Netherlands On A Budget Travel Guide

The Netherlands is not the cheapest country in Europe, but you can do the Netherlands on a budget if you plan smart, book early, and skip the tourist traps. You’ll still get all the canals, the windmills, the easy day trips and by following this guide, it will help you to visit the Netherlands on a budget!

Best Time to Visit & Where To Go in the Netherlands

Unfortunately, there isn’t an absolutely definite best time to visit the Netherlands. It is expensive almost year round. Spring is expensive because tulips and tourists arrive together. Summer is busy and can be pricey, especially in Amsterdam. Winter can be cheaper, but it’s short daylight and cold. I would just bite the bullet and visit in the early months of Summer maybe June, you avoid the spring rush and maybe just maybe avoid the absolute peak crowds.

I am only suggesting to visit in the sun because it makes the experience of visiting the canal filled cities that much more nicer. Below is a list of places you should visit when going to Holland.

Amsterdam: Best Base for First-Time Visitors

Amsterdam is the easiest place to start for first-timers because everything is nearby: canals, museums, food, nightlife, and fast trains. The problem is like every other capital is that it’s expensive. You would want to stay slightly outside the center, in which I recommend Sloterdijk.

There are plenty of free things to do in Amsterdam though so roaming around the city itself doesn’t have to be expensive. I made a 3 day itinerary to visit Amsterdam which you can read below:

Zaanse Schans: Easy Windmill Day Trip

One must thing to do when in Holland is to see the windmills that this country is known for. There is one famous town a 45 minute train ride from Amsterdam and that is Zaanse Schans. The best thing is that you only need to pay for your train ticket as most of the attractions and to see the windmills from the outside is free. Read my day trip to Zaanse Schans in which I listed how to get there and things to see and do during your visit.

Giethoorn: Fairytale Village Day Trip

If you are looking to expand your visit to the orange country then add Giethoorn to your list. It is a postcard village filled with canals, bridges and boats. You can self drive one of the boats and albeit there will be other tourists, you really get a sense you escaped the hustle and bustle of the city and your life. However it is not the cheapest day trip, and it will be easier if you rent a car. You can also do it via public transport but it is best if you read my full guide on Giethoorn below.

Rotterdam, Utrecht & The Hague

There are also other cities in Holland that you may want to visit to avoid the influx of the crowds in Amsterdam.

Some of these are:

• Rotterdam: modern skyline, architecture, industrial vibes, and usually less “tourist tax”
• Utrecht: canals with fewer crowds than Amsterdam, fun city energy
• The Hague: beach access (Scheveningen), government buildings, museums, and a calmer feel

Netherlands Practical Tips

Language

English is widely spoken, especially in cities. Learn a couple basics anyway.

Cash vs card

The Netherlands is very card-friendly. Carry a small amount of cash just in case, but expect to tap most of the time.

Weather

Be prepared for rain and wind any time of year. Pack layers and don’t overthink it.

Public toilets

Public toilets may be scarce or paid in some places. Use cafés, stations, malls, and planning.

Supermarkets

Supermarkets will save your budget. Look out for Aldi, Lidl and Albert Hijn. Buy breakfast, snacks, water, and picnic-style lunches.

Booking in advance

Accommodation can be the biggest cost. Book early, especially for Amsterdam and for spring/summer.

Where to Stay in the Netherlands

Amsterdam is expensive, full stop. For Netherlands on a budget:

• Stay outside the very centre with good transit links (you’ll save a lot)
• Consider Rotterdam or Utrecht as a base if your itinerary is flexible
• Look for hostels, budget hotels, or guesthouses, but always check recent reviews for value

Food & Drink on a Budget

Food costs can be controlled easily:

• Supermarkets + bakeries = cheap and good
• Fries, stroopwafels, herring, markets, and casual street food are often cheaper than restaurant meals
• Avoid restaurants right next to the main tourist sights

Rough daily food estimate (budget style): €15–€35 depending on whether you cook/buy supermarket meals vs eat out.

Airports in the Netherlands

The main one is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). For budget airlines, check Eindhoven Airport (EIN) and Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM). Sometimes a cheaper flight is worth it, sometimes you lose the savings on transport/time.

Transport in the Netherlands

Trains are excellent, but not always cheap. If you’re bouncing between cities, trains are usually still the best mix of speed and convenience.

You’ll hear about the OV-chipkaart/contactless travel system: official info here from NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) and OV-chipkaart.

Frequently Asked Questions – Netherlands on a Budget