Amsterdam on a Budget - 10 Things You Must See and Do

Winter is here and hiking may not be high on your to-do list. Why not travel to one of Europe's most incredible cities for a cultural experience instead? Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. It is known for its intriguing history, intricate canal system, progressive laws, and enthusiasm for two-wheeled modes of transport. This city really has something for everyone - here are my top 10 recommendations to make your trip as unforgettable (and cheap) as mine.

1. Rent one of Amsterdam's 881,000 bicycles

Cycling is one of the best ways to get around Amsterdam, and no visitor should leave without experiencing the city's world famous bike culture. In a city with four-times more bicycles than cars and over 400 kilometres of bicycle paths, it is a great way to explore Amsterdam, and blend in with locals at the same time.

There is no shortage of bicycle rental shops in Amsterdam. We rented from A-Bike in Dam Square, who offer rental bikes for €15 per day. You will be required to provide a deposit (around €20) and are given the option to purchase insurance, which is not a bad idea considering that 100,000 bikes are stolen, and between 12,000 and 15,000 bikes are pulled out of the canal each year!

Once you have your bike, save money by taking a self-guided tour to some of these interesting places:

Vondelpark - filled with bike parks and picturesque picnic spots located slightly south of the city centre
Rijksmuseum and Museumsplein - bike underneath the Rijksmuseum building!
Jordaan District - a picturesque district known as the "Venice of the west"
Canal Belt - explore the major canal system that Amsterdam is famous for!
Magere Brug - a.k.a Skinny Bridge
Nieumarkt - the old city centre known for coffee, restaurants and organic fare markets
Brouwerij 't IJ - stop for a beer and check out the windmill!

2. Walk, cruise or ride around Amsterdam's canals

Here are some fun facts about Amsterdam's canals:

Amsterdam has more than 160 canals, which divide the city into 90 islands, and cover a total length of more than 100 kilometres.
The intricate canal system was designed in the 17th century to provide aid for immigration, defense and trade.
The three main canals, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht, form a concentric belt around the city known as the "Grachtengordel", which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.
The canal system also comprises more than 1,500 bridges - that's 1,300 more than Venice!
There are more than 2,500 houseboats in Amsterdam, which primary house local residence, but can also be set up as hotels, b&b's or museums.

The narrow townhouses that line the canals are also an iconic feature of Amsterdam's inner urban centre. Their skinny profile and architectural quirkiness are the result of an economic boom of the 17th century, where the population increased drastically and houses were crammed along the canal banks. The resulting scenery is picturesque and incredibly photogenic.

There are many ways to explore the canals and townhouses of Amsterdam, whether by foot, bicycle or boat. A self-guided or free walking tour are your cheapest options, however, affordable bicycle rentals and boat cruises can also be found around the city.

3. Experience a sugar rush and sample some local snacks

Amsterdam is filled with delicious Dutch food and snacks. Here are some of my favourites:

Stoopwafle This sweet Dutch treat has become popular world-wide - you can even find them at your local Starbucks! But nothing beats the home-made variety found in Amsterdam. Look out for these waffles in street markets or bakeries.

Poffertjes Difficult to pronounce, but not difficult to eat! Poffertjes are tiny Dutch pancakes served with syrup and icing sugar. They are for those of us with a sweet tooth and are light, fluffy and addictive! You can find them at most local cafes and restaurants, or from the famous Pancake Bakery.

Dutch fries While in Amsterdam you must visit Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx for Dutch fries. This savory snack includes home-made fries served in a cardboard cone, covered with your choice from over 25 sauces and toppings. The most popular combination, known as "patatje oorlog", includes mayonnaise, satay sauce and raw onion.

Bitterballen Bitterballen are one of the most popular savory snacks in Amsterdam. They are small meat or vegetable-filled croquettes, often served with mustard, and are paired well with a cold Dutch beer. It is not hard to find them in bars and restaurants around the city.

Drop Drop is the Dutch word for licorice - and boy do the Dutch love this sweet treat. With the highest per capita consumption of licorice in the world, each person in the Netherlands eats more than two kilograms per year! You can find it in nearly every shape, size, flavor and consistency, and it can be purchased at many candy stores around the city.

4. Visit one of Amsterdam's prominent museums

Amsterdam has around seventy five museums - that's more museums than any other city in Europe! Alongside the majestic golden age paintings, you'll find exciting modern art, film, theatre, science and photography museums, as well as a few interesting topics such as houseboats, erotica, cannabis and Heineken! Some popular museums include:

Rijksmuseum - contains Amsterdam's most impressive art collection as well as the largest art history library in the Netherlands
Van Gough Museum - the world's largest collection of works by Van Gough
Anne Frank House - the 17th century canal house where the Frank family hid from the Nazis and where Anne wrote her famous diary
Allard Pierson Museum - home to artifacts from ancient Egypt, the Greek World and the Roman Empire
Museum Van Loon - peek inside a 17th century, canal-side mansion
Sex Museum - something a little different! This museum includes art, photography and documents from the 1960/1970 sexual revolution

There is a museum for every interest and budget. Ticket prices can range from €5 to €50, depending on the museum and exhibition. Due to their popularity, some exhibitions require that you book tickets in advance. More information about all the museums in Amsterdam can be found on this website.

