How to Spend The Holidays in Amsterdam on a Budget

As far as luxury is concerned, Amsterdam admittedly pales in comparison to its fellow capital cities such as Paris, Rome, London, Brussels, and more. However, that doesn't mean that this metropolis is, in any way, more affordable. Amsterdam is still a pretty pricey city to live in, especially when it comes to your living costs. You'd be surprised at how high your daily expenses can total up to! But with that said, this doesn't mean that you can't spend the holiday season in the Dutch capital when you're on a budget. There are many affordable ways to celebrate Christmas here, including these few examples.

Get A Tourist Pass

Just because it's the holidays, that doesn't mean you can't explore Amsterdam like a tourist. If it's your first time in the city, especially during this holiday, there's no reason why you can't go sightseeing, visit museums, and the like. However, these, of course, will cost money. And if you're sticking to a strict budget, what will you do? Get a tourist pass! This is your ticket to free and unlimited access to any of Amsterdam's top tourist attractions, not to mention public transport as well. The Amsterdam Pass, for instance, that's good for 24 hours only costs €7.50 each. What a steal! Source: Wikimedia Commons

Shop at A Christmas Market

Normally, food costs in Amsterdam will have you spending around €96.48 for groceries that'll last you a good one to two weeks tops. But you don't have that kind of money to spare anymore now, do you? What if you run out of food now? How will you prepare your Christmas dinner then? Shop at the Christmas markets! From the famous Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt to the newer Funky Xmas Market, you'll find tons of affordable food stalls in any one of them! Many of them will charge less than those in standard grocery stores and supermarkets. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Prepare Your Own Holiday Feast

Once you've bought enough ingredients, it's time to prepare your Christmas dinner. Now, after spending most of the past two years at home because of the Covid-19 pandemic, you're probably itching to go outside, aren't you? You've probably planned to eat out during the holidays too! But if your budget doesn't allow you to go to any foodie hotspot Amsterdam has to offer, your best bet is to prepare your Christmas feast yourself. At the very least, you get full and total control of tonight's menu. And who knows? Preparing the holiday dinner with your entire family might just become a new tradition! Source: Wikimedia Commons

Go on an Ice Skating Date

It gets so cold in Amsterdam during the holiday season that ice skating is practically an annual tradition for locals here. There's nothing quite like gliding on through a scenic rink, reveling in the festive spirit of the Dutch capital. In the city's famous Ice Village, you can even skate with the stunning Rijksmuseum in the background. That's one holiday experience you won't soon forget. And the best part about this place is that it's free! As long as you brought your own pair of skates, you don't need to pay a single cent for all the fun you're about to have! Source: Wikimedia Commons

See The Amsterdam Light Festival

During the holidays, Amsterdam lights up unlike any other! And this isn't just because of the city's beautiful Christmas decor. It's also thanks to the city's annual event, the Amsterdam Light Festival. Around December of every year, the Dutch capital's famous canals host this one-of-a-kind lighting extravaganza. From artistic installations and colorful projections to full-blown parade floats, what this festival offers is one must-see marvel after another. You won't even need to buy a ticket to see all the magic too! Just walk along the canals and see the spectacular show unfold! Source: Amsterdam Light Festival YouTube Channel

Take a Stoll Through The Red-Light District

For a time that's supposed to be spent with family and friends, Amsterdam's infamous red-light district, De Wallen, is probably the last place you want to be. Especially since it tends to be home to a lot of crimes and deviant acts as well. However, around Christmastime, this place becomes quite the unique holiday sight to behold. Seeing the brothels and sex shops all decorated with holly, twinkling lights, and snowmen inspire holiday cheer in a totally different way. Not to mention catching a glimpse of the window ladies dressed as sexy Santa or naughty devils too. How's that for a hot Christmas in Amsterdam? Source: Wikimedia Commons

Amsterdam may not be the most expensive city in the world, but it's still a pretty pricey place just the same. Nevertheless, when you're celebrating Christmas here, you can still do a lot of fun things even when you're on a strict budget!

Save on all the other expenses as much as you want but don't relieve yourself of enjoying a stay in a luxury home in Amsterdam. This is one thing worth investing in!