How to work out a realistic budget for an Amsterdam trip by listing the main costs and where they can vary.
Start with a list
Costs change with the season, the exchange rate and how you like to travel. Rather than a single number, list each category, get a current price for it and add a cushion.
Main categories
- Flights. Check prices for your dates, and see when to fly.
- Accommodation. The biggest variable. Add the tourist tax.
- Food and drink. Mix cheap and special meals.
- Getting around. The train from the airport, trams and any bike hire.
- Attractions. Museums and tours, ideally booked ahead.
- Coffeeshops. Optional, and easy to keep small.
- Extras. Souvenirs, tips and card fees.
A simple method
- Decide how many nights and how many people.
- Look up current prices for flights and accommodation.
- Estimate a daily spend for everything else.
- Multiply by the number of days.
- Add a cushion for surprises.
Where estimates go wrong
People often underestimate the small daily costs: a coffee here, a tram ticket there, a snack between meals. They also forget that rooms and food cost more at weekends and on event dates. Track your first two days of spending, then adjust the estimate for the rest of the trip.
Ways to lower it
- Travel outside peak seasons.
- Stay outside the centre.
- Walk and use public transport.
- Choose free sights.
Do not forget
- Foreign transaction fees on your card.
- Baggage charges on some flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Airport transfers at both ends.
- Tips for tours and services.
Adding a cushion of around ten percent for these small extras keeps surprises manageable.
Use the tools
Try our budget calculator for a quick estimate, and read our budget guide.
Prices change. Always check current costs before you book.