Note: Since visiting Amsterdam in November 2017, the famous "IAmsterdam" sign in front of the Rijksmuseum has been removed in an attempt to reduce tourism in the city.

5. Get more than just a caffeine high at a famous Coffeeshop

Amsterdam's"coffeeshops" attract thousands of tourists every year because they provide an experience hard to come by anywhere else in the world. Coffeeshops, not to be confused with cafes or bakeries in Amsterdam, are alcohol-free establishments where cannabis is sold and consumed. A place where tourists can enjoy cannabis in a comfortable and safe environment.

According to Dutch Drug and Coffee Shop Law, the Amsterdam coffeeshops are licensed to sell small quantities of cannabis to adults over 18. The reason for it: coffee shops in Amsterdam pay taxes so authorities have a clear view on the market. It is, therefore, easier to influence and control the sale of cannabis. This also guarantees the quality of cannabis and minimizes health risks.

There are over 250 coffeeshops in Amsterdam, each with its own atmosphere and menu. Worth a visit is the original and most popular coffeeshop in Amsterdam - The Bulldog , located in the Canal Belt Area. Other popular shops include Grey Area and Barney's Coffeeshop. For more information about Amsterdam coffeeshops checkout this website.

6. Stop to smell the flowers at a local market

The Amsterdam Flower Market, or Bloemenmarkt, is the only floating flower market in the world, and one of the most colourful places in Amsterdam - even in the winter! It was established in 1862 and includes many stalls set up on houseboats. You will find a large variety of flowers, seeds and bulbs, including the most famous Dutch tulips in every colour imaginable. There are also small souvenirs for sale including clogs, windmills and Dutch cheeses. The Amsterdam Flower Market is located on the Singel canal between the Koningsplein and the Muntplein and is open to the public daily.

7. Meet the ladies of the night in the Red Light District

Amsterdam is the only city in the world where the old town centre is not a museum, but a "Red Light District". Also known as "De Wallen", this district is a major tourist attraction.

Although prostitution has been legal in the Netherlands since 1830, a new law was introduced in October 2000 that subjects prostitution to municipal regulations ; any sex business must obtain a license from a municipality certifying that it has fulfilled the legal requirements to operate. By this law the authorities try to regulate prostitution, in hope to protect minors, eliminate forced prostitution and combat human trafficking.

The Red Light District consists of 300 one-room cabins with large street-facing windows. It is in these windows, illuminated by red neon lights, that prostitutes advertise their services (not on the streets!). Among the red lights and window displays, you will also find peep shows, sex stores, a condom emporium and museums, making this district fascinating and unique during the day or night.

8. Enjoy a beverage below the De Gooyer Windmill

The IJ Brewery (Brouwerij ‘t IJ) is a small organic brewery located on the banks of Lozingskanaal canal, in the Eastern Docklands. What makes it so popular is not only its tasty beer selection, but its picturesque setting beneath the De Gooyer Windmill. The brewery has a large pub and outdoor terrace, and offers guided tours and tastings between 3:00pm to 8:00pm daily.

If it is a little early for a beer, or if you are after something a little warmer, I recommend heading next door to Langendijk Cafe for a hot drink and apple pie instead.

9. Give a damn about Dam Square

Dam Square was created in the 13th century when a dam was built around the river to prevent flooding the city. It is now the location of numerous historical sites, as well as excellent shopping and entertainment. The main features include the Royal Palace, National Monument, The New Church (Nieuwe Kerk), and, of course, a giant wooden clog. Dam Square is located in the city centre, only a 10 minutes walk from Amsterdam Central Station.

10. Have the ultimate Heineken Experience

Originating in Amsterdam, Heineken is now one of the three largest beer producers in the world. In 1991, after Heineken constructed a larger and more modern brewery on the outskirts of Amsterdam, the former brewery was converted into a museum. Now dubbed The Heineken Experience, it offers four floors of multimedia exhibits, historical brewing artifacts and interactive attractions, as well as tasting bar where you can enjoy a complimentary Heineken or two.

The Heineken Experience is located along Stadhouderskade, about 500 metres from Rijksmuseum. The attraction is open seven days a week and costs €18 per person. It is recommended that you book your tickets in advance.

Thanks for reading my quick guide to visiting Amsterdam! Check out more of my European city guides here.