Three Days in Amsterdam: Canals, Art, and Cheese

Experience the charm of Amsterdam without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

As a visitor on a limited budget, Amsterdam has plenty of wallet-friendly options to offer. With a bit of research, one can find affordable accommodation in hostels, as well as cheap food and drink at local markets and street vendors. The city's many attractions, such as the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House, offer discounted admission prices for students and young adults.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Canals and Pancakes

  • Start the day by renting a bike to explore Amsterdam's picturesque canals and colorful buildings.
  • Head to The Pancake Bakery for breakfast, where you can indulge in savory or sweet Dutch pancakes with unique toppings like bacon, cheese, and stroopwafels.
  • Take a canal tour to learn about the city's history and see the sights from a different perspective.
  • Visit the famous Anne Frank House, a moving tribute to the young girl who hid from the Nazis during World War II.
  • End the day with dinner at De Foodhallen, a trendy indoor food market with a variety of cuisines to choose from.
  • Hotel recommendation: Meininger Hotel Amsterdam City West, a budget-friendly option with modern amenities and a convenient location.
Day 2

Art and Beer

  • Start the day by exploring the Van Gogh Museum and admiring the works of the famous Dutch artist.
  • Wander through the charming Jordaan neighborhood, known for its quaint streets and art galleries.
  • Have lunch at the Brouwerij 't IJ, a brewery located in a former windmill where you can enjoy Belgian-style beers and Dutch bar snacks.
  • Visit the Rijksmuseum to see masterpieces from artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer.
  • Catch a show at the Concertgebouw, a famous concert hall known for its exceptional acoustics.
Day 3

Markets and Cheese

  • Head to the Albert Cuyp Market, one of the oldest and most popular outdoor markets in the city, to sample local treats like stroopwafels and herring.
  • Take a break and enjoy a coffee at one of the city's many charming cafes.
  • Visit the Cheese Museum, where you can learn about the history of Dutch cheese and sample different types.
  • Spend the afternoon at Vondelpark, the city's largest park, with walking paths, bike rentals, and outdoor concerts.
  • End the day with a traditional Dutch dinner at Moeders, a cozy restaurant where you can enjoy hearty dishes like stamppot and gehaktballen.
  • Hotel recommendation: Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark, a budget-friendly hostel located right next to the park.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Amsterdam by plane is to fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport from major cities around the world.

Car

Driving to Amsterdam is relatively easy, with major highways connecting the city to cities in neighboring countries.

Train

Traveling to Amsterdam by train is convenient from major European cities, with the Amsterdam Centraal station being the main hub.

Boat

Traveling to Amsterdam by boat is possible with various river cruises and private yachts docking at the city's ports along the River IJ.

Bus

Taking a bus to Amsterdam is affordable and comfortable, with various coach companies offering services from nearby cities such as Berlin or Paris.

More travel plans

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