5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in the Netherlands

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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