subject: Save Money On Holiday With Affordable Activities And Cheap Flights To Amsterdam [print this page] A well-timed city break can offer a welcome distraction from the daily grind. The Dutch capital is a great choice for those seeking a mix of history, culture and excitement, but while the city offers plenty to keep visitors entertained, holiday budgets aren't always so accommodating. Happily, for those keen to enjoy this popular Dutch city without breaking the bank there are plenty of ways to save cash. From affordable attractions to cheap flights to Amsterdam, here are a few tips to help you on your way:
Dutch dishes for under 10 Euros
Diners at De Keuken van 1870 will find themselves tucking into wholesome home-cooked Dutch fare as they sit at the wooden tables of this cosy restaurant. Offering great value, 3 course meals are available for just 9.50 Euros. The seasonal nature of the dishes means that you can look forward to plenty of warming winter treats if you visit over the next few months, from the hearty Dutch stamppot, to smoked sausage or pork served with a vegetable and potato mash.
Be guided around the city's waterways
Fun and laughter are commonplace on a St. Nikolaas Boat Club cruise. Passengers on these compact, ten-seater vessels can sip alcoholic beverages, which they have brought aboard with them, as they enjoy the humorous anecdotes from their boat's captain. Tours are free, but the Boat Club does request a well-earned 10 Euro donation at the end.
Sip coffee at a Grand Cafe
The Dutch capital is well-known for its lively cafe culture. The cafes themselves can be works of art in their own right. Cafe Luxembourg is a prime example. For the price of a cup of coffee, you can take in the extravagant marble bar and the superb, art-deco stained-glass skylight. Sit back and enjoy the view!
Crunch your way through a cone of chips
Always a favourite, the low-priced cones of French fries that can be purchased from Amsterdam's street vendors are great for keeping hunger at bay while you explore the city. Vleminckx in the city centre is a hole-in-the-wall shop that is popular with locals. The choice available is overwhelming, with the shop's list of condiments ranging from ketchup to peanut sauce. Or why not follow the locals' example and top your cone of crispy goodness with a Dutch staple: homemade mayonnaise.
Take the diamond factory tour
The Dutch capital is renowned for its diamond-cutting expertise and never is this more evident than at the Gassan Diamonds factory in Nieuwmarkt. The factory offers free tours of its site, allowing visitors to learn all about the clarity and colour of the jewels. Watch craftspeople painstakingly cut and polish the diamonds with remarkable precision, turning them from rough stones into a sparkling, girl's best friend.
To complement the affordable activities and attractions you can enjoy while visiting the Dutch capital, there are plenty of cheap flights to Amsterdam available at the moment. Take a look online to bag yourself the best deals.
