Posted on Wednesday, 24 February 2021

With its picturesque cobbled streets, tranquil canalways and myriad art galleries, Amsterdam has long been a major tourist destination for Britons. But as with many capital cities, Amsterdam presents a million ways to spend your hard-earned money, often draining holiday funds quicker than expected.

However, with a little planning, you can still bag a great deal for your Amsterdam getaway.

Amsterdam is changing

On the face of it, the odds of enjoying a cheap holiday in Amsterdam have reduced since Femke Halsema became the city's mayor. She wants to see a reduction in mass tourism, and an increase in the "big spender" visitors. To this end she wants to ban tourists from the city's cannabis coffee shops, thereby making the city less attractive to certain demographics and - the argument goes - reducing certain associated antisocial behaviors.

A 2019 visitor survey backs this idea up: a third of respondents said they would not return to Amsterdam if they could not visit the cannabis cafes.

The city council also wants to move the red light district out of the city centre.

Of course, for many of us, these measures could end up making Amsterdam a more pleasant place, particularly if it makes the city streets more tranquil.

Will it be possible to find cheap accommodation?

While Amsterdam's mayor wants fewer tourists who spend more money, there may still be room for budget holiday makers who want to explore attractions like the Van Gogh museum, the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House. After all, it's a fundamental economic fact that when demand for something falls, so too does the cost. Fewer tourists will mean hotels, guest houses and hostels have a lot of extra capacity - which could mean bargain accommodation for those on a budget.

The impact of Covid and Brexit

Like all European capitals, Amsterdam has seen visitor numbers plunge due to Covid-19 lockdowns. As such, Amsterdam may not need to worry about mass tourism anytime soon - because people will have less cash to spend (once the lockdown ends). And from a UK perspective, Brexit too may have an impact. For those that do visit Amsterdam in the coming months, it could mean experiencing a quieter, more relaxed city.

Cheapest ways to reach Amsterdam?

Before lockdown, the cheapest way to reach the Dutch capital was by coach. It takes about nine hours from London's Victoria coach station to Amsterdam's Sloterdijk bus station. Before lockdown prices were as low as £25 one way. However, it's not clear how much coach firms will charge once lockdown restrictions have ended. At time of writing it appears you cannot yet book a coach to Amsterdam for spring.

We looked at some of the other cheapest travel options to Amsterdam, departing Monday May 3, returning May 10, one person. Correct as of 19.02.21.

● DFDS Ferries (from Newcastle) (£206)● EuroStar (from London St Pancras) - 164 euros (£142)● EasyJet (from Luton) - (£107)

Cheapest ways to eat in Amsterdam

From Dutch pancakes to raw herring, Amsterdam has something for every taste - and every budget.

The Lebanese Sajeria

This eatery started out serving Middle-Eastern wraps, soups and desserts from a food truck, before expanding to two bricks-and-mortar outposts. You can fill up on a tasty wrap for less than 10 euro, with sides for under 5 euro.

Skek

Skek is run by students, and offers a 25% discount to fellow learners (although everyone is welcome). The mostly-organic delights include burgers, soups and salads, served in straightforward surroundings. In the evenings there are pub quizzes, live music and open mic events.

Vleminckx Sausmeesters

This enigmatic hole in the wall eatery has sold (arguably) the best Beglian fries in Amsterdam since 1957. It's the exquisite sauces that make the fries so tasty - don't miss the oorlog (war), a taste-bud tingling blend of mayo, saté sauce and onions.

Low-cost transport options

You can pick up a public transport chip card (OV-chipkaart) giving you access to buses, trams and metro (day and week passes are available). However, if the weather is good, you might simply wish to rent a bicycle (8-10 euros per day). That said, if you plan to cycle around for a week or more, it could be cheaper to buy a second hand bicycle, then sell it before you leave.

Conclusion

No one really knows how quickly Amsterdam tourism will rebound after lockdown ends, but chances are there will be deals and hacks to have a cheap but thoroughly enjoyable adventure in the Dutch capital.

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