Tips for Backpacking Amsterdam

Colorful and crazy houses.  Canals and heaps of bicycles.  Open minds and unusual realities.  Open your eyes.  You’re in Amsterdam. Lots of people (and many backpackers) stop in Amsterdam during their European travels.  What is well known for its vivacity especially at night is actually a very cute place where you should get lost.

I had more than one day in Amsterdam, but I thought I would keep it simple.  You should know that Amsterdam is quite an expensive city.  To give you a rough idea, it was more expensive than Paris and Brussels (which are considered expensive for most budget travelers).  Good news; there are ways to do it on a budget.  So this is why you might not want to stick around for too long.  You can still make the most of it; don’t you worry!

Backpacking Amsterdam allows you to enjoy the views by walking/cycling around.  It’s also a bucket list place where you might want to try some new experiences.  If that’s the case, you might be disappointed – this isn’t about partying.


Where to stay in Amsterdam | Backpacking Amsterdam

 

If you’re staying at least one night, you should pick a smart location.  If your accommodation is located around Centraal Station, it would be a great spot!  This means you can walk around easily without having to spend money on transportation.

Please note that if you’re coming by bus, you will probably arrive at Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station, which is located in the Western part of the city.

I was there during the winter, which isn’t the most popular time of the year for travelers.  Accommodation (even hostels) were quite expensive if you’re booking last minute.  I’d suggest you book your accommodation well in advance to avoid having a little surprise later.  You could also consider finding a place on AirBNB (get your discount now!) or if you’re on a tight budget, on couchsurfing.

 

How to get around Amsterdam

 

There are many different ways to get around Amsterdam; trams, buses and metros.

As mentioned above, if you pick the right location for your accommodation, you won’t have to use transportation during your stay.  I’d recommend you walk around (or hire a bicycle).

 

Options for transportation in Amsterdam:

 

You could get the “I Amsterdam City Card” which gives you free entry to the most popular attractions of the city and access to public transport.  This is available for 24, 48, and 72 hours.

You could also get GBV day passes or a 24-hour public transportation pass.

Or simply buy the ticket you need for your journey as you go.

 

How to make the most of Amsterdam in one day

 

Are you ready for the harsh truth?  Amsterdam is all about being outside… which means that it’s totally acceptable to muck around and enjoy the prettiest views.  Amsterdam has a unique architecture.  Houses are unequal and you might even think that there are about to fall.  That’s the beauty of it.  That’s what makes Amsterdam….Amsterdam.

As you walk around, keep an eye out for these little hipster cafés (here, I’m not talking about the Dutch coffee shops).  You need to keep in mind that every season will bring you a whole new atmosphere as you walk around the city.

 

One day in Amsterdam | Two days in Amsterdam | What to do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam one day trip

 

One day in Amsterdam | Two days in Amsterdam | What to do in Amsterdam

What can I see in Amsterdam in one day

 

 

How to get a mini cultural shock in Amsterdam

 

The coffee shop culture isn’t the one I know.  I love coffee shops.  You know; the ones where they sell coffee (coffee addict here!).  The Netherlands is a pretty open-minded country.  Yes, you can buy drugs.  You can even buy sex.  Everybody knows about it.  It’s obvious that I totally forgot about it.

I was walking down the street when I saw those famous windows (you know the ones I’m talking about, don’t you?).  I felt very uncomfortable.   It felt so wrong.  Between the different smells and a few churches, it was all out there.

Would I recommend it? Let’s say I found it by surprise while I was trying to get a shot of one of those little twisty streets.

This is Amsterdam.

 

You want to stay longer?  What should you do?

 

Museum-lovers: Read this.

Street Art lovers: Read this.

Food lovers: Read this.

Party animals: Read this.

 

Traveling in Europe with Busbud:

 

There are many different ways to travel across Europe.  Here’s why you should consider doing it by bus.

  1. It’s quick.  You don’t need to show up too far in advance.  It’s efficient!
  2. It’s budget-friendly.  Most of the time, traveling by bus is the most affordable option.
  3. You can stay connected. Wi-Fi is free and you can even use power sockets!
  4. You can travel with luggage. No need to worry about liquids, gels, or the weight of your luggage.  Pack that bag and go!
  5. It’s eco-friendly.  The environmental impact is minimal compared to the other transport options.

 

Busbud is the best way to book bus tickets as it’s all in one place.  You can search, compare, and book your bus tickets from hundreds of bus companies in 10,000 cities across 63 countries. They propose 500,000 routes and that makes them the biggest bus travel booking website.  Their goal is to make travel accessible for everyone by giving travelers clear and accurate bus travel information such as schedules and fares. Find and book your perfect bus trip now!
 


BEFORE YOU GO TO EUROPE

 

☑ Book your flight: If your flight isn’t booked yet – check out the flights on Skyscanner or via Google Flights. My top saving tip is flexibility. If you’re flexible, you should be able to find a cheaper flight.

☑ Book your accommodation: I always use Airbnb and Booking.com. If you’d rather stay in a hostel, you should take a look at the options on Hostelworld. If you click on the Airbnb link and you don’t have an account yet – you’ll get a $30 discount on your first booking.

☑ Protect your cute face: Oh, you may want to protect your cute face with a travel medical insurance. I would suggest SafetyWing as they offer the best rates, especially for long-term travelers. Otherwise, you can also take a look at World Nomads.

☑ Pack the essentials: You can consult this list when it’s time to pack your bag! Do not leave without a universal charger, a power bank and your passport!

☑  Do you need a visa? If you aren’t sure if you need a visa, it would be a smart idea to take a quick look before you go. You can use iVisa – it’s super useful and easy to use.

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