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How to Backpack the Netherlands for Less than $15 a Day: A Budget Traveler’s Guide

Hey fellow backpackers! Are you looking for a budget-friendly destination in Europe? Look no further than the Netherlands! With its stunning canals, vibrant cities, and rich history, the Netherlands is a backpacker’s paradise. And the best part? You can explore it all for less than $15 a day!

Accommodation:

To save money on accommodation, consider staying in hostels or budget-friendly guesthouses or just sleep at a train station . You can find affordable options for as low as $10-15 per night. Some popular options include:

  • Flying Pig Hostel (Amsterdam)
  • Meetingpoint Hostel (Rotterdam)
  • Hostel Utrecht City Center (Utrecht)

Food:

Eating out in the Netherlands can be expensive, but there are plenty of affordable options if you know where to look. Try visiting local markets or street food stalls for delicious and cheap meals. Some popular options include:

  • Stroopwafels (thin waffle cookies with caramel-like filling) for $2-3
  • Herring or Kibbeling (deep-fried fish) for $5-6
  • Frikadellen (meatballs) or Koftas (skewers) for $6-7

The street food in Netherlands is a treat for the taste buds! From the classic Stroopwafels (thin waffle cookies with caramel-like filling) to the savory Kibbeling (deep-fried fish), there’s something for everyone. You can’t miss the iconic Herring stands, where you can try the famous Dutch delicacy, or the Frikadellen (meatballs) and Koftas (skewers) at the many street food stalls. And for a sweet treat, indulge in some Poffertjes (mini pancakes) or Oliebollen (deep-fried dough balls). The best part? Most street food options are super affordable, with prices starting from just €2-3. So, be sure to come hungry and try some of the delicious street food Netherlands has to offer!

Transportation:

The Netherlands has an excellent public transportation system, and you can get around easily and affordably. Consider buying an OV-chipkaart (public transport card) for $7.50, which gives you unlimited travel on buses, trams, and trains.

Attractions:

The Netherlands is home to many free or low-cost attractions. Some popular options include:

  • Visiting the famous flower market in Amsterdam (free)
  • Exploring the canals and historic center of Amsterdam (free)
  • Visiting the Rijksmuseum (museum of Dutch history and art) for $12.50
  • Taking a bike tour of the countryside (around $20)

Amsterdam:

Free Entry to the Famous Flower Market

Start the night at the famous Bloemenmarkt (flower market), which is open until 7 pm in the summer. Not only is it free to enter, but you can also take in the stunning sights and smells of the beautiful flowers and plants on display. I even picked up a few souvenirs for my friends back home.Delicious and Cheap Dinner at a Local EetcafeNext, I headed to a local eetcafe (eating cafe) called De Pijp, where I had a delicious dinner of stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables and sausage) for just €8.50! The cozy atmosphere and friendly service made it feel like a home-cooked meal.Live Music and Cheap Drinks at a Brown CafeAfter dinner, I strolled to a nearby brown cafe (traditional Dutch pub) called Cafe Papeneiland, where I enjoyed live music and a few cheap drinks. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, and I even made some new friends at the bar.Free Canal CruiseTo cap off the night, I took a free canal cruise courtesy of the Amsterdam City Council. Yes, you read that right – free! The cruise offered stunning views of the city’s iconic canals and historic buildings, and I even learned some interesting facts about Amsterdam’s history and culture.Budget Breakdown:
  • Dinner at De Pijp: €8.50Drinks at Cafe Papeneiland: €5Free canal cruise: €0
Total: Just €13.50 for a fantastic night out in Amsterdam!Tips and Tricks:
  • Visit the flower market in the evening for a more relaxed atmosphereLook for local eetcafes or street food stalls for affordable and delicious mealsBrown cafes are a great place to meet locals and enjoy live music and cheap drinksTake advantage of free attractions like the canal cruise to save money

Budget Breakdown:

  • Accommodation: $10-15 per night
  • Food: $5-10 per meal
  • Transportation: $7.50 per day
  • Attractions: $10-20 per person

Total: Less than $15 per day!

Tips and Tricks:

  • Research and book your accommodation and transportation in advance to save money
  • Eat at local markets or street food stalls for affordable and delicious meals
  • Consider buying a Museumkaart (museum card) for $60, which gives you access to over 400 museums in the Netherlands
  • Take advantage of the Netherlands’ excellent public transportation system to get around easily and affordably

With these tips and tricks, you can explore the Netherlands for less than $15 a day. Happy backpacking!