Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Netherlands

Accommodation

$25-60 per night

Hostels with shared dorms, budget hotels, basic guesthouses, or shared rooms in residential areas

Food & Dining

$20-40 per day

Supermarket shopping with self-cooking, local cafeterias, street food vendors, and occasional budget restaurants

Transportation

$8-20 per day

Public buses, trains, trams, cycling with rental bikes, and extensive walking

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free walking tours, public parks, free museums on certain days, cycling tours, and budget cultural sites

Shop at local supermarkets and cook your own meals instead of eating out constantly - typically saves 60-70% on food costs

Use the extensive public transportation system rather than taxis - can reduce transport costs by 70-80%

Take advantage of free museum days and city-sponsored cultural events - saves $15-30 per attraction

Stay in neighborhoods outside the main tourist centers - accommodation typically 30-50% cheaper

Buy groceries and snacks at regular supermarkets instead of convenience stores in tourist areas - usually 40-60% less expensive

Use bike rentals for city exploration instead of guided tours - saves $30-80 per day while seeing more

Book accommodation well in advance or look for last-minute deals - can save 20-40% on lodging costs

Eating exclusively in tourist-heavy areas like city centers and major attractions - typically costs 100-150% more than local neighborhoods

Relying solely on taxis and ride-sharing instead of learning the public transport system - can triple your transportation costs

Booking accommodation only in the most famous districts without considering nearby areas with good transport links - often pays 50-80% premium for location alone