearty breakfast at this vibrant spot known for its extensive menu.
Walk from your accommodation to The Breakfast Club.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Van Gogh Museum

Explore the extensive collection of Van Gogh's works, showcasing his evolution as an artist.
Short walk from the café.
EUR19, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Stedelijk Museum

Discover modern and contemporary art at this impressive museum, just a short walk away.
Walk 15 minutes to the Stedelijk.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Hummus Bistro d&a

Enjoy a delicious, healthy lunch featuring freshly made hummus and pita.
Walk to Hummus Bistro from the Stedelijk, about 10 minutes.
EUR10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Canal Boat Tour

Experience Amsterdam from the water with a budget-friendly canal boat tour, an essential city experience.
Walk to the canal nearest your lunch spot.
EUR15, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit NDSM Wharf

Travel to NDSM Wharf for a taste of Amsterdam's avant-garde art scene and unique sights.
Ferry from Central Station to NDSM Wharf, which is free.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Café de Klos

Wrap up your itinerary with a hearty Dutch meal at this local favourite, known for its ribs and traditional dishes.
Take the ferry back to Central Station and walk.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Amsterdam
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