9-Day Budget-Friendly Amsterdam Itinerary for Solo Travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Canal Tour

Amsterdam, Netherlands on April 21, 2025

10:00am

Check-in and settle

Arrive at your budget-friendly accommodation in central Amsterdam and freshen up for the day.
EUR0, 1h

11:00am

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Enjoy traditional Dutch pancakes with various toppings in a popular yet affordable spot, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
EUR10, 1h

12:30pm

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Explore Amsterdam’s iconic canals on a budget-friendly boat tour lasting about 1 hour, providing unique city views and historical insights. Open daily 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR18, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Dam Square

Explore the bustling heart of Amsterdam, featuring the Royal Palace and street performers, all free to enjoy and soak in the atmosphere.
EUR0, 1h

3:30pm

Walk through Jordaan neighborhood

Discover its quaint streets, art galleries, and cozy cafes perfect for budget travelers on foot.
EUR0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Foodhallen

Savor a variety of affordable street food inside this indoor food market, open until 11:00pm.
EUR15, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Museums & Culture

Amsterdam, Netherlands on April 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Stach

Start your day with budget-friendly and fresh breakfast options available from 8:00am, perfect for solo travelers seeking quick meals.
EUR8, 45m

9:30am

Rijksmuseum Visit

Explore Dutch art and history at the Rijksmuseum, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, with discounted tickets for youth and budget travelers.
EUR20, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Broodje Bert

Enjoy affordable and hearty sandwiches near the museum quarter, open till 4:00pm.
EUR7, 1h

2:00pm

Van Gogh Museum

Visit the iconic museum dedicated to Van Gogh’s masterpieces, open 9:00am to 5:00pm, with advanced ticket purchase recommended.
EUR20, 2h

4:30pm

Vondelpark Walk

Relax and enjoy Amsterdam’s largest park with free entry, ideal for a late afternoon stroll.
EUR0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at De Pizzabakkers

Enjoy delicious and affordable wood-fired pizzas near the park, open until 10:00pm.
EUR12, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Historic Quarters & Markets

Amsterdam, Netherlands on April 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at a local bakery

Pick up fresh pastries and coffee from a neighborhood bakery open by 7:30am to start the day affordably.
EUR6, 45m

9:30am

Anne Frank House

Visit this moving historic museum, open 9:00am to 7:00pm; tickets must be booked online in advance.
EUR14, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at FEBO

Try this unique Dutch fast-food automatiek for budget-friendly and quick eats, open all day till late.
EUR5, 30m

1:00pm

Walk and shop at Albert Cuyp Market

Browse one of the largest street markets in Europe with affordable clothes, food, and souvenirs. Open daily until 5:00pm.
EUR0, 2h

3:30pm

Explore De Pijp district

Wander around this lively neighborhood famous for local cafes, street art, and affordable bars.
EUR0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Bazar Amsterdam

Dine on flavorful and inexpensive Middle Eastern dishes, with vibrant decor and open until 11:00pm.
EUR15, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Day Trip to Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans, near Amsterdam, Netherlands on April 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel/local cafe

Have a quick and low-cost breakfast at your accommodation or nearby café.
EUR6, 45m

8:30am

Train to Zaanse Schans

Take the 20-minute train to Zaanse Schans, famous for its windmills and traditional Dutch crafts. Trains run frequently from Amsterdam Central.
EUR7, 30m

9:15am

Explore Zaanse Schans

Visit windmills, a clog workshop, and a cheese farm museum. Entry to the outdoor area is free; some attractions cost up to EUR5 each. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
EUR0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Zaanse Schans Cafe

Enjoy light Dutch lunch options at the onsite cafe specializing in local cheese and breads.
EUR10, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Amsterdam

Catch the afternoon train back to Amsterdam, leaving time to relax or explore more of the city.
EUR7, 30m

3:00pm

Free afternoon walk or visit local bookstores

Stroll the city canals or explore independent bookstores around Spui square for a cultural and relaxed afternoon.
EUR0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Thrill Grill

Enjoy a budget-friendly gourmet burger just a short walk from the center, open until 10:00pm.
EUR14, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Local Markets & Hidden Gems

