A trip to the Netherlands deserves a place on any adventurous traveler’s bucket list. But, it is not one of the cheaper destinations you’ll encounter.
A recent price survey found that Amsterdam, Netherlands is the most expensive city in Europe. However, no matter where you go, there are ways to save money, and attractions worth shelling out the cash.
Our researchers go over several different spending categories to help you figure out how much you have to save to get to a travel destination like the Netherlands.
Average Trip to the Netherlands Cost in 2024
A week in the Netherlands costs around $4,900 for two people:
- Average Accommodation Cost: $150 per night
- Average Flight Cost: $700 per person
- Food, Drink & Activities: $150 per person, per day
- Transportation: $25 per person, per day
- Total Cost: $4,900
Netherlands Trip Cost: Average by Item
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There are a lot of factors that can affect the cost of a trip to the Netherlands. By looking at all the expense categories, you can figure out how much you are likely to spend.
Many people report that costs have gone up quite a bit over the past couple of years. Double-check rates yourself before deciding how affordable any destination in the country is.
Good researchers can always find a few options that can cut their costs and make their travel dreams more attainable. Be flexible and wise to make a trip a possibility.
Accommodation Costs
Hotels in the Netherlands are typically not cheap. But, if you’re flexible, you can often find some good deals. The city of Utrecht is recommended by many past visitors.
It is centrally located, giving you easy access to other towns and cities throughout the country. It also has a number of affordable options for accommodations. The Bunk Hotel Ultrecht has rooms for a little under $100 per night.
It’s located near many bars and restaurants. However, the rooms are quite small. The Nox Hotel is praised for its excellent, central location.
There are bikes available for rent on-site. Rooms start at around $150 a night. The Volkshotel in Amsterdam has features that include artists in residence, a creative atmosphere, and a rooftop hot tub with a view.
Their XS rooms are small but can be boomed for under $200 a night. A number of Redditors recommend using hostels if you are traveling alone.
It’s a great way to meet other travelers and also saves you money. CityHub in Rotterdam costs around $50 a night and gives a bit more privacy than a standard hostel. Hostels in Amsterdam typically run from $75 to $125 a night.
One tip from savvy travelers: research your hostel before choosing one.
Some are geared toward families, which can be less fun for solo travelers or couples. Others tend to attract specific crowds, like backpackers or partiers. Choose the one that fits the vibe of your trip.
Flight Cost
Because the Netherlands are a popular tourist destination, you are often able to find good deals on airfare to the country. A flight from New York’s JFK International to Amsterdam (AMS) will cost anywhere from $500 to $800 round trip.
Check with different airlines to see which offers a flight schedule that works for you. Some offer overnight layovers; in some cases, these can be stretched to multiple days to give you a bonus destination during your trip.
If you decide to fly into Rotterdam instead of Amsterdam, you are likely to pay a bit more in airfare. At the time we did our research, tickets Fran from $800 to a little over $1,000 for a round trip ticket.
Read Next: How to Reach the Netherlands by Air, Sea, and Rail
Food, Drink & Activity Costs
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Many Dutch residents have complained online that food prices have at least doubled over the past couple of years.
There are a few budget options available here and there. The Couscous Club in De Pijp offers a couscous plate with vegetables and either sausage or lamb. The vegan version costs around $15, while lamb will run you $20 per person.
Elements, a restaurant staffed by graduating hotel school students, offers Dutch cuisine with a full silver service for around $30 per person.
One of the common fusion cuisines in the Netherlands is Dutch-Indonesian. A rijsttafels plate with small spicy dishes and rice will run around $40 per person at Tujuh Maret, one of the more popular options.
If you are out for an evening, expect to pay between $6 and $7 for a glass of house wine. Cocktails often cost as much as twice that.
If you are staying in a hostel, you will likely have access to the kitchen. Cooking a few meals there can greatly reduce your cost. See if other travelers want to go in on a meal or two.
You can save a lot by everyone kicking in a few bucks toward a big pot of soup over buying one or two portions. Dutch locals report paying anywhere from $60 to $150 a week per person for groceries.
A few people suggest heading to Turkish or Moroccan supermarkets to find the best deals on vegetables, meats, and sides. A couple of travelers have recommended downloading the TooGoodtoGo app.
This app connects individuals with restaurants who have food that needs to be sold quickly to keep it from going to waste. Many restaurants in the Netherlands participate.
One activity many people travel to Amsterdam to experience is the cannabis cafés. These are coffeeshops where you can purchase and consume pot legally on site. Prices tend to run from $10 to $15 a gram, with some specialized strains running as high as $50 a gram.
Repeat travelers say that the cafés in the city center tend to be more expensive than ones in other areas. When it comes to tourist activities, there are many choices in most cities.
