Thrifty tips for Amsterdam

Although Amsterdam may be a huge touristy city, it is possible for penny-pinching tourists to get around some of the traps.

After my Amsterdam experience, the first thing I recommend is purchasing the "Iamsterdam" card. The card gives you free admission to several museums, a free ticket on public transportation, a free canal cruise, and discounts at selected restaurants and shopping boutiques. http://www.amsterdam.info/pass/ This card comes in handy, because Amsterdam is full of many wonderful museums. When I was there, I visited the Van Gogh Museum, Riksmuseum and the Anne Frank House.
Me in front of the Riksmuseum. FYI: The little book in my hand is the money saving reference guide from my Iamsterdam card.

Hotels in the heart of the city can be expensive. A better option is to chose one that is about 10-20 minutes away from downtown. You can get more for your money and the the train runs 24 hours a day. I stayed at the Artemis Amsterdam Hotel. It is a modern four star Dutch hotel and is located about 20 minutes from downtown. Although you may be using public transport everyday, if you have the Iamsterdam card it will be free. My total bill was significantly lower than what it would have been at some of the older downtown hotels. http://www.artemisamsterdam.com/

A popular cheap snack that can be found all over Amsterdam is Vlaamse Frites-fries with spicy mayonnaise. The cost is generally around two euros. One of the most popular fries stand is Vleminckx Sausmeesters. It is located close to the Kalverstraat shopping street.




Amsterdam offers many free activities. During the summer Vondelpark has free concerts. Dam Square also has free concerts and it is located five minutes from the central train station. The Oude Kerk (old church) is another cheap attraction to see. It is a Gothic basilica that is believed to have been consecrated in 1306. Admission is free to Iamsterdam cardholders.

Interior of the Oude Kerk

Before you leave Amsterdam make sure you take a canal cruise. It is one of the best ways to see all of Amsterdam. Take the cruise on your first day to scope out neighborhoods and attractions that spark your interest.