After we covered Haarlem a couple of months ago, I'm so glad that I've finally got a chance to cover the capital city of the Netherlands: Amsterdam!
Coming from Indonesia, the country that was formerly known as the Dutch Indies, Amsterdam has become one of the major holiday destinations for Indonesians. And even if you're not from Indonesia like I am, Amsterdam is still one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe.
From their well-known canals to even the infamous red district, Amsterdam has a lot of reasons why it should be listed in your next travel destination.
Thanks to Laura of Laura No Esta, we'll be covering the city on this week's $10 series! 😉
Roaming Around the Capital City of the Netherlands Without Breaking the Bank
The beautiful city of Amsterdam is quite expensive but, even so, you can manage to have some really nice and fun days with $10 or even less.
First things first, in The Netherlands we use Euros so, before getting into the details of how to expent your money, let's convert your dollars to the local currency. So $10 equals to €9, and there's a lot of things you can do with that in Amsterdam.
The typical dutch city where you can see how the locals used to live. Once you arrive there by train, you can freely wander around the place because they don't charge you the admission.
Ideally, you'll go there on a sunny day to enjoy the weather but this is Amsterdam so as long as it's not raining you should be fine.
Zaanse Schans.
Eat at FEBO (€2.10 for Fries and €3 for Cheeseburger)
If you're visiting the Netherlands, you have to try one of their biggest hits… warm food from a machine.
Some years ago it only worked with coins but now you can even pay with card. FEBO is a typical thing to do after enjoying some of Amsterdam's crazy nightlife.
They recently released a veggie burger, even vegetarians can enjoy this delicacy.
Try the Best Apple Pie of the City with a Good Coffee (€7)
One of my favorite spots in Amsterdam is Winkel43, some locals have recommended me this place after I confess that I'm addicted to apple pie. They promise me that it would be the best apple pie of my life and they weren't wrong.
Considering the hype around this place I strongly recommend you to go there early in the morning and have some lukewarm apple pie with cream and a good cup of coffee.
Enjoy a Pint in Any “Brown Bar” (€5)
The brown bars of Amsterdam are one of the most charming and exotic places in the city.
They're called brown bars because of the interiors, they are mainly covered in wood and, also, the walls are quite brown-stained by nicotine. Remember that time when people used to smoke in bars?
You can find one in any neighborhood of the city, I strongly recommend you to go to De Oranjerie to enjoy some local company.
Rent a Bike for a Day and Live the True Dutch Experience (€9)
There's nothing more Dutch than riding your bike through the city.
If it's your first time in Amsterdam, I would recommend you to avoid peak hours and try to ride on your right so you don't bother the locals.
If you fancy a long ride, try to go to the Amsterdamse Bos, an amazing forest just 40 minutes ride from the city center.
Boat ride around Amsterdam.
Enjoy the Canals in a Pedal Boat (€9)
or almost $10 you can enjoy one of the best things to do in Amsterdam: cruising through the canals. Be aware of the weather, I would not recommend this activity in winter, you may get frozen to death.
Have a Coffee with the Best View of the City at OBA Library (€3)
You can also do this for free but if you are in the mood for a coffee. this is a really nice spot. The OBA close to the central station has one of the most beautiful views of the city and it's completely free to enter.
There are a lot of things you can do in Amsterdam for less than $10 but, the most important one is to enjoy your time in the city.
Contributor: Laura from Laura No Esta
Laura Otero is an Argentinian journalist living in Amsterdam who runs her own travel blog. She loves her cat, and enjoys reading British literature and exploring the city during the weekends.
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