Even the places that are not considered “touristy” often have scenic areas that are great for walking and socializing. One good way to see Amsterdam while enjoying food, drink, and history is to take a canal cruise.
A boat cruise on a classic wooden saloon boat with drinks and cheese costs about $35 per person and lasts around an hour. One of the most popular attractions is the Anne Frank House.
Competition for tickets is fierce; they go on sale every Tuesday, and often sell out weeks in advance. The cost is a little under $20 per person. You can pair this with a tour of the city’s Jewish Quarter.
Tours typically cost about $35 for two hours and take you by landmarks that include the Auschwitz Monument. Large, open, natural areas are rare in the Netherlands.
For this reason, many people recommend a visit to Hoge Veluwe National Park. Tickets cost about $15 per person. One of the things that immediately comes to most people’s minds when they think of Holland is windmills.
There are a number of day trips that bring you past some of the country’s most famous windmills. These range in price from $50 to $125, depending on the tour operator and the length of the tour.
Cycling is a popular way to get around in the country, with even professionals riding their bikes to work. A bike tour is a great way to get to know the country like a local and get access to some hidden gems. Bike tours start at around $50 per person.
Most of the major museums, including the Van Gogh Museum, cost around $25 per person. Going to hit more than one? To save on museum visits, consider buying a museum pass.
These typically cost about $80 up front, but give you free entry to museums all over the country for one year. If you plan on multiple visits or visiting four or more museums during a single trip, the pass can easily pay for itself.
Amsterdam, Rotterdam and other Netherlands destination all have this going for them: they are beautiful cities where just walking around is a worthy use of your time. Fill up your water bottle for free and spend some time wandering along the canals, enjoying historic gabled houses.
Transportation Costs
Public transportation is affordable and reliable in the Netherlands, to the point where even many well-to-do individuals do not bother owning a car. Most cities can be reached by rail within an hour or so.
Train tickets can be purchased by the week, month, or year. A weekend pass starts at around $25. You can purchase flexible monthlong tickets starting at $120 a month for second class and $160 for first class.
Many people get around both the cities and the countryside with bikes. You can rent a standard bike for around $15 a day or an e-bike for about $30. Check the map to see how far different cities you want to visit are from one another.
Many people bike from city to city. If you do decide to rent a car, you will pay around $200 a week for a small mini car, $350 for a sedan, and rates starting around $400 for a luxury vehicle.
One unusual way to see the cities is from the canals. A canal boat ride in Amsterdam starts around $15 for an hour-long ride.
Things to Consider
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A few things to consider when planning your Dutch vacation:
- Some popular attractions will require booking in advance. The Anne Frank House, for instance, only sells tickets every Tuesday and often has a six-week waiting list.
- The country has great public transportation. Consider taking the bus or a train when you are getting around.
- Shops are usually only open from 10 am to 6 pm or so. If you have shopping to do, you’ll need to get it done during those hours.
- Keep change on you for bathrooms. Public bathrooms often have a fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Have questions? These are some of the most common ones:
How much is a 7-day trip to Amsterdam?
It really depends on how many people are in your group and what sorts of accommodations, meals, and activities you seek out. Some of the top travel sites estimate you should plan on $2,100 for a solo traveler, $4,000 for a couple, and a little over $7,000 for a group of four.
Why is Amsterdam so expensive to visit?
Property prices in the city have skyrocketed, meaning that there are fewer cheap accommodation options. Food and transportation have also gotten more expensive in the wake of the pandemic and as a result of international issues like the war in Ukraine.
Is it safe to go to Amsterdam as a tourist?
You’re probably safer in Amsterdam than you are in your home city. This is considered one of the safest cities in Europe. Couples, families, and solo travelers all describe feeling very safe and welcome in this city.
Is it worth it to visit Amsterdam?
A number of travelers who have gone to Amsterdam say it is one of their favorite destinations they’ve visited. It has something for everyone: museums, a beautiful city center, live music, and more.
Over to You — Book Your Trip to the Netherlands Today!
| 🛎️ Average Accommodation Cost | $150 a night |
| ✈️ Average Flight Cost | $700 per person |
| 🍽️ Food, Drink & Activities | $150 per person, per day |
| 🚕 Transportation | $25 per person, per day |
| 💲 Total Cost | $4,900 |
Every trip is different. Factors outside your control can drive costs up or give you an unexpected break.
Different travel styles and levels of preparation can affect how much you spend. On average, a trip for two to the Netherlands will cost about $4,900.
If this is a trip you want to make, do your research to figure out how much you’ll need to get the trip you want. There are adventures and surprises all around and with the right attitude, you can make this a once in a lifetime trip. Happy travels!