Amsterdam, Netherlands on April 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bakers & Roasters

Diverse menu featuring New Zealand and Brazilian inspired affordable breakfasts, open 8:00am to 3:00pm.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Visit Noordermarkt

Explore the organic farmers market and antiques market (Saturdays) or flea markets, check local schedule for dates. Free entry.
EUR0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Street Food at Foodhallen

Try budget snack options from various vendors inside Foodhallen, located nearby.
EUR10, 1h

2:00pm

Visit NDSM Wharf

Take a free ferry from Amsterdam Central to this artsy area with street art, cafes, and exhibitions, open all day.
EUR0, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pllek

Enjoy organic and vegetarian dishes at this waterside café in NDSM, with affordable meal options and great views. Open until 10:00pm.
EUR15, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Historic & Cultural Walks

Amsterdam, Netherlands on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vinnies

Enjoy healthy, locally sourced breakfast options in a cozy café open from 8:00am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Explore Begijnhof

Visit this peaceful historic courtyard dating to the 14th century, free entry and open daily.
EUR0, 1h

10:30am

Explore Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes)

Stroll this charming neighborhood full of small boutiques, cafes, and galleries. Free to explore.
EUR0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hummus Bistro d&a

Affordable Middle Eastern dishes with generous portions, open 12:00pm-10:00pm.
EUR12, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Museum Het Rembrandthuis

Explore the house and workshop of Rembrandt, open from 10:00am to 6:00pm with entry fees around EUR15.
EUR15, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at a local pub

Try a local craft beer at a nearby affordable pub such as Café Belgique open till midnight.
EUR5, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Foodwise

Affordable healthy and vegan-friendly diner, great for budget-conscious solo travelers, open till 9:00pm.
EUR14, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Markets & Modern Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Omelegg

Known for budget-friendly and creative egg dishes, open from 8:00am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt)

Browse the world’s only floating flower market, open daily from 9:00am to 5:30pm, free to look, affordable souvenirs available.
EUR0, 1h

10:45am

Shopping at Magna Plaza

Explore this historic shopping arcade with budget-friendly souvenirs and small shops, open from 10:00am.
EUR0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Wok to Walk

Cheap and tasty stir-fry noodles and rice bowls, open all day.
EUR7, 45m

1:00pm

Visit Eye Filmmuseum

Catch a film or explore exhibitions at this modern museum on Amsterdam’s waterfront, open from 11:00am to 9:00pm. Entry about EUR12.
EUR12, 2h

4:00pm

Take free ferry back to city center

Enjoy the scenic ferry ride across IJ river back to Amsterdam central.
EUR0, 15m

6:00pm

Dinner at Thrill Grill

Have a last tasty inexpensive burger dinner at this popular spot, open until 10:00pm.
EUR14, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Relax & Explore

Amsterdam, Netherlands on April 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Coffee & Coconuts

Laid back café with affordable healthy breakfasts and good coffee, open from 8:00am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Bike tour rental and ride

Rent a bike (approx EUR12 for a day) and explore the city at your own pace including lesser-known neighborhoods and parks.
EUR12, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at De Hallen Food Market

Sample affordable international street foods at this popular market near Vondelpark.
EUR12, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Amsterdam Library (OBA)

Explore this modern cultural spot with free entry and amazing rooftop views of the city.
EUR0, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax by the canals or grab a coffee

Choose a canal-side café to unwind and watch the busy city life drift by.
EUR5, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at La Perla

Enjoy wallet-friendly authentic Italian pizza in the Jordaan district, open until 10:00pm.
EUR15, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Departure Day

Amsterdam, Netherlands on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation or nearby cafe

Have a final leisurely breakfast close by before checking out.
EUR6, 45m

9:00am

Last minute souvenir shopping or walk

Take a final stroll down the canals or buy any last-minute souvenirs from local shops, many opening early.
EUR0, 1h

10:30am

Checkout and transit to airport/train station

Make your way to your onward transport, concluding your Amsterdam adventure.
EUR0, Varies
View Hotel Availability