The Final Stop of Our 12-Day Europe Trip
Our last stop before heading home to Prague: Amsterdam! Known for its canals, bikes, and dreamy townhouses, Amsterdam had always been on our travel bucket list and we were excited to explore it without draining our wallets.
After spending 4 nights in Brussels, we took a bus to Amsterdam and checked into a cozy, budget-friendly stay. Despite Amsterdam’s reputation as a pricey city, we managed to enjoy it all such as the canals, cheese, windmills, and waffles while keeping costs under control.
π¨ Where We Stayed
We booked 4 nights at a budget-friendly accommodation near a metro station for easy access to the city center and we specifically stayed at Hotel New Kit.
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Cost: ~€80–100 per night for two people
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Facilities: Clean room, shared kitchen, quiet area
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Pro tip: Stay slightly outside the city center to save money, public transport makes it easy to get around.
π 4-Night Amsterdam Itinerary (Budget-Friendly & Fun)
Day 1: Arrival + Canal City Feels
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Arrived from Brussels and checked in to our accommodation.
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Took a chill evening walk around De Pijp and the nearby canals.
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Stopped by a local snack bar for fries with mayo (classic Dutch treat π).
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Grocery run to stock up on water, snacks, and breakfast items.
Here’s a photo of my best friend, fully embracing the meaning of “mahal” (means expensive in our language), just emotionally prepared… and still shocked by Amsterdam prices. His face says it all!ππΆπΈπ
Day 2: Old Town Wanders + Budget Bites
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Hopped on a tram using a 1-day public transport pass (€9 per person).
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Walked around Dam Square, saw the Royal Palace (outside), and explored the Red Light District in daylight (yes, it's a thing).
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Visited Begijnhof – a peaceful hidden courtyard that’s totally free.
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Grabbed cheap and delicious stroopwafels and tried a herring sandwich (surprisingly good!).
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Dinner: Budget-friendly Indonesian food near the Jordaan district (~€10–12).
Day 3: Cheese & Windmills Tour π§π¬️
This was the highlight of the trip! We joined a guided day tour booked online in advance.
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Cost: ~€45 per person
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Duration: Half-day (5–6 hours)
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What we saw:
✅ Traditional Dutch windmills
✅ A working cheese factory (yes, we tasted everything)
✅ Wooden clog-making demo -
The bus took care of transport, and we got to enjoy the countryside without planning a thing!
Day 4: Canal Cruise & Souvenir Strolls π€
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Booked a budget canal boat tour online (€12–15 per person) and enjoyed a relaxing hour cruising past iconic houses and bridges.
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Grabbed a quick lunch from a local bakery and wandered through Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes) which is great for people-watching and window shopping.
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Bought last-minute souvenirs: magnets, stroopwafels, and a tiny wooden clog keychain. π
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Final dinner at a casual Dutch pancake place, it was totally worth it!
Day 5: Back to Prague π¨πΏ
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Checked out and hopped on our bus back to Prague, ending our 12-day Europe adventure with tired feet and full hearts.
π° Budget Breakdown for 2 People (4 Nights)
| Category | Estimated Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (4 nights) | 320–400 |
| Public Transport | 40–50 |
| Food & Snacks | 80–100 |
| Day Tour (Cheese + Windmills) | 90 (2 people) |
| Canal Boat Tour | 25–30 |
| Souvenirs & Extras | 20–30 |
| Total | ~€575–700 |
π‘ Budget Tips for Amsterdam:
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π³ Cook breakfast at your accommodation — saves tons!
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π Get a 24 or 48-hour GVB pass if you plan to use trams/buses often.
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π§ Avoid touristy food stands — walk a few blocks for local prices.
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πΆ♀️ Wear a comfortable shoes and walk as much as you can — Amsterdam is made for it.
Amsterdam was the perfect way to end our Europe trip — scenic, laid-back, and full of character. From cheesy smiles (literally) to peaceful boat rides, we managed to fit it all in while staying on budget.
Next stop: home sweet home in Prague. Until the next adventure! ✈️π