Travel: History and Charm Combine in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a great city for budget travelers. Sites like Hipmunk will help you find the type of accommodation you need. It’s a charming city where you can walk to many attractions, browse open-air markets and just enjoy the hidden gardens and canals at your leisure for free. It has more canals than Venice, Italy, and they are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you get tired of walking, you can take the convenient public transport or ride a bike. No matter where you live, it only takes a half an hour to walk across the city center.

The Cheap Hotels

Dam Square, the historic heart of the city with the Royal Palace is the most popular area for visitors, but it is also the most expensive. You can find a cheap room in that area if you are willing to share a bathroom. You’ll get free Wi-Fi and great views of the city from all the rooms.

Other options that are just a few minutes from Dam Square are apartment rentals. They are in quaint town houses and have fully equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. One perk you get is a free breakfast brought to your room every morning. There are also cheap hotels near Central Station that have shared and private bathrooms with simple rooms.

Live with the Locals

You’ll find cheaper hotels outside the city and have the chance to meet the local residents. One area is Jordaan. This is where the artists like to congregate. The streets are a narrow maze full of trendy boutiques and restaurants. The Anne Frank house is there as is one of the best open-air markets in the city.

Another neighborhood the locals also love is De Pijp or the Latin Quarter. It has trendy restaurants, bars and cafes and a hotel that gives a free organic breakfast and rents bicycles to guests.

When to Get Reduced Rates?

Summer in Amsterdam, when it stays light long into the night, has many open-air concerts and festivals. From June through August the hotel prices are high, and the city is crowded with tourists. If you plan to visit during the high season, you need to book months in advance to get a reduced price.

Spring and fall are off-season and a good time to visit the city. The prices are lower and the tourists are fewer. In the spring, the tulips bloom, which a sight worth seeing. The weather can get chilly, so it is recommended to pack layers of clothing. Christmas is another time when the city becomes special. The decorations and lights, ice skating rinks and the largest Saint Nicholas parade in the world add up to a magical time.

Something Different

There aren’t many sophisticated cities where you can rent a houseboat, but Amsterdam is one of them. This is an affordable option and a lot of fun.

Amsterdam has its share of good hostels. They not only cater to young backpackers looking for a party, they also welcome couples and families. Some hostels are have stylishly designed bedrooms, kitchens and private gardens.

Amsterdam is a unique city in many ways and visitors find endless streets, gardens and canals to explore along with the famous museums. With a little research and planning, you can visit the city on a small vacation budget.

This article was contributed by Fiona Moriarty of Hipmunk, the most comprehensive travel search website allowing you to find the best deals on anything from flights and hotels to train rides and Homeaway rentals.

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